Fiat Stilo spring replacement ?

Dick_here

Recently I've had a bit of a clang when going over speed humps, yesterday there was a loud bang when going over a pothole. Today, the sound of metal hitting road as something fell off. It looks like a bit of a front spring has sheared off, judging by the shape of what I picked up off the road - a semi-circular type lump. I'm no car expert, so :

1) Is that what it is, if not what else could it be ?

2) Is it still safe to drive or not ?

3) Any idea of replacement costs, is it a simple job for any garage ?

Thanks guys !

edde

It will be the spring they do fail

I'd personaly try not drive if so drive carefully but loads of people drive round with broken ones unknowwing,

Easy enough to change though. A copy cat part is only cheap though and fitment is quick enough say 1 hour labour max for one side,

Dick_here

Thanks, fingers crossed you're right ! I won't bother going to the Fiat main dealer then, that's a relief

Keith

I wouldn't drive it, have it recovered to a local garage.

Dick_here

Keith wrote: »

I wouldn't drive it, have it recovered to a local garage.

Care to explain why, is it actually dangerous ?

Keith

My unproffessional opinion the damaged spring could cause damage to the tyre by fouling the wheel, the spring is also compressed into the gap between the top mount and bottom bit of the strut so you'll be driving around with 2 different size springs one compressed the other uncompressed in the gap.

For safety get it collected and repaired, a spring should be quite cheap, and the labour won't amount to much. I'm not qualified as a mechanic but I can swap a spring on my car in 2 hours without air tools

michaels

There was a recall for these springs on the Stilo (and several other Fiats) - they were not replaced but a plate was fitted so that they don't puncture the tyre when they go. Check yours has been modified when you have the spring replaced. Odds are you will need both done as otherwise the second one will go when paired with a new one.

Dick_here

michaels wrote: »

There was a recall for these springs on the Stilo (and several other Fiats) - they were not replaced but a plate was fitted so that they don't puncture the tyre when they go. Check yours has been modified when you have the spring replaced. Odds are you will need both done as otherwise the second one will go when paired with a new one.

Yes, I read about that. I rang the main dealer, mine had been recalled and modified (allegedly). It's the road spring, as the bloke at Kwik Fit called it, not the 'normal' one. I'm booked in there tomorrow anyway - getting both done for £155.

Keith

Oh, you've chosen one of the better garages...

Place your bets,

4/1 the worn spring has caused damage to the shocks
2/1 your brake discs need replacing
Evens your pads need changing

goldspanners

Keith wrote: »

Oh, you've chosen one of the better garages...

Place your bets,

4/1 the worn spring has caused damage to the shocks
2/1 your brake discs need replacing
Evens your pads need changing

count me in for a tenner on the leaking shockers.

Inactive

!!!!!! here / Kwik Fit, should we draw our own conclusions?;)