BT
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,772
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Mar 26, 2015 21:28:16 GMT
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Evening chaps.
I recently bought some used mk2 golf front Coilovers to go on my caddy van, upon inspection it turns out that the helper spring on one of them is snapped.
What I would like to know here from those of you with more experience is what to do next.
Obviously the snapped helper spring is not MOT compliant which is my main concern. I see it as two options.
Option 1 - Replace the helper spring, I see this as a option that possibly isn't the easiest, I'm not even sure where I would start looking for a replacment seen as they're budget Units.
Option 2 - remove both helper springs and throw them in the bin.
I see option 2 as the cheapest and quickest method but will this have a paramount effect on the drive of my car?
I am not after super low, just lower than standard, I'm not after Supercar handling, anything near OEM will be find with me.
Can anyone please offer an opinion in respect to what the best option would be, unfortunately I don't poses enough experience to judge for myself of removing helper springs is a good idea, not compliant or road legal.
Hopefully a simple answer for some one with relevant experience.
Cheers.
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Mar 26, 2015 21:49:13 GMT
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tbh I've never found the helper spring to be of any use. Obviously it can make the ride a little more bumpy/hard but I've always not bothered with a helper spring. Ability for moar lows
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BT
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,772
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Mar 26, 2015 21:59:59 GMT
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Thanks Dawson.
Does that mean that taking it out will comply with MOT regulations?
Always a little concerned I will end up with a loose spring when the damper is at full extension.
The above may be a load of rubbish, just something that's crossed my mind before.
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Mar 26, 2015 22:04:00 GMT
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Thanks Dawson. Does that mean that taking it out will comply with MOT regulations? Always a little concerned I will end up with a loose spring when the damper is at full extension. The above may be a load of rubbish, just something that's crossed my mind before. Well all it is really doing is 'helping' the main spring. I don't believe it is illegal to have no helper spring. Just tighten the bottom of the coliovers with a C-Spanner like you usually would and it will be fine, never had any problems myself.
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BT
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,772
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Mar 26, 2015 22:07:59 GMT
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Thank you very much.
I will do that on my lunch break later tonight. Get them fitted over the weekend then hopefully.
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Mar 26, 2015 22:14:23 GMT
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Yeah just obviously adjust the height back up when you've taken them out because you don't want the car too low haha. You just have to be careful when jacking your car up and lowering it again to make sure that they sit correctly up on the top mount if it really is that low but like you said that's not what you're doing so won't really apply to you.
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stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,812
Club RR Member Number: 174
Member is Online
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Mar 26, 2015 22:51:51 GMT
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Some random info in this thread. The helper spring has nothing to do with spring rate, ride quality or anything. All it does it keep the main spring pushed up tight against the top spring cup. When the weight of the car is on it the helper spring completely compresses. You can just take it out, the main spring self locates anyway in 99% of cases which is all that is required for MOT.
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,188
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Mar 27, 2015 13:16:54 GMT
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Some random info in this thread. The helper spring has nothing to do with spring rate, ride quality or anything. All it does it keep the main spring pushed up tight against the top spring cup. When the weight of the car is on it the helper spring completely compresses. You can just take it out, the main spring self locates anyway in 99% of cases which is all that is required for MOT. Pretty much what this man said. It can help a touch with refinement (i.e the springs on banging away after relocating). However, most coilover setups I have seen have the spring relocate itself.
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VIP
South East
Posts: 8,293
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Mar 27, 2015 13:21:02 GMT
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If you really are happier having helper springs in, I have lots of spares (I always remove them), so can send you a pair for the cost of postage.
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Mar 27, 2015 13:44:28 GMT
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take them out throw them in the bin
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richp
Part of things
Posts: 246
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Mar 27, 2015 13:50:17 GMT
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If you really are happier having helper springs in, I have lots of spares (I always remove them), so can send you a pair for the cost of postage. Cheeky question but do you happen to have any with a 2.25" internal diameter?
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VIP
South East
Posts: 8,293
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Mar 27, 2015 15:10:36 GMT
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No idea, it's whatever 'standard' coilies come in. I can measure over the weekend.
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richp
Part of things
Posts: 246
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Mar 27, 2015 15:34:03 GMT
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Thanks. The tend to come in 2.25 or 2.5" depending on the manufacturer
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BT
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,772
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Mar 27, 2015 15:45:31 GMT
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Thanks very much in the offer Mr VIP, I think I may actually take you up on that.
I will have a measure of a standard spring tonight at work and drop you a PM.
Thank you very much.
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VIP
South East
Posts: 8,293
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Mar 31, 2015 16:01:08 GMT
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My helper springs are 2.5" internal diameter, hope that helps.
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richp
Part of things
Posts: 246
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Thank you for taking the time to check.
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BT
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,772
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thanks for all the help in this.
I took my helper springs out the other evening and rebuilt them up (after freeing them up, boy was that a task!).
I am hoping to measure my springs up, and I am also hoping that they're 2.5"
Thanks again
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