Why you need to check coil springs more often than most think

GKN highlights the causes and symptoms of damaged springs and dangers of low quality replacements

Why you need to check coil springs more often than most think
GKN explain why spring maintenance checks should be made on all cars.

The causes and symptoms of damaged springs range from surface damage brought about by rust and the use of weight-reduced springs made of high-strength steels, which impair toughness over time, to the ever-worsening road conditions, according to GKN.

The first warning signal is rust; this usually occurs at the lower end of the spring, where road dirt, stones and spray water have the most affect.

Constantly in motion, this accumulation of grime and moisture on the spring plate acts like sandpaper against the spring’s protective coating.

Strange noises may also be an indication that a break is about to happen; in a suspension strut assembly, the spring often no longer sits correctly on the shock absorber and can cause squeaking and creaking noises.

“Dangerous constructions”

Spidan suspension coil springs are made of heavily-loaded steels, additionally coated with rust protection that can withstand even the toughest environmental influences.

Where necessary, plastic sleeves are pulled onto the spring ends that rest on the spring plates.

Miniblock springs with a typical barrel shape (sometimes called barrel springs) have quality criteria that is immediately visible to experts – spring wires that taper in the direction of the spring ends.

Without this inconstant wire, the desired progression is not possible and vehicles buckle outright when loaded.

“Unfortunately, dangerous constructions such as these are constantly found on the market”, says Steffen Junge, team leader product management at GKN Driveline for the automotive aftermarket.

Safer spring development

“Dramatic deterioration in driving behaviour is not the only consequence, the coils can even touch during deflection and be damaged.

“Vehicles with such springs potentially pose a safety risk; spidan springs therefore always meet the requirements of the OE design.”

For further information about GKN Driveline, click ‘more details’ below.

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