The spring repair in your vehicle are meant to support its weight and let the shocks and struts deal with the bouncing, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to check them from time to time. Coil springs may clunk or make other unpleasant sounds if they are weakening and need to be repaired. You can check a spring’s strength by running your hand along the coils, feeling for stress cracks or questionable areas between coils. You can also test for proper coil alignment.
How do garage springs work?
Technical springs that operate under conditions with high-cycle fatigue or extreme environmental conditions will require more frequent inspections than those in normal conditions. Regular inspections and measurements with the correct tools can ensure optimal spring performance over a long period of time, says Hendrickson. Inspecting and measuring springs helps technicians identify potential problems before they cause a failure during operation. These checks should include visual inspections, lubrication according to manufacturer recommendations and cleaning.
If your springs are showing signs of deterioration, replacing them as a preventative measure can save downtime, money and headaches. Replacing springs is not difficult, but it does take time to find the correct springs and tools, learn how to replace them, and do a thorough job. This task can be done as an afterhours or weekend project if it is scheduled appropriately.
It’s also important to note that working on coil springs can be dangerous and should only be done by highly capable techs. They store a lot of energy and can lash out with a great deal of force, which could cause serious bodily injury.
