Which springs are better

What springs are better to put wonder car owners who are faced with the choice of these elements and the improvement of the suspension. The selection will depend on the length, overall diameter, steel diameter, stiffness, spring shape, manufacturer's brand. Therefore, in order to choose the best option, you need to analyze all of the above reasons. And also decide on the goal - to carry passengers or sacks of potatoes ...

Signs of replacement springs

There are four basic signs that indicate the need to replace the springs.

Vehicle roll to one side

It is checked visually when the machine is standing on a flat surface, without load. If the body is skewed to the left or right side, the springs need to be replaced. Similarly, with a roll forward / backward. If before that the car stood on the surface evenly, and now its front or rear part in a calm state has dropped significantly down, then you need to install new springs.

However, there is one caveat when the spring may be "not to blame." In the design of VAZ-classic cars (models from VAZ-2101 to VAZ-2107), a so-called glass or seat is provided in the upper part of the spring. The spring rests on it with its upper part.

Often, in older machines, during long operation, the glass fails, which leads to a distortion of the entire structure. For diagnostics, you need to dismantle the spring from the sagging side of the car, remove the rubber cushion and inspect the glass itself. Most often, such a breakdown occurs on the side of the front wheels, especially the left one. However, this also happens on the rear suspension.

Extraneous noises in the suspension

Noise can be very different - clanging, roaring, thudding. This noise appears on the slightest bumps in the road, even small pits or bumps. Of course, ideally, you need to make a complete diagnosis and check of ball, steering rods, rubber bands. However, if the listed elements are in working condition, then it is the shock absorber springs that need to be checked.

Often the cause of clanging or rattling sounds from the suspension lies precisely in a broken spring. This usually happens at some turn. Less often - the spring splits into two parts. However, in the latter case, the roll of the car body will appear.

metal fatigue

The concept of "metal fatigue" means that during operation, the spring loses its properties, and, accordingly, does not work out normally. This is usually true for extreme / extreme turns. So, the very end of the spring, with considerable effort, hits the penultimate coil. As a result, two workings-planes are mutually formed on their surface. That is, the bar from which the spring is made becomes not round in cross section, but slightly flattened on one side. It can occur both above and below.

usually, such spring elements do not hold the suspension, and the car sags, and also “bounces” very gently in the pits. In this case, it is advisable to install a new spring. And the sooner, the better. This will save other suspension components and make the ride more comfortable.

Rear spring problems

Checking an unloaded car may not always give the correct answer to the question of whether the springs need to be changed. The fact is that over time, the rear of the car sags in case of congestion. And then, on bumps, fender liner or mudguards strikes on the road. In this case, additional diagnostics are needed.

If the springs are broken, then they need to be replaced. When they are just “tired”, then while you buy new ones, you can use the so-called spacers or thickened rubber bands, which are installed under the seats of the springs in the “glass”. Installing spacers will be much cheaper, and will solve the problem of the low landing of the car, that is, it will increase the clearance.

As for the front springs, you can also do the same with them, but this will significantly increase the stiffness of the suspension. This leads not only to discomfort during movement, but also to an increase in the load on the "glasses", because of which they can simply burst. Therefore, it is up to the car owner to decide whether to install thickened spacers in front or not.

What to look for when choosing

There are several factors to consider when choosing springs.

Hardness

Rigidity affects not only the comfort when driving in a car, but also when loading other elements of its running system. Softer springs are more comfortable to ride, especially on poorly paved roads. However, it is undesirable to put them on a car that often carries significant loads. Conversely, stiffer springs are best placed on vehicles designed to carry heavy loads. This is especially true for rear shock absorbers.

In the context of rigidity, one situation is also relevant. Often, when buying new springs (especially for the VAZ classic), a pair of identical springs included in one set may have different stiffness. Naturally, this leads to the fact that the machine warps to the right or left. It is almost impossible to check them when buying, so there are two ways to solve the problem.

The first is to install the spacers mentioned above. With their help, you can level the clearance of the car and achieve uniform suspension stiffness. The second way is to buy better quality springs, usually from trusted manufacturers, usually foreign ones.

Rigidity is a physical quantity, which in springs depends on the following parameters:

Bar diameter. The larger it is, the greater the rigidity. However, here it is necessary to take into account the shape of the spring and the diameter of the rod from which any coil is made. There are springs with variable overall diameters and bar diameters. About them later.
Spring outside diameter. Other things being equal, the larger the diameter, the lower the stiffness.
Number of turns. The more of them - the lower the rigidity. This is due to the fact that the spring will bend along its vertical axis. However, there are additional parameters to take into account. namely, a spring with a small number of turns will have a short stroke, which in many cases is unacceptable.

