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Old 18 Apr 2009, 19:29 (Ref:2444014)   #10
phoenix
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phoenix should be qualifying in the top 5 on the gridphoenix should be qualifying in the top 5 on the grid
It is very rare for standard springs to fail/weaken during the expected life of the car subjected to normal road use. It is simple maths (for a manufacturer or spring specialist manufacturer) to specify a spring so that it is not 'stressed' - i.e. the combination of the material used, the gauge of the 'wire' and the distortion it will be put through can be selected to ensure the spring will have a very long life indeed. Think about valve springs - they have a FAR harder life than road springs, and unless they are over-stressed by modifications - such as high lift cams or larger , heavier valves - they will go on, and on, and on, and on....... (especially in a diesel!)

After market (road) springs are a different matter; I have had springs made that are close to being over-stressed - because my requirements could not be manufactured with better margins. But I therefore expect to replace them after a period of time.

Unlike springs, dampers often fail after a much shorter life. They have parts that wear, corode and generally deteriorate over time, so are far more likely to be the culprit in your case. However, other components like rubber suspension bushes could also be involved as they, too, weaken and finally fail over time.
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