Replacing rear and front suspension springs (Chevrolet Orlando 1)

The car's front and rear suspensions are equipped with coil springs. With prolonged use of the car, the springs lose their original rigidity and sag. If fatigue stress accumulates in the metal, the spring may break. Often part of the lower turn or the entire turn breaks off. Less often, the spring breaks in the middle. This must be taken into account when checking the condition of the springs. Sometimes, due to accumulated dirt, a crack may not be detected. A broken spring does not always reveal itself with a knock if part of the coil is broken. The adjacent turn may press the broken piece tightly. Springs are divided into groups according to their rigidity. Each group of springs is marked with paint of a certain color, which is applied to the coils.

Warning! Only springs of the same stiffness should be installed on one axle of the vehicle (with marks of the same color).

The rear suspension springs rest on rubber cushions. They reduce the transmission of vibrations to the body. Over time, the cushions can lose elasticity, crack, and swell if oil or gasoline gets on them.

Replacing the front suspension springs

The front suspension of the car is of the MacPherson type. The peculiarity of this design is that the front springs are structurally made on the shock absorber strut of the front suspension. Therefore, to replace the spring, it is necessary to remove the front suspension shock absorber assembly from the car and disassemble it using a special tool. The need to perform work can be determined during the technical condition check of the front suspension.

Warning: Springs must be replaced in pairs, even if only one is faulty.

Replacing rear suspension springs

We replace the springs if the technical condition check of the rear suspension reveals a fault in one or both springs.

Warning: Springs must be replaced in pairs, even if only one is faulty.

To complete the work you will need a jack and two stands.

We carry out the work in the following order.

1. We prepare the car for maintenance and repair.

2. We hang the rear part of the car on stands and remove the rear wheels.

Warning: Make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are securely blocked from moving.

We install a jack under the transverse arm of the rear suspension beam and disconnect the lower shock absorber mount.

3. Gently lower the jack until the spring is completely weakened.

4. Remove the spring, if necessary, pressing the transverse arm of the beam down with a crowbar.



5. Remove the upper and lower rubber spring cushions. If the cushions are badly worn, damaged or deformed, we replace them.



6. Check the condition of the upper and lower spring support cups, clean them from dirt and rust.

7. Install the parts in reverse order.

8. Similarly, replace the spring on the opposite side.