Length

The longer the springs are, the greater the ground clearance of the car. For each specific car model, its technical documentation directly indicates the corresponding value. In some cases, the length of the front and rear springs will be different. Ideally, the manufacturer's recommendations should be followed. Deviation from them is possible only for tuning or in the case of using a car for cargo transportation.

Turn parameters

The common name in this case means the diameter and number of turns. The total stiffness of the spring depends on these two parameters. By the way, some models of springs have an uneven shape with coils of various diameters. namely, with narrow coils at the edges, and wide in the middle.

However, such coils also have a different diameter of the metal bar. So, the coils of large diameter located in the middle of the spring are made from a large diameter bar. And the extreme small turns are from a bar of small diameter. Large bars are worked out on large irregularities, and small ones, respectively, on small ones. However, due to the fact that small bars are made of thinner metal, they break more often.

Such springs are mostly original, that is, those that were installed from the factory. They are more comfortable to ride, but their resource is lower, especially when the car is constantly driving on bad roads. Non-original springs are usually made from a bar of the same diameter. This reduces the driving comfort of the car, but increases the overall life of the spring. In addition, such a spring will cost less, since it is technologically easier to manufacture. What to make a choice in this or that case - everyone decides for himself.

Types

All damping springs are divided into five basic types. namely:

Standard. These are springs with characteristics prescribed in the recommendations of the car manufacturer. They are usually intended for use in urban areas or in limited off-road conditions.
Reinforced. They are usually used on vehicles designed to carry large loads. For example, in variants where the base model of the car is a sedan, and the enhanced version is a van or pickup truck with a rear cargo compartment.
With an increase. Such springs are used to increase the clearance (clearance) of the car.
Understatement. With their help, on the contrary, they reduce the ground clearance. This changes the dynamic characteristics of the car, as well as its handling.
with variable stiffness. These springs provide a comfortable ride under various road conditions.

The choice of one or another type of spring depends on the operating conditions of the car and the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Springs for shock absorbers VAZ

According to the statistics given by the service station, most often domestic car owners of VAZ cars, as the so-called "classics" (models from VAZ-2101 to VAZ-2107) and front-wheel drive models (VAZ 2109, 2114), are most often concerned about the problem of replacing shock absorber springs.

Most of the springs for Zhiguli, Samar, Niv are produced at the Volzhsky Machine Plant. However, there are other manufacturers as well. In this case, a trademark is applied to the springs or tags from a third-party manufacturer are glued. Please note that the original springs made at VAZ are more technologically advanced.

The fact is that one of the final stages in the manufacture of springs, namely, for the rear of the suspension, is the application of a protective epoxy coating to the surface of the spring. The front springs may only be coated with a special black enamel based on chlorinated rubber. And only the VAZ manufacturer applies a protective epoxy material to the rear springs. Other manufacturers simply apply enamel to both the front and rear springs. Accordingly, it is preferable to buy original VAZ springs.

The last step in the manufacture of machine springs is to control their quality and stiffness. All manufactured products pass through it. Those springs that do not pass the test are automatically discarded. The rest are divided into two classes depending on the tolerance field. If the tolerance field is positive, then such a spring belongs to class A in terms of load. When a similar field is minus, then to class B. In this case, the springs of each class have a corresponding color designation - a strip of a certain color is applied on the outer strip.

The division into the classes mentioned above (and their color gradation) is accepted due to the fact that the stiffness of all ready-made springs will differ, albeit slightly. Therefore, strictly speaking, if you want to put a stiffer spring, then your choice is class A, if softer, then class B. At the same time, the difference in their stiffness can be insignificant, namely, from 0 to 25 kilograms of load.

The color marking and technical data of the springs produced at the VAZ are given in the table.

