Just found that the sprimg on the front offside mcphereson strut on SWMBO Altea has snapped. This isn't a specific Skoda issue, though they probably use the same VAG parts. My question is for those who've had a similar problem. Did the garage change both sides or just the broken one. If they just changed the one have you subsequently had the other side go as well and if so how long was it between the 2 sides failing. Obviously in a Ideal world both sides would get done, but that'll cost twice as much and if it's unlikely the other side will fail there doesn't seem much point?

Cheers

Can't say for sure but I would think it prudent to change both. Just in cases of a similar fault with the other side or differences in the new and old springs.

One of my front springs broke on my Fabia last month. They changed only the broken spring and did a wheel alignment.

When one snapped on my Fabia we did just one at first (done at home). We figured if it drove badly/looked wrong etc then we could fit another new one to the other side later on.

As it was, it was fine with no ill effects at all. The other spring survived until I got rid of the car at least.

Update on the saga- The RAC came and towed me in today as the suspension had dropped and I didn't want to risk it dropping any further on the way to the garage and doing some serious damange. As the car's done 48k he recommended that I get both sides done so the ride height is even as the remaining spring may have lost some of it's strength. Will be explaining to SWMBO that it's better to slow down for speed humps than ignore them (as she does) once I get the bill.

I got my RAC via tesco club card points so it was £58 in vouchers for at home, rescue and recovery for both of us. I won't have to pay any extra next year because I've called them out either which is a plus too.

The Car's all fixed now, got it back from my local Indy today around lunchtime which was a quick turnaround. They changed both springs and the total cost was just under £200. The car seems to sit better now than it did prior to the spring going so I'm glad I had both changed even if it cost me more

Latest is that tonight on her way home (first time SWMBO has used it after driving back from garage less than 1mile away) she got a knocking from the front. After a trip back to the indy where the owner was not full of customer care skills turns out one of fhe front anti roll bar bushes is shot. Is it me or should they not have checked the rest of the suspension for damage when replacing the springs. Now got to take it back again to get it fixed which is a PITA as SWMBO works full time and they don't open weekends. Feel a search for a new garage coming on which is anoying they were so rude as we've used this family garage for about the last 15-20 years and this is the second time I've had to go back to get things fixed which common sense would suggest was done on the 1st visit

I would of expected the garage to have road tested the car after carrying out the work & surely the knocking noise would of been heard so then the car could of been inspected & you informed of the extra work required,i dont know how you spoke to the garage when you heard the knocking noise but still no need to be rude to customers.