QuestionQUESTION: My son has a 1998 Ford Escort. When he was buying snow tires the garage notices that the right rear spring was broken. They want to sell him two new springs and struts. Is it not possible to replace the one broken spring?
Thank you,
Dave
ANSWER: hey there, it is possible to replace one spring, BUT it is not recomended, after time the the springs will sag, if one spring is replaced then there will be a noticable change in ride hight on the one corner that the spring was changed on, that is why all shops sell springs in pairs only! front or rear,------
the struts should only be changed if there is a noticble leak, If the strut is leaking then the strut would phyically be covered in oil that was once in the shock absorber, hope this helps.
Chris
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Chris,
I hope you don't mind a follow up question. How can I be sure that the spring actually needs replacing at all? It is slightly off - center with respect to the strut, but seems to be functioning. (If you run your finger around the back at the bottom, you can feel what seems like a break, but it might just be where the spring ends.)
Dave
Answerhey there, if the spring is broken at all it should be replaced, there is a seat with a groove at the bottom where the srping seats, and that groove is what takes all the pressure of the spring. even f the break is low the sprung weight is now shifted, and if has already broken in one spot, there is a chance it will break somewhere else.
Chris