Spring	Model	Bar diameter, in mm, tolerance is 0,5 mm	Outer diameter, mm / tolerance	Spring height, mm	Number of turns	Spring color	Hardness class	Marking color
lobby	1111	10	94/0,7	317,7	9,5	the black	-	-
	2101	13	116/0,9	360	9,0	the black	A-standard	Yellow
	2101	13	116/0,9	360	9,0	the black	B-soft	Green
	2108	13	150,8/1,2	383,5	7,0	the black	A-standard	Yellow
	2108	13	150,8/1,2	383,5	7,0	the black	B-soft	Green
	2121	15	120/1,0	278,0	7,5	the black	A-standard	Yellow
	2121	15	120/1,0	278,0	7,5	the black	B-soft	Green
	2110	13	150,8/1,2	383,5	7,0	the black	A-standard	Red
	2110	13	150,8/1,2	383,5	7,0	the black	B-soft	Blue
	2141	14	171/1,4	460,0	7,5	gray	-	-
Rear	1111	10	100,3/0,8	353,0	9,5	gray	-	-
	2101	13	128,7/1,0	434,0	9,5	gray	A-standard	Yellow
	2101	13	128,7/1,0	434,0	9,5	gray	B-soft	Green
	2102	13	128,7/1,0	455,0	9,5	gray	A-standard	Red
	2102	13	128,7/1,0	455,0	9,5	gray	B-soft	Blue
	2108	12	108,8/0,9	418,0	11,5	gray	A-standard	Yellow
	2108	12	108,8/0,9	418,0	11,5	gray	B-soft	Green
	21099	12	110,7/0,9	400,0	10,5	gray	A-standard	Red
	21099	12	110,7/0,9	400,0	10,5	gray	B-soft	Blue
	2121	13	128,7/1,0	434,0	9,5	gray	A-standard	White
	2121	13	128,7/1,0	434,0	9,5	gray	B-soft	Black
	2110	12	108,9/0,9	418,0	11,5	gray	A-standard	White
	2110	12	108,9/0,9	418,0	11,5	gray	B-soft	Black
	2141	14	123/1,0	390,0	9,5	gray	-	-

Traditionally, VAZ springs of class A are marked in yellow, and class B in green. However, as can be seen from the table, there are exceptions. First of all, this applies to station wagons - VAZ-2102, VAZ-2104, VAZ-2111. Naturally, these machines have stronger springs.

Many motorists are interested in the question, can springs from station wagons be installed on sedans or hatchbacks? It really depends on the goal pursued. If it consists in increasing the ground clearance due to the fact that the body began to sag with aging, then an appropriate replacement can be made. If a car enthusiast so wants to increase the carrying capacity of the car, then this is a bad idea.

Reinforced springs can lead to gradual deformation of the body, and, consequently, premature failure of the car.

The color gradation of the springs may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The same is true for geometric dimensions. As for the color, the traditional yellow can be replaced by red and/or brown close to it. In more rare cases, white is used. The same with green, instead of which blue or black can be used.

As for the diameter of the spring bar, it can be different for different manufacturers. And some (for example, Phobos, which will be discussed later) generally make springs from a bar of different diameters on one product. Therefore, it is important to select the overall height and outside diameter of the spring.

There are several typical types of VAZ springs that are installed on various models of this manufacturer. Let's consider them in more detail:

2101. This is a classic version for the VAZ classic, that is, for rear-wheel drive sedans.
21012. These springs are unique and non-standard. In general, they are similar to 2101, but are made from a larger diameter bar, which makes them more rigid. They were originally designed to be installed on the right front side in right-hand drive export vehicles. Similar springs were installed on both sides of the front suspension in cars with special equipment.
2102. These are springs for station wagon cars (VAZ-2102, VAZ-2104, VAZ-2111). They are enlarged in length.
2108. These springs are installed on VAZ front-wheel drive vehicles with eight-valve internal combustion engines. The exception is the VAZ-1111 Oka. There is also one export version 2108. They are color coded. So, the front springs are marked in white and blue, and the rear springs are brown and blue. Accordingly, it is better to ride with them only on good roads. They are not intended for domestic roads, so it is better not to use such springs.
2110. These are the so-called "European" springs, designed to install machines intended to be exported. namely, for cars VAZ 21102-21104, 2112, 2114, 21122, 21124. Please note that these springs have low stiffness and are designed for use on smooth European roads. Accordingly, for bumpy domestic roads, it is better not to buy them. Including you do not need to install them if the car is supposed to be used frequently for off-road driving or on dirt country roads.
2111. Such springs are installed on the VAZ-2111 and VAZ-2113 cars.
2112. Designed for installation on the front part of the suspension of cars VAZ-21103, VAZ-2112, VAZ-21113.
2121. Springs are installed on all-wheel drive "Niva", including VAZ-2121, VAZ-2131 and other modifications.

Springs for VAZ 2107

Ideally, for the "seven" it is recommended to install the original VAZ springs 2101. However, if you want to improve aerodynamics and increase steering sensitivity, then you can put more rigid samples. For example, from the station wagon VAZ-2104. This is recommended only for relatively old machines. To increase the carrying capacity, this is not worth doing. By the way, if you do this, then you will need to cut one turn from the spring for the VAZ-2104.

