Noticeable Differences When a Coil Spring Breaks: How It Affects Your Car’s Performance

Have you ever driven a car with a broken or damaged coil spring, especially on a lowered suspension? If so, you may have noticed a significant difference in how the car behaves. In this article, we will explore the various ways a broken coil spring affects car performance and what you should do if you suspect this issue. We will also discuss the reasons behind the failure of coil springs and the best practices for lowering a suspension to avoid such problems.

The Impact on Handling and Stability

One of the primary concerns when a coil spring breaks is its impact on the car's handling and stability. The coil spring plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper ride height, which affects weight distribution and, consequently, the car's handling characteristics. When a coil spring breaks, the vehicle may experience uneven weight distribution, leading to increased body roll, especially during turns. This can make the car feel less stable and more prone to sway.

The Deterioration of Ride Quality

The ride quality is another significant factor that is likely to deteriorate when a coil spring breaks. As the suspension system is no longer able to absorb shocks effectively, you may feel more bumps and vibrations from the road. This can make the ride bumpy and uncomfortable, significantly affecting your driving experience.

Alignment and Tire Wear Issues

A broken coil spring can also cause misalignment of the wheels, leading to uneven tire wear and potential steering issues. You might notice that the car pulls to one side or that it has difficulty maintaining a straight line. This misalignment can also be visually noticeable when you jacked up the car and observed that one side is sitting lower than the other.

Unusual Noises and Health Hints

In addition to the physical changes, you may also hear unusual noises coming from the suspension area, such as clunking or rattling. These sounds are often the first indication that a coil spring may be broken. Ignoring these signs could lead to further damage to the suspension system and other components.

Professional Inspection and Maintenance

If you suspect that one of your coil springs has broken, it is crucial to have it inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible. An experienced mechanic can check the suspension system and ensure that the car is safe to drive. Fixing a broken coil spring can restore proper handling characteristics and prevent further issues from arising.

Causes and Prevention of Coil Spring Failure

Coil springs can break due to various reasons, but one of the most common is improper lowering of the suspension. This often occurs when the car is improperly lowered and the springs are not heat-treated afterward. Improper lowering can cause the steel to relax, leading to the suspension dropping. Over time, this can cause the coils to fatigue and break. Additionally, cutting coils shorter or using improper heat treatment can also cause the same issue.

To prevent such problems, it is recommended to use new coils or drop spindles when lowering a suspension. This ensures that the springs retain their strength and resilience, reducing the risk of failure. Furthermore, it is important to purchase coil springs from reputable manufacturers and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.

A True Story

For example, a 2000 Ford Focus that was getting on in years passed a state safety inspection. However, when the car was driven a few feet and then turned a little bit, a bump-bump sound was heard in the front suspension. Upon jacking up the car, it was found that a front coil had rusted in two. After researching Ford repair recalls, it was discovered that a warranty extension was available for coil springs made in a certain plant. The customer got two new front coils for free.

Conclusion

When a coil spring breaks, particularly on a lowered suspension, significant changes in car performance can occur. Handling and stability, ride quality, alignment, and overall safety can all be impacted. It is essential to address this issue promptly by having a professional inspection and by taking preventive measures such as using new springs and proper installation techniques.