Five Signs That Your Coil Spring Is Broken (& Their Replacement Cost)

The suspension system is responsible for smooth riding when you are driving down the road. Coil springs make up a critical component of the suspension system. A ride that isn't enjoyable or has poor suspension will be unpleasant.

Here are the signs of a poor coil spring. We also discuss where the suspension spring is located and its function. Finally, we review what the replacement cost will be. Let’s take a look at the signs first:

Sagging corners are the first sign that your coil spring has failed. There may be a lot of bouncing or uneven tire wear. You might also hear a rattle when your steering wheel is turned.

While these are the most common symptoms, it’s far from all of them. Here’s a more detailed list of the most common symptoms of a bad coil spring:

Bad Spring or Coil Spring Signs

1. Sagging Corner

The coil spring will sag in the corners if it goes bad. It’s clear to see in this case that one corner of the car is sitting lower than the others. 

Sagging can cause instability while driving. You may also notice uneven tire wear or noises. 

2. Over-bounce

The coil springs keep your vehicle from going up and down when it bumps into a bump. But, if the springs become defective, bounciness can occur.

The shaking and/or bouncing you feel as you drive will get worse as time goes by, particularly if you are driving on rough terrain or dirt roads. You may lose control of the vehicle if you experience excessive bounciness.

3. Uneven Tire Wear

This suspension system makes sure that tires and wheels are balanced as they travel down the road. To ensure a safe driving experience, tires must be worn equally as they move.

If the coil springs become worn out, it can cause a change in the wheel alignment, leading to excess wear. It is possible for the tire tread to fail early and create handling issues. It could also lead to a blow-out if you aren’t inspecting the tires frequently. 

4. Rattling Noise

If the springs in your suspension break down, it is possible to experience unusual shaking sounds and vibrations. The noise level will rise as time passes. You could experience more noise if you travel on rough terrain or accelerate.

You should not ignore these warning signs. They could become something far more. 

5. When turning, there is noise

If you can hear a high noise when turning the steering wheel from the front of your car, it is very likely that the coil spring is broken and is getting in contact with the car’s body. This can lead to the spring rubbing against the chassis, instead of the top-mount bearing. It could also result in high bounce noises while turning.

Suspension/Coil Spring Location

There are four coil springs in most cars. One for each corner. Each spring's top end is located below the vehicle's solid parts, and the bottom rests on the lower control arms. The lower control arm holds the wheels together.

The vehicle is designed to sit on springs that are attached to the control arm. Because the suspension takes into account road imperfections, movement is reduced greatly. 

A Coil Spring's Function

They absorb road bumps by using coil springs. The springs help to cushion the ride as the vehicle moves over bumps. 

Suspension springs support the vehicle's weight and allow the wheels to move vertically when encountered with obstacles. The springs are used to buffer this movement and not send it to the cabin. 

Cost of Suspension Spring Replacement

Costs for replacing coil springs range from $300 to $700 on average. Parts and labor will be around $200-$300. If you are able to fix the coil springs by yourself and have the necessary tools, it could be a cost-saving move.

You can still drive with broken coil springs, but you'll notice a decrease in ride quality. There might be issues with vehicle handling. The vehicle must have equal traction between the four wheels in order to turn smoothly. How well springs distribute the vehicle's weight will determine how successful this operation is. You could lose control and end up in an accident if the springs become more severe. 

Sometimes, the spring could become bent and cause a tire to burst at high speeds. This can lead to serious injuries. It is recommended that you replace any broken coil spring.

Normal driving conditions are not conducive to coil springs going bad. After about ten year of normal use, the coil springs will begin to wear. Many cars, particularly those with an upgraded suspension, will need to have their coil springs replaced at some point. The ride will be smoother and more pleasurable with high-performance springs.

You will see broken coil springs more frequently if your climate is colder than it is if you live in warm areas.