Springs are the part people often forget, and they should not
When we talk about suspension, everyone thinks of shock absorbers first. That is logical because shocks are the parts that most often break and get replaced. But springs are an equally important element of the suspension system, and ignoring them can cause serious problems on the vehicle.
Springs carry the weight of the car. Literally. They are the part between the body and the chassis that holds the car at a set height and absorbs big road impacts. When springs sag or break, the car drops, the ride gets uncomfortable, the tyres wear unevenly, and in the worst case other suspension parts get damaged too.
And now we come to the key question: do you need new springs or can you buy used? And what about complete suspension sets? Let us take it step by step.
Types of springs and how they differ
Before we get into used springs, it helps to understand what we are working with. On modern passenger cars, three main types of springs are used:
Coil springs
This is the most common type of spring on passenger cars. A coil spring is simply a piece of steel wire wound into a spiral. Simple, reliable and relatively cheap to produce. They are fitted to most cars, on both the front and rear axles.
Coil springs have a defined stiffness (how much they compress under a given load) and a free length (how tall they are when not loaded). Both of these characteristics change with time and mileage, so springs that have done 150,000+ km can be noticeably shorter than new ones.
Leaf springs
Leaf springs are an older design still used on the rear axle of some vans, pickups and off-roaders. They consist of multiple steel "leaves" stacked together. Tough and capable of carrying heavy loads, but less comfortable than coil springs.
Torsion bar springs
Torsion bars are steel rods that twist instead of compress. They are used on some vehicles (especially older VW models and some Japanese cars) and have the advantage of being adjustable, meaning you can set the ride height by turning a bolt.
How to spot worn springs
Springs wear slowly and gradually, so most drivers do not notice when the springs are on their last legs. Here are signs to watch for:
- The car sits lower than it should - compare with the same model in good condition or measure the distance from the wheel arch lip to the centre of the wheel
- The car sits lower on one side - that means the spring on that side has sagged more than the other
- Uneven tyre wear - when springs sag, wheel geometry changes
- The car "bottoms out" on bumps - the spring is compressing all the way
- Creaking or popping over potholes - the spring may be cracked
- Poor handling in corners - the car leans excessively to one side
If you notice any of these symptoms, the springs are a candidate for replacement. And here comes the question: new or used?
Used springs: pros and cons
Unlike shock absorbers, which have many moving parts and seals that wear, springs are essentially a piece of steel. That means used springs are generally a safer buy than used shocks, but risks still exist.
Advantages of used springs
Price is the obvious advantage. New springs for an average car cost 40 to 100 euros per piece, while used can be found for 15 to 40 euros. On a set of four springs, that is a saving of 100 to 240 euros, which is not negligible.
The second advantage is availability. For older car models, new original parts may be hard to find or unreasonably expensive. Used springs from a breaker can be the only sensible option for such cars.
The third advantage is that original springs (even used) often have better characteristics than cheap aftermarket ones. A cheap new spring at 25 euros can be worse than a used original spring with 50,000 km on it.
Risks of used springs
The biggest risk is material fatigue. Steel fatigues over time from constant compression and stretching, and the spring loses its stiffness. That is not visible to the naked eye. A spring can look perfect but be 10-15 mm shorter than new, meaning it has sagged.
The second risk is microcracks. Corrosion, road salt and stones can cause small surface cracks on the spring that gradually grow until the spring breaks. A spring breaking while driving is a serious safety hazard because the car suddenly drops on one side.
What to watch for when buying used springs
If you have decided to buy used springs, here is a detailed guide for assessing quality:
Visual inspection
Examine every coil of the spring. Look for any cracks, gouges down to metal, or heavy corrosion. Surface rust is normal and not a problem, but deep corrosion that has eaten into the material is a deal-breaker. Pay special attention to the spring ends and the spots where the spring sits on its seat, because those are the highest-stress areas.
Height measurement
If you have access to specifications for your car, measure the free length of the spring and compare with a new one. A difference greater than 10-15 mm means the spring has sagged significantly. If you do not have specs, compare the left and right pair. A difference greater than 5 mm between springs that should be identical is a bad sign.
Check the markings
Most springs have a colour marking on them that indicates stiffness (factory-sorted by weight into categories). Check that both springs for the same axle have the same colour marking. Different markings mean different stiffness, which will cause uneven handling.
Spring provenance
Try to find out what kind of car the spring came off and why. Springs from a car that was in a frontal crash at the rear are probably fine. Springs from a car that sat for years on wet ground with a full tank can be heavily corroded in hidden spots.
Complete suspension set: when buying it all at once pays off
Instead of buying individual parts, sometimes it makes sense to buy a complete suspension set. That includes shocks, springs, strut mounts, bump stops, and possibly control arms and links. Here is when that pays off:
When the car has done 150,000+ km: In that case, most suspension parts are near the end of their useful life. There is no point replacing just the shocks if the springs will sag in 20,000 km. A complete set ensures everything works together and wears together.
When buying from the same car: If you find a car of the same generation with low mileage at a breaker, buying the complete suspension off that car can be an excellent opportunity. All parts have "settled in" together and you know their provenance.
When you want to change the ride characteristics: Sporty suspension from another model on the same platform can transform your car. For example, suspension from a GTI version on an ordinary Golf. Be careful though, because that can affect warranty and homologation.
Prices of used springs and complete suspension
Here are rough prices for used springs and complete suspension sets:
- Pair of springs (front or rear) - 30 to 80 euros
- Set of 4 springs - 50 to 150 euros
- Complete front suspension (shocks + springs + mounts) - 100 to 300 euros
- Complete suspension all 4 wheels - 200 to 500 euros
For comparison, a new complete suspension set for a midsize car (say a VW Golf) can cost 600 to 1200 euros just in parts, without labour. The saving on a used set is therefore 400 to 700 euros, which is serious money.
Installation: professional or DIY
Replacing springs is not a job for beginners. Springs are under enormous tension and can be lethally dangerous if mishandled. Compressing a spring requires special tools (spring compressors), and without experience it is very easy to make a mistake.
The cost of labour at a mechanic for replacing springs and shocks is usually 50 to 100 euros per axle. That includes removing the wheels, dismantling the strut, compressing the spring, swapping it and reassembling. Plus wheel alignment afterwards, which costs another 30-50 euros.
If you are thinking about doing it yourself, at least invest in quality spring compressors and work in pairs. Never work alone under a raised car without proper stands. A spring that snaps free of the compressor can seriously injure or kill.
How long do used springs last
Original springs on modern cars typically last 100,000 to 200,000 km, depending on driving conditions and climate. Springs on cars driven on bad roads and in salty conditions (coastal regions, winter salting) last less.
Used springs with 50,000 km on them can realistically serve another 50,000 to 100,000 km, which for an average driver means 3 to 7 years. That is a perfectly decent lifespan for a part you paid half the price for.
But remember: springs do not die all at once. They sag gradually, and the car drops gradually. A good tip is that after installing used springs you measure the car's ride height and write it down. Then every year or every 20,000 km check whether the height has changed. A drop of more than 10 mm means it is time for new springs.
Where to find used springs and complete suspension sets
Breakers' yards are still the best place to buy used springs because you can physically inspect the part. Online marketplaces offer a wider selection, but you cannot check the condition before buying. Specialist used-parts suppliers often offer a functional warranty, which is a big plus.
On the PoDi platform you can send a request for used springs or a complete suspension set and compare offers from vetted suppliers. List the car model, year, engine and which parts you need, we connect you with suppliers who send offers directly.
Whatever the source, always ask for springs in pairs (left and right for the same axle) and try to buy both from the same car. That ensures they are equally worn and the car will sit level.