Ways to restore the elasticity of sagging car springs
Content
A noticeably sagging suspension in most cases requires the installation of new parts. In this case, it is desirable to purchase a part assembled with a rack, which, most likely, is in an unsatisfactory condition.
Restoring car suspension springs is a procedure that many owners of “aged” cars go through. You can do this yourself or by contacting a service center.
How to raise sagging car springs
The problem is most often detected by accident - by loading the car a little more than usual, the driver discovers that the springs have sagged and are not able to withstand the load. The best way to eliminate the defect is to purchase new spring mechanisms.
Installing new springs
A noticeably sagging suspension in most cases requires the installation of new parts. In this case, it is desirable to purchase a part assembled with a rack, which, most likely, is in an unsatisfactory condition.
To reduce the cost of repairs, some car owners buy and install spacers that raise the body to a small height. This option involves an incomplete solution to the problem - the suspension travel decreases, which negatively affects the passage of road surface irregularities. When replacing a part with a new one, it is recommended to purchase a spring in accordance with the catalog number so that the suspension works in its normal mode. When selecting rear suspension parts, you need to take into account the type of car body - station wagon springs will not fit a hatchback.
Replacement alternative
"Direct" hands and the availability of special equipment will help to avoid an expensive purchase - there are ways to restore spring elements. The problem can be solved in several ways - install air springs that pump air and lift the sagging body. The car owner can increase the diameter of the wheels by installing rims of a different size or replacing rubber with a higher option.
Thermomechanical method
The essence of the method lies in the name. You will need a vise to use it.
Replacing the front shock absorbers
Step-by-step instruction:
- The master compresses the vise until the turns touch each other.
- After that, a voltage is applied to the spring in the range from 200 to 400 amperes for 20-25 seconds. During this time, the coils will heat up to temperatures above 800 degrees. You can check the heating by evaluating the color of the metal - the red color will indicate the desired temperature.
- Upon reaching 800-850 degrees, the current supply is removed and the links begin to slowly stretch.
- After they are completely straightened, the ends of the turns are fixed and stretched with force for another third of the length.
- After keeping the part in the straightened state for 30 seconds, it is placed in a bath of chilled oil, which provides instant hardening of the steel.
Electrochemical method
It is possible to restore springs in this way, having a lathe in the garage. You will also need an electrical installation that supplies current at high voltage.
Schedule:
- The process begins with installing the spring in the mandrel and fixing it in the chuck.
- Then a rack and rollers are installed on the frame, moving in two directions.
- After that, a power plant is connected that supplies current.
- The mandrel is slowly compressed, changing the size of the spring.
- Places that have been treated are cooled with a hardening liquid (oil).
Experts note that restored shock-absorbing elements are inferior to new ones in terms of reliability and durability, therefore, if there is free money, they recommend purchasing another part.
