Broken Ducato front spring

[ChrisInNotts]

Blimy that was scary! I had just stood in the front cab when there was an almighty bang and the front right dropped by several inches. A quick inspection revealed that the coil spring had snapped in two. Whilst p***d off it broke, I am also relieved it happened on the drive. So much for our trip out tomorrow!

2006 2.3 JTD Hymer B544 on Ducato 244 platform. Can anyone advise if they use standard Ducato coil springs? I'm guessing I had better change the dampers as well while at it as they are original Any tips from anyone that has done the job would be appreciated. Before anyone says anything, I have a friend with decent spring compressors as I'm pretty sure my car ones would not cope.

Thanks!

Keith

 

[Scotia]

You must have gained a lot of weight during lockdown.

 

[st3v3]

A spring breaking is not necessarily cause to change the damper. I'm assuming it's broken after one or two coils? The spring cup usually wears off the coating, it rusts and fails.

 

[ChrisInNotts]

Looks to have broken well down from the cup. Possibly even half way down the spring. From what I can see, the break looks very clean and the spring is not rusty so maybe poor tempering?

The dampers are now nearly 15 years old so surely worth a change?

Keith

 

[colinm]

If it was me I'd be looking at replacing both front struts, about £200?

 

[SimonM]

One spring breaks means change both. They’re both the same age and had the same treatment over the years.

 

[vanmandan]

please excuse my poor taste at what must be a distressing time,
but a certain F.I.A.T. acronym springs to mind.

 

[molly 2]

The main reason for coil spring breaking is the state of our roads

 

[argoose]

please excuse my poor taste at what must be a distressing time,
but a certain F.I.A.T. acronym springs to mind.

But 14 years of service isn't bad. I have a ducato, 2005, starts and drives fine, even after sitting for weeks at a time.

 

[mfw]

You can get standard or heavy duty springs for a lot of vehicles and even shorter ones if you want a drop down front so make sure you get exactly the ones you want

 

[wints]

Similar happened to me...parked up on a campsite in Spain, big bang, then front drivers side dropped a couple of inches. Local garage came and removed the suspension strut...mechanic took it off to the garage, new HD spring, then all replaced. This took over a week, good job we were in no rush.
Got back home, then got my usual garage (of over 30 years use) to replace both springs.. for less than half the cost of the one replaced in Spain! So, i've got one HD spring spare...only done about a thousand miles!

regards

Allen

 

[ChrisInNotts]

Fortunately I have a mate with a proper spring compressor as my car ones would have been useless. Made the job easy once the strut was out. Not too bad a job in the end though having an extra pair of hands pulling the strut out was a must.

Interestingly, once I measured the spring (diameter and number of coils) and compared to the specs in the Ducato manual it turns out that this is a standard spring (1500kg payload) rather than the heavier duty one (1800 kg payload). I'm glad I checked as had a put heavier springs on then it could have made the ride harsh. It sat well on its wheels before and I have decided to reuse the dampers (they are in excellent condition) so its important I have the same springs as currently fitted. That info might help someone else out hopefully.

ST3V3 was right. The spring snapped at its first coil where it sat on the top cup. There was a tiny bit of corrosion into the spring but it was enough to cause it to snap.

Keith

 

[QFour]

Looks like a simple job with the right kit.

 

[witzend]

If it was me I'd be looking at replacing both front struts, about £200?

One spring breaks means change both. They’re both the same age and had the same treatment over the years.

Whether good idea or not There aren't many who have to pay for it go for that in my experience

 

[ChrisInNotts]

Looks like a simple job with the right kit.

Yes, quite straightforward though access to the top of the struts is tight even with the lower dash panels removed. Also, be careful to not let the free hub drop forwards and strain the driveshaft when strut unbolted. There is massive tension on those springs and it doesn't bear thinking about if one of them broke free under tension so a decent compressor recommended. A much easier job then doing the rear springs

Keith

 

[Drover]

I know this was a while back but I dont suppose anyone has the size /dimensions of the heavy duty fiat x250 spring.
My fiat is the lightweight chassis plated at 3650kgs but downrated to 3500kgs and I'm thinking of upping it to 4000kgs,
It needs air on rear with higher rate tyre (rear) and hd front springs.

 

[mistericeman]

I'd leave the struts unless any signs of leakage/bad rust etc....

But yes deff change both...

Berlingos were so prone to it (usually taking the front tyre out at same time)

That Citroen made latter ones with a little plastic cup to keep the broken end to stop tyre damage.

 

[rugbyken]

on the hymer owners facebook group they recommend replacing the springs with heavy duty ones to raise the famous hymer drooping nose

 

[xsilvergs]

Why do people object to changing the strut/damper? Yes it looks ok from the outside but then so does your engine and I doubt many owners go 15 years between engine oil changes!

 

[liz]

Blimy that was scary! I had just stood in the front cab when there was an almighty bang and the front right dropped by several inches. A quick inspection revealed that the coil spring had snapped in two. Whilst p***d off it broke, I am also relieved it happened on the drive. So much for our trip out tomorrow!

2006 2.3 JTD Hymer B544 on Ducato 244 platform. Can anyone advise if they use standard Ducato coil springs? I'm guessing I had better change the dampers as well while at it as they are original Any tips from anyone that has done the job would be appreciated. Before anyone says anything, I have a friend with decent spring compressors as I'm pretty sure my car ones would not cope.

Thanks!

Keith

We are at present in Barnard Castle, same has happened to us our MH is not 1 year old yet ,dealership not interested and on the phone yesterday for nearly 2 hrs .MH still under warranty .Booked in at earliest they can 31st Aug .So annoyed