Springs for VAZ 2110

Traditionally, original springs 2108 are installed on the front suspension of the “tens” with an eight-valve ICE, and 2110 euros on the rear. Their characteristics will ensure the optimal behavior of the car both on asphalt and on a dirt road.

If the car is equipped with a 16-valve ICE, then stronger springs are installed on the front suspension - 2112. On the back - the same 2110 euros. The exception is the VAZ-2111.

Catalog selection

On modern cars, in most cases, the choice of shock absorber springs occurs according to electronic catalogs. The technical documentation clearly indicates the model of the spring, its full name, characteristics, dimensions, load capacity, and so on. Therefore, if a car enthusiast does not want to change anything in the suspension, but only replace the part with a new one, then there is nothing difficult in choosing.

However, in some cases, car owners, for whatever reason, want to replace the spring with a stiffer or softer one. Then you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

Manufacturer. Original springs (especially for VAG vehicles) can have a wide range of stiffness. And non-original springs do not have such an assortment.
Spring type. namely, their marking, including color.
Rigidity. It will most likely differ from the original one (depending on the number of turns and their diameter).

After clarifying the model of springs used on the Internet, you need to clarify the VIN code, according to which you can buy a spring in an online store or at a regular outlet.

Suspension spring rating

What are the best auto springs? There is no unequivocal answer to this question, and there cannot be, since there is a huge variety of them with differences, both in technical parameters and manufacturers. The following is a list of ten good and most popular spring manufacturers whose products are widely represented in the domestic auto parts market.

LESJOFORS

The full name of the company is LESJOFORS AUTOMOTIVE AB. This is one of the oldest and largest firms producing springs, shock absorbers, springs in Europe. The company has eight manufacturing plants in Sweden and one each in Finland, Denmark and Germany. The company owns the trademarks LESJOFORS, KILEN, KME, ROC, under which springs are also produced.

LESJOFORS springs are of very high quality. They are made of high-quality high-carbon spring steel, covered with a protective layer (phosphated) and powder-coated. All this allows you to maintain the performance of the springs for many years. In addition, all springs undergo quality and performance control. The range of manufactured springs is about 3200 positions. The reviews are mostly positive, because even there are few fakes. The only downside is the high price.

The wedge

In the fall of 1996, the German company Kilen was acquired by the aforementioned LESJOFORS. They were both direct competitors until that time. Accordingly, the Kilen trademark is owned by LESJOFORS. Kilen springs are of high quality and durability. The manufacturer claims that the products he has released have a resource twice as long as the original VAZ springs. Reviews of car owners basically confirm this statement. Therefore, these springs are recommended for purchase not only to owners of domestic VAZs, but also to other cars for which the company produces springs. The price is adequate.

Lemforder

Lemforder springs are supplied as original parts for many vehicles all over the world. Accordingly, the company is considered one of the world leaders in their production. Often, such springs are installed on expensive foreign cars, that is, they are presented in the premium sector. Accordingly, they cost a lot of money.

As for the quality, it is on top. However, in some cases it is noted that occasionally there is either a fake or a marriage. But there are few such cases. Such expensive springs are recommended for installation on foreign business and premium cars.

CS France

CS Germany springs belong to the middle price range and to the middle quality segment. Produced in Germany. Good value for money, recommended for European cars. Reviews are mostly positive.

Koni

Springs manufactured under the Koni brand have a high service life. The manufacturer produces a wide range of springs for various vehicles. An interesting feature is the fact that many spring models can be adjusted in stiffness. It is done with the help of a special adjusting "lamb". As for the price, it is usually above average, but not close to the premium class.

BOW

Under the BOGE trademark, a large number of different suspension elements are produced, including springs. They belong to the premium class, have high quality and high price. Marriage is extremely rare. Recommended for installation on vehicles of European manufacturers. Reviews are mostly positive.

Eibach

Eibach springs are among the highest quality and most durable on the market. Over time, they practically do not sag and do not lose rigidity. They can definitely be recommended to all car owners for whose cars there are suitable springs. The only conditional drawback of these spare parts is the high price.

SS20

All SS20 springs are 20% quality according to the manufacturer. This is ensured by the fact that during mechanical testing of new products, the springs are selected in pairs. That is, a pair of springs will be guaranteed to have the same mechanical characteristics. The CCXNUMX firm produces its springs using two technologies - cold and hot coiling. Moreover, both overpriced and underestimated.

R&D

Kraemer & Freund is also one of the leaders in the production of various spare parts, including springs for cars and trucks. The company supplies its products to both the primary and secondary markets. The range of products sold includes about 1300 items, and is constantly expanding. Original K + F springs are of high quality, but they cost a lot of money.

