Sorry to be back on the well-worn topic of springs, but I thought this info might be useful. Need to start by mentioning that I coat all my suspension components (including the springs) with black Waxoyl annually. Been doing this for years - long before the spring crisis broke.
Anyway, having read all the dire warnings about corrosion, I thought I'd better change my springs. Got a set of Lesjofors (front and rear) and decided to fit KONI Sport dampers at the same time.
The job wasn't straightforward (what job on a car ever is?) thanks to one of the bolts holding the front strut being seized solid in the lower casting. I would also support Deck's advice on having your front springs compressed at a local garage. Tried to do this myself, but the Stilo springs are so long, for me it proved impossible. Even the garage struggled - it took them two hours! However got there in the end. So what did I find?
First disappointment was the Lesjofors springs. Front ones were OK, but the rears were at least 2" longer than the FIAT springs. Even after settling, the rear of the car looked like a 4x4! In the end I swapped back the original springs (you'll see why I could below).
When I examined all four springs I had removed, I could find absolutely no evidence of corrosion whatsoever - not a single blemish. Three cheers for Waxoyl I say!
Best result though, was the KONIs. They are sooo good! I am delighted with what they have done for the ride and handling of the car. Previously the ride was really 'wallowy', inspiring no confidence. Now the car feels taut, corners flatter, yet still has an excellent ride quality - thoroughly recommended.
Thanks to the guys who wrote the Guides that proved invaluable when doing this job!
Anyway, having read all the dire warnings about corrosion, I thought I'd better change my springs. Got a set of Lesjofors (front and rear) and decided to fit KONI Sport dampers at the same time.
The job wasn't straightforward (what job on a car ever is?) thanks to one of the bolts holding the front strut being seized solid in the lower casting. I would also support Deck's advice on having your front springs compressed at a local garage. Tried to do this myself, but the Stilo springs are so long, for me it proved impossible. Even the garage struggled - it took them two hours! However got there in the end. So what did I find?
First disappointment was the Lesjofors springs. Front ones were OK, but the rears were at least 2" longer than the FIAT springs. Even after settling, the rear of the car looked like a 4x4! In the end I swapped back the original springs (you'll see why I could below).
When I examined all four springs I had removed, I could find absolutely no evidence of corrosion whatsoever - not a single blemish. Three cheers for Waxoyl I say!
Best result though, was the KONIs. They are sooo good! I am delighted with what they have done for the ride and handling of the car. Previously the ride was really 'wallowy', inspiring no confidence. Now the car feels taut, corners flatter, yet still has an excellent ride quality - thoroughly recommended.
Thanks to the guys who wrote the Guides that proved invaluable when doing this job!
