Hi all,

Haven't been driving the Skoda much recently due to the aquisition of a new toy (300zx :-D). Started driving it again with the bad weather (I forgot how much fun it was to drive!) and recently there's been a pretty bad clunking sound from the front drivers side wheel. Had a look today and the spring has snapped!

Now, do you recommend just replacing the spring (and would I need to replace both the front springs for evenness?), or getting a new set of shocks and springs? The shocks are pretty rusted, not sure how long they usually last anyway before needing replacement (the car is a '98 with 72,000 Miles).

Cheers,

Leo

Just change both springs if you want. Unless the dampers are leaking

Change both springs. Unless you have a leaky damper or are bothered about the lower spring pans, leave the dampers.

Edited 9 February, 201016 yr by KenONeill

Ok cheers. Where's a good place to get replacement springs? I only seem to be able to find lowering springs...

definitely change both complete shocks, at 72000 miles it's not worth chancing the fragile spring cups

Change both springs and both dampers! Always change springs or dampers in pairs not single units. After 72,000 miles the original dampers will he well shot and should be replaced anyway. The majority of dampers on mass produced vehicles are really only just up-to the job, nothing special often they are under damped in any case but after that sort of mileage they will be useless. Here is a good opportunity to put some decent shock-absorbers like KONI Multi Adjustable units on that a, can be adjusted for force, b, adjusted for ware , c, rebuilt when worn which in my experience with KONI will be a very log time coming will most likely out last your vehicle.

Edited 9 February, 201016 yr by Anthony 1

Change both springs and both dampers! Always change springs or dampers in pairs not single units. After 72,000 miles the original dampers will he well shot and should be replaced anyway. The majority of dampers on mass produced vehicles are really only just up-to the job, nothing special often they are under damped in any case but after that sort of mileage they will be useless. Here is a good opportunity to put some decent shock-absorbers like KONI Multi Adjustable units on that a, can be adjusted for force, b, adjusted for ware , c, rebuilt when worn which in my experience with KONI will be a very log time coming will most likely out last your vehicle.

So, for the price of a couple of springs, the guy has to buy all new suspension?

Sounds kinda excessive, it's not a fast road car, it never will be and I don't plan on trying to make it one. IF I were to go down the route of replacing the dampers too, then standard units would be just fine...

Has the OP stated that the shocks are original?

I think adjustable suspension would be a bit OTT on a runabout. Particularly given that it was being driven with a broken spring!

But if not, fancy some Proflex? I've just had mine rebuilt, cost me about £1300 for them, if we're having a suspension-off!

The opportunity should be taken to replace the shocks while the suspension is dismantled. My suggestion about adjustable was only that these are some of the best but it would be fine just to replace them with generic units that would be quite cheap.. Not only will the dampers be worn but the could also b damaged at any rate because of the broken spring. The OP had already stated that he shock absorbers are rusty. Really at that sort of mileage most dampers should be changed. Whether the car is a race car or not, defective dampers are the cause of many accidents they affect the distance that a car can safely stop and affect cornering and stability.

Edited 9 February, 201016 yr by Anthony 1

I don't agree that the opportunity should be taken to replace them, but of course they should be inspected on dismantling. My other Felicia has got front struts that have been rusty since the day I bought it nearly 4 years ago. In that time it's done the recce for Wales Rally GB 3 times, running each of the stages twice (about 200 miles of stage use per event), and that's probably more abuse than many cars will get in an entire year, given the terrain. They're still perfectly functional, but still rusty on the exterior.

I don't agree that the opportunity should be taken to replace them, but of course they should be inspected on dismantling. My other Felicia has got front struts that have been rusty since the day I bought it nearly 4 years ago. In that time it's done the recce for Wales Rally GB 3 times, running each of the stages twice (about 200 miles of stage use per event), and that's probably more abuse than many cars will get in an entire year, given the terrain. They're still perfectly functional, but still rusty on the exterior.

That is what I am getting at. Rusty dampers mean nothing if the damper rods and seals are fine.....

So where can I get standard replacement units from (either springs or dampers)? Couldn't find them on Jorily...

Jorily does do the front spring:

http://www.jorily.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_35&products_id=1134

If you need dampers, there are lots of places that sell them, I believe Graham does:

http://www.jorily.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_35&products_id=449

Cheers, I did see those but wasn't sure whether the 1.6 had different shocks/springs to the 1.3?

Oh, I'd guess they do. Ask Graham, he'll be able to help, I'm sure....

the 1.6 springs have a slightly higher rate than the 1.3 springs, but to be honest the difference is marginal....

you don't say whereabouts you are from identiti rider, but i have a pair of standard springs (used) that you can have for free if you want them

the 1.6 springs have a slightly higher rate than the 1.3 springs, but to be honest the difference is marginal....

you don't say whereabouts you are from identiti rider, but i have a pair of standard springs (used) that you can have for free if you want them

Wow, that's extremely generous of you!

I'm based in Milton Keynes, whereabouts are you?

Yes, we do the standard springs and shock, please ring us on 01226 381666

We could do you a very good deal on a full front suspension kit complete.

So where can I get standard replacement units from (either springs or dampers)? Couldn't find them on Jorily...

Edited 14 February, 201016 yr by Jorily