Replace the rear shocks or not?

[Rob77]

My car needs new springs, all round, for its MOT. I'm looking at getting the original spec type units from somewhere like Euro Car Parts, at a cost of £20 - 25 per spring (plus VAT).

Does anyone have any comments on whether I should think about paying extra for a better make of spring?

Secondly, I have a brand new spare pair of Bilstein rear shocks. I don't see a lot wrong with the old units but would you replace the rear shocks at the same time as the springs to avoid doing the job twice later or just hold onto the spares (I got them cheap)?

I do like a nice handling car but don't want to spend more than I have to

 

[nickmann]

You don't say that you have "special requirements", so I'd go for the standard springs. If you like to carry baby elephants, tow heavy trailers, or do trackdays then perhaps not.

You've already got the shocks. They are more use to you on the car than in your shed. You're going under the car anyway.

I say go for it. If you want to save money then don't replace the front ones.

 

[Rob77]

Most of my driving is motorway but I do a fair bit of fast A road driving too and don't like pitch and roll too much. The car isn't very fast and so track day stuff isn't in the picture although I prefer to slow down as little as possible on the bends. Seldom carry much more than just me either and never tow.

Yep, I think I'll go with the standard springs and get the garage to shove on the new rear shocks while they're at it, unless they think the cost will be prohibitive (which I doubt).

Thanks for that.

 

[Dieselman]

If the cost is prohibitive then find another garage. The shocks will take about ten minutes to fit...err one nut on the top, one bolt at the bottom, remove. Refit is reversal of removal.