Safe to drive on this?

[Parrot of Doom]

I've been unknowingly driving on it for the last week or two, it'll be a few days until I can get a replacement. Is it ok to do another 30-40 miles before then? It's the front nearside, and I found it when trying to locate the source of a click/clunk sound at low speeds (presumably this is the source of that noise).

Another question, my tax is due this week, and the VAT, so I'm keen to keep costs down right now. Is it ok to replace only this side's spring?

[Baffled Spoon]

I had a similar problem on my car, and the garage said it was safe to drive on until the replacement arrived in my case. As long as it doesn't look like it could pop out and damage the tyre, you should be fine.

On a non-performance car, replacing only one side is again fine.

[Defcon5]

It would be best to replace both springs, as then both sides will be equal.

It will still work of you only do the one obviously, not sure how it will affect handling though

[Kays vRS]

The same thing happened to my last car, I drove it for a couple of days and then just got the one side replaced. It was absolutely fine.

[mrtwisty]

Difficult to say really. Looks from the photo that there is still quite a bit of contact patch between the bottom of the spring and 'cup', which is good. The sides of the 'cup' seem quite low compared with others I've seen though, which isn't so good in this situation.

Is that the LS?

[B'stard Child]

Parrot of Doom said:

I've been unknowingly driving on it for the last week or two, it'll be a few days until I can get a replacement. Is it ok to do another 30-40 miles before then? It's the front nearside, and I found it when trying to locate the source of a click/clunk sound at low speeds (presumably this is the source of that noise).

Another question, my tax is due this week, and the VAT, so I'm keen to keep costs down right now. Is it ok to replace only this side's spring?

I'd say that's likely to pop off the spring mount if you hit a bump

Doesn't look very substantial for a Lexus.....

More KA or other hatchback/shopping car

[Parrot of Doom]

Yeah its the LS. There's a bit around the back that would also hit the cup if it broke off.

I'll take the smooth trunk roads I think, and avoid the bumpy local roads. I should be able to replace it early this week.

[Parrot of Doom]

I'm beginning to wonder (given the age and mileage and weight of the car) if I shouldn't just replace the entire strut. I have a feeling it'll offer as much resistance as a torn accordion.

Anyone know a good source of japanese car parts? Someone reliable?

[snotrag]

http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/

Awful website but great prices and been ok for me i'n the past. Covers Japanese stuff well I think.

Maybe best to ring if you can't see what your after.

[edo]

I personally wouldn't be driving that anywhere other than very slowly to a garage.

[poing]

Looking at the rust where it's broken I'd say it's been like that for a while and you haven't died yet so I think you'll be fine for a few more days.

[kambites]

I'd be quite happy driving on that, although I'd probably avoid pushing the car anywhere near its limits. A huge number of cars run around like that for months before anyone spots it.

[mrdelmonti]

You should be fine to drive on that until it's sorted, but I'd replace springs in pairs.

[davidjpowell]

In my experience, a garage will tell you that springs should be replaced in pairs, until it's a warranty job when apparently singles will do...

[Parrot of Doom]

It's a big comfy barge, it doesn't do handling If the shocks have had it of course I'll do those in pairs, but I'm not fussed about springs.

[Parrot of Doom]

snotrag said:

http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/

Awful website but great prices and been ok for me i'n the past. Covers Japanese stuff well I think.

Maybe best to ring if you can't see what your after.

Thanks, £40 ish according to them. Probably about a tenth what the dealer charges! I will call them tomorrow.