Anyone ever had a snapped front spring

[soc]

one snapped on the TT last week while mechanic was driving it to his place for a service (luck would have it that the springs were being changed as part of the service anyway) - he was pretty suprised - anyone else ever seen anything similar on any of the cars they've owned?

[Muad_dib77]

Had a track rod snap clean off once - but never a spring.. must have seen some serious stress or milage..

[johnny]

never heard of that! Cause is fatigue...repetitive stress on stress off until a crack propagates to its critical length which is around twice its thickness for spring material. Would have had to have had a lot of cycles of stress on stress off though...good few million...maybe previous owner used to rally down a pothole ridden lane everyday??? (Just as i thought an engineering degree is useless.....)

[Myfeckin FTO]

one snapped on the TT last week while mechanic was driving it to his place for a service (luck would have it that the springs were being changed as part of the service anyway) - he was pretty suprised - anyone else ever seen anything similar on any of the cars they've owned?

Its not unheard of to break a spring - though I would have thought they are fairly hard wearing - but it seems to be a bit of a co-incidence that you have driven the car for several thousand miles and had no problem with suspension and yet minutes after a mechanic drives the car the spring breaks???? Are you sure there wasn't a kerb involved in this spring break?

There is also the possibility that previous owner had cut the spring in an effort to lower the car - though I imagine its unlikely in the case of a TT (rather than a chaved up Corsa). This would have weakened the spring and could lead to premature failure. Or the spring may have been seated on the damper incorrectly - which would have been noticeable on the handling front.

So you putting OE springs back on or going for a lowered aftermarket version?

[soc]

I knew the TT's were prone to cracking rear springs so when I heard first (it happened while I was away) I instantly thought it was a rear spring. But on talking to my mechanic and finding out it was a front spring I was a bit suprised. He's a good guy, into his cars and probably no stranger to a good blast but as my car was on a space saver at the time I doubt he was tanking it and he's not the kind to do damage and not accept responsibility He was pretty suprised the spring snapped - apparently he heard the noise first when turning into his estate and then again when turning into his driveway.

The car is generally in excellent condition and the rest of the springs and all shocks are in good condition. I've since heard a few other UK owners have seen cracked front springs so I guess the TT is prone to this

The ironic part is that the car was taken for a check over and to get new Eibachs fitted anyway - how conincidental is that The Eibachs are 25mm lower and the ride is pretty much the same - made a big difference to turn in (much sharper) and looks much better too - not too in your face but subtle and stronger. I think I'll push the dealer for the cost though.... or would that be cheeky


I must get some photos up (before and after). Since the remap it's been a total blast to drive especially sling shotting out of corners

[Muad_dib77]

You don't ask - you don't get I'd ask!

Any pics of her in the lowered state?

[soc]

You don't ask - you don't get I'd ask!

I will....

Any pics of her in the lowered state?

Not yet but I will shortly