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Panda 2012+ !.3 MJ 4x4 front coil springs advice

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Panda 2012+ !.3 MJ 4x4 front coil springs advice

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Clemmie

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Jan 10, 2021
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Hello! Apologies if I'm doing this wrong, first time I've ever posted on this or any forum.
I have recently bought a 2013 1.3l mj 4x4 Panda and I have just discovered that I have a broken coil spring on the front nearside. Two questions please:
Are the 4x4 springs different to the standard Panda and
What are the best replacement springs to use and where can I buy them?
I'm a bit worried about ending up with something substandard as my little car is going to be dealing with a fair bit of regular rough track driving and deep snow etc.
Much surfing on the internet is giving me conflicting info, and I am a bit at my wits' end!!
Took advice from Fiatforum and bought rear shocks from parts4cars but can't see springs on their site.
Any advice on this subject greatly appreciated.
 
Clemmie said:
Hello!
I have recently bought a 2013 1.3l mj 4x4 Panda and I have just discovered that I have a broken coil spring on the front nearside. ÇTwo questions please:
Are the 4x4 springs different to the standard Panda and
What are the best replacement springs to use and where can I buy them?
I'm a bit worried about ending up with something substandard as my little car is going to be dealing with a fair bit of regular rough track driving and deep snow etc.
Much surfing on the internet is giving me conflicting info, and I am a bit at my wits' end!!
Took advice from Fiatforum and bought rear shocks from parts4cars but can't see springs on their site.
Any advice on this subject greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome :)

I bought my front suspension from
Shop4parts an Italian car specialist in Northern England

Good quality parts..and the forum discount should cover the postage :)

Maybe worth contemplating dampers and the upper bearings while it is apart.. do both sides as 'a pair'

Charlie
 
Yes, the 4x4 springs are different to the other Pandas - they are longer and it’s this that gives the higher ground clearance. I believe they are different between TwinAir (petrol) and MJ (diesel) versions of the 4x4 too (owing to weight differences) - but may be wrong there.

Shop4Parts.co.uk is a very good starting point for parts that you know will fit -- but they don't list the springs!

Fiat Part number for front springs for 4x4 Panda with diesel engine is 51 939 621 (and I believe for the TwinAir is is 51 939 065 but this is not definite)

Since the shock absorbers/front struts need to removed to replace a spring, maybe replace them too. Note: (as mentioned above) you must change both sides at the same time. Also the ‘drop links’ that connect suspension to the anti roll bar may need doing (relatively cheap, and if the cars seen enough of a jolt to break a spring, then the near-sacrificial drop links likely not in best health either).
 
Last edited:
varesecrazy said:
Hi and welcome :)

I bought my front suspension from
Shop4parts an Italian car specialist in Northern England

Good quality parts..and the forum discount should cover the postage :)

Maybe worth contemplating dampers and the upper bearings while it is apart.. do both sides as 'a pair'

Charlie
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for replying and for your advice. I did speak to shop4parts about springs, which they are happy to supply but unfortunately there is a 10 day delay on them arriving with shop4parts. I'm needing to get the car sorted fairly quickly and have now managed to get Kilen springs from Arnold Clark (Fiat dealer). Just picked them up today. They are the only make that Arnold Clark will fit other than genuine Fiat springs, so the parts guy said. Will attempt the job tomorrow! Thanks again for your helpful advice.
 
Herts Hillhopper said:
Yes, the 4x4 springs are different to the other Pandas - they are longer and it’s this that gives the higher ground clearance. I believe they are different between TwinAir (petrol) and MJ (diesel) versions of the 4x4 too (owing to weight differences) - but may be wrong there.

Shop4Parts.co.uk is a very good starting point for parts that you know will fit -- but they don't list the springs!

Fiat Part number for front springs for 4x4 Panda with diesel engine is 51 939 621 (and I believe for the TwinAir is is 51 939 065 but this is not definite)

Since the shock absorbers/front struts need to removed to replace a spring, maybe replace them too. Note: (as mentioned above) you must change both sides at the same time. Also the ‘drop links’ that connect suspension to the anti roll bar may need doing (relatively cheap, and if the cars seen enough of a jolt to break a spring, then the near-sacrificial drop links likely not in best health either).
Click to expand...
Hello and thank you for your really helpful reply and for clarifying the different springs. Did speak to shop4parts about it, but there is a 10 day delay on import for these springs and we are keen to get the car back on the road asap - lots of deep snow and I want to have some fun!! We have managed to source Kilen springs from Arnold Clark (Fiat main dealer) and have collected them this morning. Their parts guy said that Kilen are the only springs they will fit other then genuine Fiat parts.
Wil tackle the job tomorrow and will certainly look at the other components.
Thanks again, much appreciated.
 
Clemmie said:
Hello and thank you for your really helpful reply and for clarifying the different springs. ...we are keen to get the car back on the road asap - lots of deep snow and I want to have some fun!!
Click to expand...

Of course, what you meant to say is that 'there is deep snow forecast but you still have some 'essential journeys' to make :)
 
It seems I have the same problem, Officer, as lots of Panda 4x4 drivers.. I dare not venture out, (obviously only when allowed, Officer) to do a long and completely essential journey, unless I am absolutely certain the car is in 100% roadworthy condition. I thought therefore, Most Understanding Officer, that if I were to check, the efficacy of the car's four wheeldrive system, NOW,whilst there is very very little traffic about, and the snow is quite thick, that it would be ready should it be necessary to do that long and essential journey I mentioned before, (OK Officer, Extremely Understanding , Intelligent Officer, just come and sit in the warm car for a moment) whilst I explain exactly what I mean., You say I have explained what I mean, and that I'd better (WHAT was that word ! ) off home before you pinch me. OK most Kind Officer,I'll do just that, and I am very sorry your nice new patrol car is stuck in that drift. Are you sure I can't give you a tow, OOHh Dear Officer that was not a nice expression,I'll just leave you to it then. Bye
 
Herts Hillhopper said:
Of course, what you meant to say is that 'there is deep snow forecast but you still have some 'essential journeys' to make :)
Click to expand...
Actually, what I really meant was "there is heavy snow forecast and I want to have some fun on my way to work" Said heavy snow did indeed arrive, but have not yet had a chance to fit the springs so had to have fun on my way to work in the snow in my non-Panda. is it forum etiquette to mention that it's a Subaru Forester?
 
Motorcyclist Colin said:
It seems I have the same problem, Officer, as lots of Panda 4x4 drivers.. I dare not venture out, (obviously only when allowed, Officer) to do a long and completely essential journey, unless I am absolutely certain the car is in 100% roadworthy condition. I thought therefore, Most Understanding Officer, that if I were to check, the efficacy of the car's four wheeldrive system, NOW,whilst there is very very little traffic about, and the snow is quite thick, that it would be ready should it be necessary to do that long and essential journey I mentioned before, (OK Officer, Extremely Understanding , Intelligent Officer, just come and sit in the warm car for a moment) whilst I explain exactly what I mean., You say I have explained what I mean, and that I'd better (WHAT was that word ! ) off home before you pinch me. OK most Kind Officer,I'll do just that, and I am very sorry your nice new patrol car is stuck in that drift. Are you sure I can't give you a tow, OOHh Dear Officer that was not a nice expression,I'll just leave you to it then. Bye
Click to expand...

Sorry folks but you're all just over thinking this one; an eyesight "check" is all that's required.

What short memories we all have?!
 
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