304 cab front coil springs knocking

[Dave45]

Anyone come across this problem? Springs are loose and banging when going over bumps. Does anyone know the minimum spring height? Are there any springs that can substitute the originals as I guess there are no genuine ones left for less than £1000.

[oldpug]

Hi Dave, Something is not right? either they are the wrong springs or something is missing.You should not be able to move a spring,even with the strut off the car its all tensioned up. 1st,are these springs the original ones? 2nd,are you sure the top mounts are assembled correctly and nothing was left out? 3rd are the shocker inserts the correct ones? if the moving shaft is to long?

All I can find is this crap photo of the strut/spring/mount. I expect you already have a full workshop manual with a full description page.



Have you spoken to Dean H to see if he has any old springs to measure?

[Dave45]

Hi mike! Yes everything is built up correctly. When the car is jacked up the spring can be moved. I think they are just worn and compressed. I think that's the cause of the noise. Either that or the shockers are worn.

Found a company in Rotherham that re-tempers springs. May have a word!

It drives great but when I hit pot hole I get a hell of a heavy rattle. No play in anything though and it did make the same noise prior to the rebuild.

[Dave45]

The shockers are the wet type with no insert. Apparently inserts are only for post 77 304s.

Any truth in that?

[colliwobble]

Hi Dave
I think it has got the wrong Shockers or the springs are worn is it the same on both sides! I have completely overhauled mine and I do have some spare springs, perhaps if you measure them we could compare notes I am happy to let you have mine if you like.
All the best
Chris

[Dave45]

Cheers Chris! I'll measure the spring length first and be in touch to do some comparing. I'll do some shopping for some inserts. Think there are a few on eBay.

Thanks chaps!