Broken road spring

[BigAde]

Went out to drive the car this morning to go to the shops. Fortunately checked over a few things on the car as it hadn't been driven for a while. Noticed a snapped road spring on the offside front which is now resting on the tyre. Obviously it's not driveable as it is and unfortunately it's on a bit of a slope which makes jacking it up more difficult.

What's the usual way of doing these things is it change both front springs at once, or should I be doing the rears at the same time? And is there a make/model of spring I should buy?

Don't own any spring compressors, so suspect it's a job for a mobile mechanic. If anyone knows someone who services East Sussex/West Kent area then that would be great.

[macafee2]

spring compressors will be cheaper then a mechaninc . Abserlotly change both springs at the same time and if you don't have tyre protectors fit them too.
You may also if you are doing it yourself need a clamp to stop the rod going down.
Perhaps not this exact one (may be wrong size) but one like it https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Laser-Tools-6270-Clamp-For-Strut-Locks-The-Mcpherson-Strut-Fully-Extended/361349934932?epid=1548399828&hash=item5422226f54:g :PCoAAOSwLVZVpn2e

macafee2

[BigAde]

Thanks macafee2 - never used spring compressors before and honestly have no experience on working on anything like this. Really don't have a lot of confidence.
I'm sourcing replacement parts...
EuroCarParts want £155 for a pair of Sachs springs

Using this useful chart, it looks like my ZT-T CDTi would need REB000890 springs.
https://rimmerbros.com/content--name...le-Information
Rimmers do a pair of those for £116.

Looking on Ebay there's a load from £40/pair upwards.
Don't want something that will break after 12 months - especially with all the potholes on Sussex roads. It's a miracle the original springs lasted 170k miles. Will will look for tyre protectors if I can find some.

[stocktake]

Spring protectors

Try DMGRS for springs

[BigAde]

Thanks. Didn't see any on DMGRS site at first, but can see them now.

The DMGRS springs are slightly cheaper than Rimmers at £100/pair.
But then the Rimmers ones are marked as genuine MG Rover and if I'm ordering tyre protectors from Rimmers anyway then maybe worth going for those?

[macafee2]

Originally Posted by BigAde

Thanks. Didn't see any on DMGRS site at first, but can see them now.

The DMGRS springs are slightly cheaper than Rimmers at £100/pair.
But then the Rimmers ones are marked as genuine MG Rover and if I'm ordering tyre protectors from Rimmers anyway then maybe worth going for those?

Genuine, I would ask when and where they were made.

macafee2

[BigAde]

Ok, thanks. Guess I will go with the DMGRS ones then.
On closer inspection, the broken spring isn't actually touching the tyre - it's about 2mm off the surface of the tyre. Wouldn't fancy driving anywhere with it like that though - one bump and the tyre would be history.

[myfirstrover]

If you are going to do this yourself be very careful , road springs bouncing around loose aren't funny

[BigAde]

Originally Posted by myfirstrover

If you are going to do this yourself be very careful , road springs bouncing around loose aren't funny

No, much though I could do with saving a few quid, I don't have the tools or experience to do this myself. Many things I'm happy to try, but think this is a 'have someone show you the first time' job.

Not sure whether to try to get it towed to my regular trusted mechanic 15 miles away, or whether to try to get someone I don't know (mobile mechanic) to do it for me. Main worry is whether the tyre will get damaged getting it to him.

[trikey]

Remove the wheel, cut the broken piece of spring off using an angle grinder, fit a space saver then drive it to the garage.

I have done this more than once to recover 75s with broken springs.