Kept in suspense

At least three times a month I have to travel along a road both ways that has 13 speed cushions. I have taken your advice and drive one side over them. Two days ago when I tried to move the car out of the garage there was a loud bang. On investigation the front offside spring had broken. Should I replace with a breakers spring or new? Will the balance be affected in either case one side different from the other?

Asked on 11 July 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
New spring because you never know what stress is already present in the old spring and springs are best replaced in matching pairs. Speed cushions are the worst disaster inflicted on motorists. The crumbling chamfered edges, many still unrepaired since February's frost and snow, are ripping inner tyre shoulders to shreds. The alternative way of traversing them, which you have been using, is snapping the lousy quality coil springs fitted to European cars.
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