Quote:
Originally Posted by skyship007
Hi Folks,
A few points about suspension jobs, is that you must always change both sides and although I don't know the exact type of unit involved, this means a combined spring and shock are required, BUT once they have been removed it is very important to inspect the mounts above for corrosion, clean the areas and apply some waxoyl etc. Most more modern cars don't suffer corrosion around the upper mounts like they used to in the old days, but it is worth paying attention to corrosion of the springs at the bottom where they tend to fail first. Don't take any chances on front springs in particular, as it is possible to get a spring break higher up and then have one part dig into a wheel, which results in a very dramatic loss of control.
In terms of the replacement parts I would not take chances on the front and fit real top quality Volvo or a brand with a top quality reputation, if you have to save money the rear is less critical. The car must always be realined after a change.
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If you read the thread both springs were replaced and the rear wheels were aligned. Having seen the springs I can tell you there is no visible difference between the Volvo and aftermarket springs and KYB are OEM spec for many manufacturers anyway.
http://www.kyb-europe.com/spring-coils.html
"KYB is the worlds largest supplier of shock absorbers to vehicle manufacturers, with 1 in 4 of all vehicles leaving production lines worldwide fitted with KYB as standard. KYB is also the largest OE shock absorber supplier in Europe"
I'm also design engineer who is completing a PhD I wouldn't fit inferior parts, the springs fitted were sold by a well established reputable motor factors with stores all over the Midlands in England. There is no need to fit genuine springs if you can source OEM quality parts, the manufacturing processes will be the same as will the material compostion. The Volvo ones won't be made by Volvo anyway they will be made by a third party and were over three times the price. However I wouldn't recommend buying such parts off Ebay as these could be cheap imports that don't match UK standards and you have less comeback.
Do you fit genuine brake pads and disks? I don't I would rather fit brake parts made by braking specialists such as Brembo and Ferrodo, for the same money as geniune parts.
These were also rear springs, when front springs go in the middle you definetly hear it I had it happen on a Focus it snapped in the middle and you could hear grinding when turning the steering wheel it is much more obvious that something has gone wrong. Than a rear spring that has gone at the bottom.
Also a new combined spring and shock is not required, if a spring is damaged you replace both springs. If a shock absorber is damaged you replace both shocks not the shocks and springs. There is no need, it's wasteful they are independant units.
Stop trying to scare people.