Symptoms
Vehicle sits low or leans to one side, bump stops hit easily, harsh knocking over bumps, a cracked leaf visible on inspection.
Likely cause
Age and overloading flatten springs. Broken leaves often occur at the centre bolt.
Suggested fixes
Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.
- 1
Fit new standard springs
Replace springs in pairs across the axle, with new bushes, shackle pins, centre bolts and U bolts.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate DIY
- Cost:
- ££ (About £50 to £300)
- 2
Convert to parabolic springs
Parabolics give a much softer ride. Be aware they can affect axle location and some owners report less stability when heavily loaded.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate DIY
- Cost:
- ££ (About £50 to £300)
- 3
Re-set and re-temper existing springs
A spring specialist can re-set original springs, useful on rare or original specification vehicles.
- Difficulty:
- Specialist job
- Cost:
- ££ (About £50 to £300)
This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.