Suspension Springs in Tyne and Wear

Springs carry the weight of the car and keep the tyres in contact with the road. Most cars use coil springs, and they can crack, corrode or simply lose their strength with age, leaving one corner lower than the other.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we replace springs for drivers across Tyne and Wear. This page covers the springs themselves, not shock absorbers or general suspension wear, which we handle separately.

Signs a spring has gone

A broken spring is often noticed because of a sharp bang followed by a change in how the car sits. Weaker springs are subtler.

A broken spring can damage a tyre or other components, so if you suspect one, avoid driving until it has been checked.

• One corner sitting visibly lower than the others
• A loud crack or bang from a wheel arch
• Scraping or tyre rubbing over bumps
• Rattling or clunking when going over rough surfaces
• Car leaning or pulling when cornering

What the replacement involves

A coil spring is held under high compression, which makes removing it a job for the right equipment rather than home improvisation. The spring is taken out with the strut or damper assembly, compressed safely, swapped and refitted.

While it is apart, we check the mounts, top bearing, bump stops and dust covers, since they often wear alongside the spring and are easiest to renew at the same time.

What affects the outcome and cost

Whether to replace one spring or both on an axle matters. Fitting one new spring against an old one can leave the two sides sitting differently, so pairs are commonly advised. Your car's design and whether the spring is separate from the shock absorber also change the amount of work.

Corroded fixings, rust on the spring seat and the need for an alignment afterwards can all add time. We go through these at the estimate.

Before you book

Tell us if the car has been lowered, uprated or carries heavy loads regularly, as that affects which spring is suitable. Mention if the noise began suddenly or developed gradually.

Useful questions: should both sides be done, are the shock absorbers worth renewing at the same time, and does the car need an alignment check afterwards?