replacement spring

kikel

Hi All,
The last few weeks my 97 BMW 318 was making a clink sound when ever i hit a pothole. It was coming from the rear passenger side. Decided today to remove the rear wheel. Found the lower part of the spring had broken. this piece was ratling round when ever i hit a pothole. Is it a big job to replace this??? Cost of part? Do i need to change them in pairs? Could this affectthe handlling?

See pictures of broken part

colm_mcm

you sure you uploaded the right picture there?

you should replace them in pairs alright.

kikel

Right picture uploaded now. I should of checked the picture a second time.

colm_mcm

oh dear. you need replacement springs!

kikel

colm_mcm wrote:

oh dear. you need replacement springs!

Sure do. Hope it won't be expensive!!!

Anybody know if they are hard to replace. Are they hard to get out. Not an easy thing to remove from a car in a scarp yard. May have yto buy new.

colm_mcm

buy new ones, they're not too expensive

get your shocks checked while you're at it

lomb

kikel wrote:

May have yto buy new.

will have to for sure, old ones might snap on u.
i think u need special tools like a spring compressor. possibly job for mechanic more than diy.

colm_mcm

absolutely, and if new shocks are required, it's as well to get it all done together.

kikel

colm_mcm wrote:

absolutely, and if new shocks are required, it's as well to get it all done together.

I think the shocks are ok. they are sepaerate to the springs, unlike the front where they go through the center of the spring.

Compression tools!!! Think it's definately a mechanic job then. Better check the old finances then.

colm_mcm

Ah sure you're driving a Beemer, you must be loaded

kikel

colm_mcm wrote:

Ah sure you're driving a Beemer, you must be loaded

LOL. it's a 97. A new mazda2 cost twice as much. see link
http://www.carzone.ie/newcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=Details&vehicle_id=54892520051031&strSpecs=SSCIRL2002

Kimbot

Best bet is to get 4 new springs and get a mechanic to put them in!! You need spring compressors, a vice and a lot of time to change them if you don't know exactly what you are doing!!

5500

Springs are DIY'able.You just need a spring clamp/compressor (there about 15 - 20 euro max) If the shock isnt thru the spring then it'l probably be handier again.

Im sure one of the guys more familiar with Bmw's could talk you step by step thru it.Incedently ive never seen a spring broken on a car!

kikel

eireal wrote:

Incedently ive never seen a spring broken on a car!

Weird i know. Don't know what could have caused it either. No major knocks or anything.

kikel

Got 2 new springs from GSF today. €70. Tomorrow i will fit them with the help of a mate. (he knows what he's doing unlike me)