Must you replace in pairs

[dieseluser07]

Snapped coil spring, partners car she isent that bothered its just a run about.

Does it have to be replaced in pairs? In the past garages have never told me it should have both done but ive read on the web its reccomended.

Im more concerned about safety, will it be safe to drive with just the broken coil spring replaced?

[dieseluser07]

parabolica said:

Changing in pairs is best practice but not necessary. Why did it snap? If it was fatigue then the other spring probably isn't far off so it would be ideal to replace both at once. If she whacked kerb or something and that was the cause, then depending on how old the springs are you can probably change just one.

Not sure how old springs are but car is 8 years old, she goes over bumps quick so potentially caused by that i dont know, its snapped at the top of the spring if that makes any difference.

She drives on the motorway most of the time or round town.

[dieseluser07]

thebigmacmoomin said:

Why would you want a brand new spring on one side & a potentially old and knackered old one on the other side. As one would be old & worn, it would not feel the same nor would it react the same when needed over bumps etc.

Because unlike me my partner doesent really test the HANDLING of the car all that much. She just wants to spend the least on the car possible.

I was mainly concerned from a safety point of view and 3 garages ive asked say its fine to do one side and i imagine there are thousands of non pistonheaders who have only replaced one and suffered no ill effects.