Suspension coil spring replacement

ImranQ

Hi All,
The passenger side spring in my wife's Micra 3 (54 model) broker the other day. She seems to charge over speed bumps so I suspect that was one factor that contributed! She got a quote for £135 from a local mechanic who is usually quite reasonable and from looking around it seems to be the going rate. So I decided that maybe I would change both sides myself - Looking at youtube, it seems quite easy - yeah I know you need compression clamps.

So my questions:
Does a coil spring manufacturer make a difference? I've seen prices of pairs from £16 to £100+.

Secondly, If I enter my details into both Ebay and other car specialist sites, I've seen springs come up which are straight or rugby ball shaped. Does it matter which type? I believe the current ones are the latter.

Thanks,
Imran

couriervanman

Just pay the £135 it'll be a git of a job for you

castle96

used to do/change the (coil)springs on Landrovers/R Rovers. Arduous/dangerous. Pay the money. Landrover springs never seemed to break, but those on my Vaux Vectra did every year/MOT. "They don't make steel like they used to sir" !)

ImranQ

Why? I can do most car jobs, service, change brakes etc myself. Why not springs? Are you speaking from experience from changing them yourself?

ImranQ

Also £135+VAT is just for one side.

castle96

Me ? yes from experience. If you can do it - do it . 2 hrs, save £135. I am 67 now so what I did when I was 30/40 with a spade and a spring compressor in the road is no longer viable

ImranQ

castle96 wrote: »

Me ? yes from experience. If you can do it - do it . 2 hrs, save £135. I am 67 now so what I did when I was 30/40 with a spade and a spring compressor in the road is no longer viable

Sorry I was replying to couriervanman

couriervanman

But it won't be £270 for both sides

Nobbie1967

If the manufacturer fitted the rugby ball type, I'd be inclined to stick with that type and maybe go with OEM parts depending on price. You're saving money on labour, so can afford to buy decent springs and save potentially having to replace a cheap set of springs if they break.

ImranQ

couriervanman wrote: »

But it won't be £270 for both sides

It is literally around double the price for one side!

twhitehousescat

castle96 wrote: »

Me ? yes from experience. If you can do it - do it . 2 hrs, save £135. I am 67 now so what I did when I was 30/40 with a spade and a spring compressor in the road is no longer viable

dont make spades like they used to :rotfl: