[Tatsfield]

Top bearing seizure is progressive and as the bearings become more and more resistant to movement, the spring itself is forced to wind up as the steering moves. Initially the tension in the wound spring overcomes the resistance in the bearing and it unwinds suddenly with what can only be described as a "boing" sound produced by the harmonics in the spring. This is quite distinctive and is more than just a clunk. Ultimately the bearing seizes completely and the spring becomes locked to it and the winding up of the coil is not relieved and after a further period of time the spring starts to deteriorate. It can break if subjected to this undesigned stress for long periods of time. This is common to many makes of cars as the bearing is difficult to protect from road spray in wet weather. Most broken front coil springs are caused by seized top bearings. It never does harm to renew these bearings as a matter of routine and certainly if you hear this slightly musical percussion sound from the front suspension.