Technical Uno mk2 Ride height issue with new springs

[punto-paul]

Has anyone had problems with new coil springs for there Uno? I bought some KYB springs as I had to replace the shock absorbers on my mk2 Uno.

Figured it made sense to change these at the same time, unfortunately the car is gack from the garage an now way too high at the front. And too low in the rear, it's like someone has dumped an old engine in the boot? I double checked and they are the right way round, and no fronts fitted to the back or anything crazy.

I think they're genuinely made wrong, as had exactly the same issue with Lesjofors springs before. Had to buy 35mm lowered springs for that in the end, just to get it right!

But I don't want to lower this car, it's 38,000 miles from new and want to keep it stock.

So any advice if anyone has had this issue, or knows what the hell is going on I'd be most greatful!

 

[punto-paul]

Before the new springs




After new springs ?

 

[portland_bill]

Petrol car with diesel springs?

 

[punto-paul]

That's what I'm thinking, KYB seem to list the same springs across all models. Be it petrol or diesel, which in retrospect I find a bit odd!

I'll check on the Fiat ePer parts catalogue, and see if Fiat list a different spring part number for the diesel models. I assume the Uno turbo would also be different, probably a stiffer spring for a more sporty ride.

I've emailed the company last night, and they've sent me measurements for them today. Which I'll compare to the original, they said they've sold lots over the years with no problems.

But a first time for everything, and I had the same issue on my mk1 Uno as I mentioned with Lesjofors springs. And they agreed there was a fault, and sent me the lowered springs instead. So who knows where this is going to go, with any luck they're just boxed wrong or something!

Apparently the new springs are stamped with the part number, so hopefully I can see those with them fitted on the car!

Anyway I'll keep you all posted, wish me luck.

.

 

[Louie Bee]

Or possibley Turbo springs. Remember checking the Jmex springs and shocks I had fitted were suitable for a fire engine as it's much lighter.

Nice Uno BTW Paul

 

[jackwhoo]

How about painting the original genuine fiat springs and refitting them as they were only removed due to changing the shocks?

 

[punto-paul]

How about painting the original genuine fiat springs and refitting them as they were only removed due to changing the shocks?

Thats exactly what I've had to do now, I've sent them to a local powder coaters today. Meant to take a before photo, but never mind. Figured the original springs would last a bit better that way, rather than just a quick wire brush and some black paint. Plus as I've had a new front subframe, shocks and stuff. May as well get it looking as good as I can only thing I need to do is get some rubber tubing. To replace the bit that goes over the bottom, of the lower coil of the rear springs. Its just for protection more than anything else, but Fiat put it there for a reason I guess!

 

[punto-paul]

I suspect the rear springs are probably for a Uno turbo, as they measure 19 mm shorter than the ones that came off my car! Even though KYB, list them with the correct Fiat part number for my car. Go figure!

But cheers its pretty tidy, an I've not seen another in this colour for a long time. I'm only the second owner, an its been a labour of love to get this Uno back on the road. I've had it a few years now, although It'll be up for sale eventually. As I'm trying to get all my old car projects, fixed up an sold as have way too many!

 

[punto-paul]

Petrol car with diesel springs?

My brother thought the same when I mentioned it, turns out although the front springs are listed for my car. The Fiat part number they qoute, isn't the correct Fiat part number for my car. As that part number is for the 1.3 diesel sold in Europe, and the Unos sold in South America

Which makes sense as a diesel engine would be heavier, an need longer springs. And the roads in South America are pretty rough, so cars need the extra ground clearance.

Oddly enough as I already mentioned in another comment, the rear springs are shorter than what they are meant to be. They qoute the right Fiat part number for my car, but no way they are right being nearly 20mm shorter than the original parts!

I sent all this info to KYB, and they sent a very polite email back. Thanking me for the detailed information, an that specifications can vary from o.e etc...

They're going to review the info, an make changes to there catalogue apparently. However looking onine a lot of various brands of springs, for mk1 an mk2 Unos have the same incorrect dimensions. Fiat part references, and models of Uno that they are suitable for.

So in case anyone is unsure, ask the supplier for the dimensions of the springs before purchase. An save any :bang: later! TRW list the closest size for the rear, and a brand I've not heard of called Suplex for the front.

I've included the dimensions off my old ones, in case they are of use! However these would only be good for the 903cc Uno45 / Formula, the 999cc 45, 45s, 1.0 i.E & the 1108cc 60s / 1.1 i.E fire engine models.

Front springs 305 mm x 140 mm ( Fiat part : 7595532 )
Rear springs 245 mm x 140 mm ( Fiat part : 7601255 )

The 1.4 i.e, 1.7 diesel, 1116cc models, and 1.4 Turbo list different part numbers. As does the 994 cc sold in Brazil, and the 1.3 diesel sold in Europe.

 

[portland_bill]

Original manufacturers will often specify a lot of different springs for different models. Aftermarket manufacturers will tend to rationalise these where possible, sometimes well, sometimes not so well.
As models get more scarce, the number of manufacturers reduce, and rationalisation happens. Instead of making them, all the suppliers buy from each other, so there may now only be one actual source. Quite possibly the range has reduced to the most popular, without anyone paying attention. So you get diesel front springs, as they get the hardest life, and turbo rear springs, for the same reason. Finding a full car set may be a challenge.
In the UK there are still a few spring manufacturers, that can make any spring you want. The spring rate of course is determined by the wire used, diameter and flexibility. There are probably a few in other countries, but may be quite expensive for a one-off.

 

[punto-paul]

Cheers,

I get the same impression. That the majority of the suppliers, are all buying from one source.

So I'll keep my eyes peeled for any old genuine Fiat stock I come across, or any brands that list the correct sized ones. Although as said, it'll probably prove a challenge now.

That's a good point about custom made springs, I still have the old ones from my mk1 Uno.

Well 3 anyway as one rear springs was broken! I'll look into it and see about getting a set. Or a few sets made if more cost effective, since I would like to return that car to stock height eventually.