CAMEL

The Polish company TEVEMA produces damper springs for the European and Asian markets. The products of this company are often used by owners of cars manufactured in the 1990s-2000s. They are an excellent replacement for original spare parts. At the same time, the cost of new springs is approximately two to three times lower than that of the original ones. Spring reviews are mostly positive.

The spring manufacturers listed above belong to the middle class, that is, they produce sufficiently high-quality products at a relatively inexpensive price. Therefore, they are popular. However, there are also two classes of producers. The first is premium manufacturers. Their products are of extraordinary quality, and their original products are installed on expensive foreign business and premium cars. For example, such manufacturers include Sachs, Kayaba, Bilstein. They have almost no drawbacks, only the high price of their springs makes them look for a cheap alternative.

Also, one segment of companies under whose brands springs are produced is the budget class. This includes a lot of companies. For example, “Techtime”, PROFIT, Maxgear. The price of such springs is quite low, however, their quality is corresponding. Such firms do not have their own production facilities, but only pack cheap and variable quality springs purchased somewhere in China. For example, rejected during testing at some more well-known enterprises. However, there are a number of cheap springs that can still be used, and for which there are many positive reviews.

But among the budget springs there are pretty good options. These include:

Sirius

Feedback from car owners about Sirius springs is mostly positive. The company produces a wide range of springs for a variety of vehicles. In addition, if you want to set the desired characteristics of the springs yourself, then you definitely need to contact this company. The manufacturer allows the manufacture of products according to individual drawings of the customer.

Phobos

Phobos springs cannot boast of a wide range (only 500 items), but they are available in standard, reinforced, overstated, understated springs. In addition to them, the manufacturer also produces repair and backlash kits. With their help, you can adjust the ground clearance of the car in accordance with the wishes of the car owner.

True, the reviews about the Phobos springs are very contradictory. Many motorists have noticed that such springs “sag” already in the second year of operation. Especially on bad roads. However, given the low price of springs of a different quality, it would hardly be expected.

Asomi

Under the Asomi trademark, good springs are produced with high quality and service life. The secret of long-term operation lies in the use of special alloys in the production, which the manufacturer keeps secret. In addition, the springs are coated on top with a special protective epoxy coating.

Technoressor

These are inexpensive springs for many cars and light trucks. It is noted that the rigidity of many of them is lost over time, but they do not sag. Therefore, for their money, this is quite an acceptable option for car owners who want to save money.

Additional Information

When choosing good springs, make sure that there are springs of the same class on one axle of the car's suspension. For example, "A" or "B". This is a mandatory requirement for two wheels on one axle (front or rear). However, there are exceptions for front and back.

It is allowed to install class “A” springs on the front suspension, and class “B” on the rear. But if class “B” springs are installed on the front of the suspension, then class “A” springs cannot be placed on the rear.

In some cases, when buying long springs, car owners cut off one coil. In general, this is acceptable, but undesirable, since in the process of dismantling there is always a risk of damage to the metal from which the spring is made. Therefore, it is advisable to buy and install the spring initially with the recommended size.

If the right or left spring fails on one axle of the vehicle, the second spring must also be changed. Moreover, this must be done regardless of the state of the second spring.

Some drivers install rubber spacers between the coils of the spring. under no circumstances should this be done! If the spring has sagged a lot, then such an insert will no longer save it, but will only worsen the controllability of the car. This is especially dangerous when driving at high speed!

In general, diagnosing the degree of wear of shock absorber springs is a rather complicated procedure. Accordingly, in a garage or parking lot, a breakdown can only be determined at the level of an assumption, namely, if the spring is already clearly ringing, and the car is called “skewed”.

As for restoring worn and/or damaged suspension springs, this is a pointless procedure from the start. also many years ago, the same Volga Automobile Plant tried to perform such procedures, however, based on the tests carried out, the experts came to the conclusion that restoration was impractical for two reasons. The first is the complexity and high cost of the procedure. The second is the low resource of the restored spring. Therefore, when an old node fails, it must be replaced with a known new one.

Hack and predictor Aviator

The answer to the question of which springs to choose depends on many factors. Among them are the size, stiffness class, manufacturer, geometric shape. Ideally, you should follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer. It is always necessary to buy and change springs in pairs, otherwise there is always a risk of re-replacement and a change in the driving characteristics of the car. As for manufacturers, it is best to make a choice based on reviews and the price-quality ratio of these parts. What springs do you use? Share this information in the comments.

Which springs are best