I just recently had some brake work done... I had Monroe replaced a few seals that were leaking on the brakes and re-pad the drums... when all was done, the mechanics told me that I have broken front springs and were very enthusiastic about a 300 dollar front brake job that I politely turned down... so after a $530 estimate I decided to let the diagnosed problems go for a little bit.

I jacked the car up after I got it home and looked at the springs and from the half that was showing they looked fully functional. SO, would I hear squeaking (which I do) or experience a significantly worse ride if in fact my front springs are broken?

And, is it really that hard to replace springs? I know with struts you need a spring compressor, so is it the same case for shocks and springs?

 

without looking, i think ms cleo could tell you.

 

If you can't see the problem, I don't see how a mechanic could see the broken spring. Doubtful you broke both at the same time and if one breaks it will sag on that side. He is either trying to screw you out of some money or the front springs are sagging a little bit and he saw a quick way to make some money. The front suspension is a strut type suspension(you have struts)--but it's not the usual FWD strut set-up. Usually don't need a compressor to remove the springs if you are carefull.

 

I'm thinking one spring may be broken... I lifted the right side mostly to turn that wheel and make sure the caliper that they said didn't work actually worked... and it did. It got stuck a couple times though, so I should probably replace it some day... I didn't look at the other side, but it's a PITA in this weather to jack up the car and get under it. The left side seems to squeek when I hit bumps... guess I should look at that side.

Perfect opportunity for slappin on the WS6 Springs