Corroded Coil Springs

[MakaveliX]

Passed the last MOT a couple of months back after the horn was fixed. It did have two advisories

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))
Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Is this anything that needs fixing soon ? Looking at the MOT history this is the first time it's popped up, so I'd assume it hasn't been corroded very long

Car has done about 67,000 miles and is from '08

Upon inspection it looks like it's fairly rusty and has some flaking coming off it

Is this anything that needs to be replaced ?

[stevieturbo]

Depends how corroded they are, can't see them.

[MakaveliX]

stevieturbo said:

Depends how corroded they are, can't see them.

OK I will get some pics tomorrow, thanks

[paintman]

Depends how bad you consider the rust to be and/or what the tester might have told you.

That said, if these are the original springs then it's possible they are worn & replacing wouldn't be a bad idea.
Usually best to remove & either compare side-by-side with a brand new spring or measure & compare with the measurement of a new spring.

Edited by paintman on Tuesday 30th November 18:44

[GreenV8S]

Road springs can and do fail from cracking which tends to be aggravated by corrosion, so it really comes down to how severe the corrosion is and how happy you are with the risk of a spring failing. Springs are not usually expensive but the labour charges to replace them might be significant.

[The Road Crew]

Personally, I'd replace them now.

They might be fine for ages, but you might get unlucky and one breaks and damages a tyre, and leaves you stuck in winter.
I'm a fan of preventative maintenance.

[ARHarh]

I would replace them. I noticed my springs were looking a bit corroded during the summer when I was changing the brake pads, I thought they will be OK for a year or so yet. 2 have broken since within about 2000 miles. All now replaced.

[steveo3002]

every used car ive owned had rust on the springs , hardly a surprise with all the stones and non stop mud /salt under the car

[anonymous-user]

paintman said:

Depends how bad you consider the rust to be and/or what the tester might have told you.

That said, if these are the original springs then it's possible they are worn & replacing wouldn't be a bad idea.
Usually best to remove & either compare side-by-side with a brand new spring or measure & compare with the measurement of a new spring.

Edited by paintman on Tuesday 30th November 18:44

Depending on the car (some axle designs allow the springs to be removed in minutes) you may as well change them anyway if they're off the car. Once the plastic coating flakes off they're usually living on borrowed time given the preponderance of potholes and speed cushions everywhere.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

My Suzuki SX4 busted two springs. It cost me a tyre both times as the sheared off spring stabbed the tyre!

On that car the replacement of the springs was very cheap repair. As already said, always best to do in pairs.

[MakaveliX]

Booked in for next week to replace

Edited by MakaveliX on Wednesday 1st December 15:53