How to tell if springs are bad

[TomoHawk]

My 280Z siiits a little low in the back compared to the front. I did take the a/c pump off, but I don't think it would make the front come up an inch or so.

How would you know if the rear springs are bad or weak?

Could there be another reason the front is higher?

thx.

[gramercyjam]

With one of these

Not the answer you are looking for I'm sure. New gas shocks in the rear can help raise it up a little, as will new springs.

[Daniel]

Sounds like normal wear.Think about the motion of the car.Each gear makes the rear end squat.The front only squats that much during hard braking.The springs may have compressed a little.Shocks?Sure they also share in the squat.The springs are what really do the work.One euro term that I like is what we call shock absorbers,they call shock dampeners.That does seem more correct doesn't it?

[TomoHawk]

I haven't noticed any 'squat' during hard acceleration, but the back end seems a little more sensitive to bumps than the front (new shocks there.) I was planning on a set of those lowering springs, and new shocks in the back, which might fix things up right.

thx.

[Daniel]

Perhaps "squat "was misunderstood.A car under acceleration pushes the rear end down.If you replaced only the front......Nuf" said...Thats kinda like replacing the left brakes only and wonder why it pulls.

[ZmeFly]

you will get a sag in the car the only way to really test the springs is to do what gramercyjam posted.

someone else said new strust shocks will help. that isnt true, a strut shock does not hold up a car. it only helps the spring dampen itself.

shocks struts do nothing for lifting the vehicle. if that were true sinch i can compress a strut or shock i could hold up a car. see my point

[Dtsnlvrs]

The mount damper...comonly called a strut bearing...houses a steel sealed bearing in front. Since the damper is identical front to rear they had to put a rubber spacer in the rears....theese need to be replaced with a poly spacer or machined aluminum when you replace the rear strut inserts

[Chino 240Z]

Tom? Is that you from RRR forum? If so are you still involved with fast electrics? I haven't floated my boats since last year. When I got back into the Z thing I haven't had time for them and they are behind glass cases. Good to see ya with a Z.

If those are original springs, they may be getting tired. Reminds me of our old 67 & 68 Mustangs, they had springs that softened in time. So if ya don't mind the bumps look into a set of springs & shocks and get that Z LOW.

I once had a 72 Z that I put some rubber spacers in the springs to level the ride until I could afford a new setup.

Take it easy and I think I look up the RRR site again, haven't been there for awhile.

Later Craig

[gramercyjam]

New gas shocks will raise the rear end. If you push the piston in, does it stay? On gas shocks the answer is no, it will come right back up, with a lot of force. That is why they will contribute to the spring rate too. Of course, worn out shocks won't do this.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by Dtsnlvrs

The mount damper...comonly called a strut bearing...houses a steel sealed bearing in front. Since the damper is identical front to rear they had to put a rubber spacer in the rears....theese need to be replaced with a poly spacer or machined aluminum when you replace the rear strut inserts

Can anyone tell us where poly or aluminum spacers for this application can be obtained? (I have a 240Z)

[TomoHawk]

My car is at the dealer for a tune up, so maybe they have a way to test the springs .

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by TomoHawk

My car is at the dealer for a tune up, so maybe they have a way to test the springs .

They may have the spring tester (dealers usually don't, but ya never know), but it's gonna cost some significant bucks to have the springs removed from the car just for the test.