Went to start the van this morning to arrange its MoT, and I heard an almighty 'clang'. Couldn't see anything wrong and the van drove OK.
Booked Mot and stopped for some other things and then a loud rattle started to come from the front near side. Van still was going OK, but when I got home I had a good look and found that the front suspension spring had broken.
Phoned the garage who said that they would still do the MoT and repair anything that needed fixed. I pointed out that the silencer was not leaking, but the outer skin was badly corroded. They said that if it wasn't blowing, leave it as it was probably still better than a lot of replacements!
That's going to be a lot more expense I could do without and much as I'd miss it, I'm seriously wondering about keeping the van.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Anything related to the suspension had to be replaced in pairs which includes suspension arms, wishbones, shock absorbers and springs so if you do consider having the new spring replaced then you will need to replace both sides. If they are not changed in pairs at the same time then the new spring will weaken the opposite side even more which if that happens then it's back to square one and both will have to be replaced. However, it's strange that the spring has broken and creating rattling as they normally break at the bottom inside the suspension cup where they rust due to being in rain water. That's why much of the time it comes as a surprise that one of the springs have broken because quite often it's a hidden problem.
Can you even buy springs singly? when I worked in the motor trade they were always sold in pairs as were shock absorbers.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Yes, I believe that you can buy the springs separately.
I haven't been able to remove the broken part of the spring which would seem to be the bottom ring of the spring. I'll trust the garage to do whatever is necessary. They're a top class firm that service a lot of motorhomes. horse transporters etc..
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
I’m not mechanical, but when my car spring “went” with a very loud bang, I stopped & called the AA. The mechanic said that if I had driven it, there was a risk that I’d have shredded the tyre too.
There’s always that balance of cost & benefit though. But the older my vehicle got, the less the depreciation cost was - the newer vehicle with higher depreciation but fewer repairs cost the same per annum as the older one with more repairs but less depreciation cost.
If you weren’t going to replace the van, would that be the end of camping for you?
I drove the van without knowing that the spring was broken. Hopefully I can get it to the garage OK (on Friday).
I'm in two minds about the van. We really love it, but keeping two vehicles going is getting expensive (although the car is new and under warranty). Going to the continent from Aberdeenshire is prohibitively dear and so we generally fly and stay in hotels.
Anyway, I'll get the wagon repaired and see how we feel in the new year.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Got the van repaired - new spring and associated bits &pieces. Passed MoT OK in spite of the scruffy silencer. Expensive, but not nearly as bad as I had feared.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Front spring
via mobile 06/11/2023 at 4:07pm
