Springs installed wrong

JasonR · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 05:21 PM

Hey Guys,

Well I just had my car lowered finally. Well, today I see that the car has dropped nicely. Looks really good except for the front left which looks a little higher than the others. So I'm looking at the springs while the car is parked and it looks like the spring coil is kinda halfway off the shock and the lettering of Intrax is upside down. I got really freaked out and am now thinking that that one spring was installed upside down. I am going to get it checked out ASAP. In the mean time, is it ok to drive or should i just garage the car until I get it checked out.

PLEASE HELP guys,

Thanks,
JasonR 528i

Alan · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 07:12 PM

Having the spring upside down doesn't matter unless it does not rest properly on the spring perches. Progressive springs compress at the "weaker" end first regardless of which way they are installed. This was discussed on the E34 board at Bimmernut.com about a year ago.

That being said, it sounds like the spring is off the perch, so take em back and see what the shop says.

When you say front left, do you mean drivers or passengers? Some say the front drivers rides just a touch higher than the passengers since you usually only drive with one person in the car. This way the car rides close to level with one person. I don't 100% buy that idea though...