Broken Coil Spring - 2001 Saturn SL1

[Turk]

While replacing my front brake pads on my 1st ever Saturn, I saw that the left front coil spring is broken.

Notice the rust so it has been this way for a while.

It's driving very well.

Is this ok, or should it get replaced and about how much to do it?

Thanks!

 

[MGregoir]

Replace that immediately. You're no longer safe to operate on the road.

 

[The Critic]

You need to fix it since the broken coil spring is affecting your ride height. A change in right height will cause alignment problems. In a short period of time, it will cause your new tires to wear unevenly. In addition,as MGregoir said, this is unsafe.

Like I mentioned in the other thread, I would use this opportunity to replace all four struts and the front strut mounts. Saturn struts do not last very long and yours are probably long overdue at 109k.

A set of four KYB struts cost $220 shipped. They ride a bit firm, but a lot of people are very happy with them. A set of front KYB strut mounts cost ~$70 shipped. Since your spring is broken, a set of front coil springs cost about $60 shipped.

I replaced all four struts with a friend in less than two hours. After the job, you'll need a 4-wheel alignment, which costs about $85. Be sure to have the alignment rechecked after a few weeks since the struts will settle and cause the alignment to change slightly.

If you are uncomfortable with compressing the coil spring, you can purchase pre-assembled Monroe "quick struts" for about $125/each.

 

[tomcat27]

you should replace both front springs - which in itself is not that bad; but are those the original struts too? cause to replace the spring the front strut assemblies need to be removed so it would be the perfect time to replace them. of course, all of this adds up. so what started out as a $40 spring can cost hundreds. get a few quotes, as prices will vary WIDELY. if you think you wanna tackle it yourself, I can write up the procedure - of course you neded a spring compressor....

 

[Turk]

Thanks.

The shocks feel good and the car does not bounce at all, so replacing shocks could wait.

Fudge. I'll have somebody replace them. There's a local shop that'll do it reasonable.

 

[Mr Nice]

How did the spring break ?

 

[The Critic]

Its a fairly easy job. You should really consider doing it yourself. A shop is going to charge you at least $200 for the job. The coil springs are only sold in sets IIRC, so it'd be silly to not replace the struts while you're in there.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
You need to fix it since the broken coil spring is affecting your ride height. A change in right height will cause alignment problems. In a short period of time, it will cause your new tires to wear unevenly. In addition,as MGregoir said, this is unsafe.

Like I mentioned in the other thread, I would use this opportunity to replace all four struts and the front strut mounts. Saturn struts do not last very long and yours are probably long overdue at 109k.

A set of four KYB struts cost $220 shipped. They ride a bit firm, but a lot of people are very happy with them. A set of front KYB strut mounts cost ~$70 shipped. Since your spring is broken, a set of front coil springs cost about $60 shipped.

I replaced all four struts with a friend in less than two hours. After the job, you'll need a 4-wheel alignment, which costs about $85. Be sure to have the alignment rechecked after a few weeks since the struts will settle and cause the alignment to change slightly.

If you are uncomfortable with compressing the coil spring, you can purchase pre-assembled Monroe "quick struts" for about $125/each.


Great post T_C.

Can you elaborate on these "quick struts". They sound like something I'd be interested in.

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
How did the spring break ?

Not sure - just bought the car last week. The guy I bought it from has a shop, but he didn't put it up on a hoist. Without the car jacked up, it's not readily seen.

It's been broke a long time, the car is level when looking at it, it feels good down the road, so it can't be too bad.

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: tomcat27
you should replace both front springs - which in itself is not that bad; but are those the original struts too? cause to replace the spring the front strut assemblies need to be removed so it would be the perfect time to replace them. of course, all of this adds up. so what started out as a $40 spring can cost hundreds. get a few quotes, as prices will vary WIDELY. if you think you wanna tackle it yourself, I can write up the procedure - of course you neded a spring compressor....



tomcat27 - Sure, I've tackled a lot of stuff on cars, just not springs...

I'll PM you in about a day if I decide to do it or you can write it here, just nervous doing it in case something slips & it happens to kill me.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Saturn_Fan

Can you elaborate on these "quick struts". They sound like something I'd be interested in.


It is a Monroe Sensa-Trac strut that comes pre-assembled with a new coil spring, rubber insulator, mount and boot. You just bolt the unit to the car. It makes the job very easy and reduces the labor, but you pay dearly for the convenience since the quick strut costs 3x the amount of a strut alone. Plus, on many cars, you only need a strut and a strut mount. More often than not, at least in a mild CA climate, the coil spring and the rubber components are still serviceable.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Saturn_Fan

Can you elaborate on these "quick struts". They sound like something I'd be interested in.


It is a Monroe Sensa-Trac strut that comes pre-assembled with a new coil spring, rubber insulator, mount and boot. You just bolt the unit to the car. It makes the job very easy and reduces the labor, but you pay dearly for the convenience since the quick strut costs 3x the amount of a strut alone. Plus, on many cars, you only need a strut and a strut mount. More often than not, at least in a mild CA climate, the coil spring and the rubber components are still serviceable.


Thanks for the knowledge!

For someone like me who is deathly afraid of compressing suspension components, etc. this might be a break even deal if it would eat into the 60-75 bucks an hour the shop charges.

I will definitely be checking these bad boys out.

Thanks again T_C!

 

[bepperb]

The quick struts are great, fully assembled to go on. And since you already need the spring, the extra cost is kinda moot. If it were mine, I'd replace both fronts with the quick struts or buy everything and have a shop install the springs on a set of kyb's.

You shouldn't need an alignment just from changing shocks, but with the broken spring/replacement spring I think you will need them when you're done with this, especially if you have new tires.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: bepperb
The quick struts are great, fully assembled to go on. And since you already need the spring, the extra cost is kinda moot. If it were mine, I'd replace both fronts with the quick struts or buy everything and have a shop install the springs on a set of kyb's.

You shouldn't need an alignment just from changing shocks, but with the broken spring/replacement spring I think you will need them when you're done with this, especially if you have new tires.


An alignment is a MUST after installing aftermarket struts on a Saturn S-Series.

On this car, the camber is determined by the strut mounting holes. The original struts have no camber adjustment. The strut mounting holes on the KYB and Monroe units are elongated, which allow for camber adjustment. After installing new struts, I had about 1.5 degrees of positive camber, so it is imperative that you drive the car to the nearest alignment shop after the suspension work.

 

[bepperb]

"The strut mounting holes on the KYB and Monroe units are elongated"

Yep, sounds like an alignment is in your future.

Still, you probably needed new shocks anyway and this could come in under 500 bucks and an afternoon. Generally, when a piece of steel one inch thick cracks in half on your car, it's not DIY!

 

[tom slick]

cut the other spring to match and you've got an easy "lowering kit"

 

[IndyIan]

I would get two quick struts and put them in. It would probably be a bit cheaper than having a mechanic just replace the one spring and you'd end up with more new parts.

 

[mechtech2]

You think it is driving very well???
What a sensitive guy!
The spring broke where the coating deteriorated and rust started. Then rust grew and weakened the spring, and eventually broke.
Not only your life, but others are at stake.
Fix it before you drive it.

 

[Turk]

It is actually driving well, but of course now that I see it, I will get it replaced right away. Thank you.

 

[Turk]

The guy I bought the car from said he can put in a used coil spring & align it for $175.

Thoughts?