How do I know when to replace my springs?

Author: Werner Powlowski  |  Last update: Monday, April 7, 2025

How do I know if my springs need replacing?

What is a symptom of worn springs?

Sagging or Uneven Ride Height

If your car appears to be riding lower than normal or the ride height is uneven, it is a key indicator that one or more coil springs are worn out or broken.

When should springs be replaced?

Sometimes springs break, and sometimes they're damaged in accidents, and sometimes they need replacing because of rust problems. But they don't generally need replacing due to wearing out.

Is replacing a coil spring a big job?

Front coil spring replacements can take between one to three hours. Rear coil spring replacements are shorter and usually take between one to two hours.

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Is it OK to change just one coil spring?

When replacing coil springs is it advisable, for safety and comfort, to always replace in axle pairs.

What does a bad coil spring sound like?

Uneven ride height: The car will be higher on one side or lower in one of the four corners. Loud suspension: This is usually a clunking, squeaking or creaking sound after the car travels over a bump or imperfection on the road.

How to tell if shocks or springs are bad?

Excessive bouncing when you hit a bump can be a signal that your shocks and struts aren't working effectively. Your vehicle should settle after hitting a bump and not continue to bounce. Worn shocks and struts aren't able to effectively absorb road impacts and soften the bump.

Can you drive with a bad spring?

Can I drive with damaged springs? No. It is not recommended. A damaged or collapsed spring can cause sagging and noise and affect alignment angles.

What are the symptoms of a broken coil spring?

What are the three common suspension noises?

Common suspension-related noises include clunking, squeaking, rattling, or knocking sounds. Try to identify when the noise occurs, such as during acceleration, braking, or when going over bumps.

Do springs wear out under compression?

When a spring is compressed, it experiences stress and strain due to the force being applied to it. Over time, this can cause fatigue and eventually lead to failure. However, the rate at which a spring wears out from compression depends on several factors. The quality of the spring itself plays a significant role.

How to tell when your suspension is bad?

How do I tell if I need a new suspension?

Which is not a symptom of worn springs?

Worn springs in a vehicle's suspension system can lead to various issues, impacting both performance and safety. Among the options provided, the symptom that is NOT typically associated with worn springs is: Shiny areas on the frame.

Can you drive with a bad suspension?

However, regardless of what is broken with the car's suspension, you should not drive the vehicle. This is because, if your vehicle is experiencing a damaged or collapsed spring, this can cause sagging - which could cause more damage to your vehicle over time.

Can I replace just one coil spring?

Can I replace just one coil spring? Coil springs should be replaced as a pair to ensure safe driving and prevent accidents caused by damaged or broken springs.

How many years do car springs last?

There really is no set timeframe at which coil springs expire. A lot of coils last for the life of a vehicle, while others break down sooner.

Can worn springs affect ride height?

Worn strut springs can have a significant impact on the ride height of a vehicle. The strut springs, also known as coil springs, provide support and suspension to the vehicle's weight. They help maintain the proper ride height, which is the distance between the ground and the chassis of the vehicle.

How do I tell if I need new springs?

What do bad springs feel like?

If we are driving and feel every bump on the road more than usual, that is our springs crying out for attention. Another sign is if the car leans or sags towards one side. This unevenness indicates that one or more springs are not performing adequately.

What is the symptoms of a bad coil?

How to tell if your front shocks are bad?

How much for a new suspension?

How much does it cost to repair a car's suspension? The average cost to repair a car's suspension system can range between $1,000 and $5,000. But if only certain components need replacing, you might spend less than that.