Freelander with two Broken Springs
Freelander with two Broken Springs
Freelander with two Broken Springs
Broken Coil Springs on a Land Rover Freelander – Causes & a Bit of History
We had a Land Rover Freelander roll into the workshop here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax this week with a fairly common issue – two broken coil springs. It’s not unusual these days, especially with the state of our roads, but it’s always a job that needs doing quickly to keep the vehicle safe.
Once we’d diagnosed both front springs as broken, we fitted new quality replacements, checked everything over, and soon had the customer back on the road. Jobs like this remind us just how important your suspension is – not just for comfort but for safety too.
Why Do Springs Break? Freelander with two Broken Springs
Coil springs are tough bits of kit, but they do have a hard life. They’re under constant tension, holding the weight of the car and taking the impact every time you hit a bump or pothole. Over time, that takes its toll.
Here are the main reasons we see springs fail:
1. Road Conditions
Our Yorkshire roads are a big culprit. Potholes, speed bumps, and general uneven surfaces put the springs under a lot of stress. A sharp hit can even snap a spring instantly.
2. Rust and Corrosion
Water, grit, and road salt eat away at the protective coating on the springs. Once rust sets in, it weakens the metal and eventually causes it to fracture. We see this more in winter and early spring when the salt from gritting is still around.
3. Age and Wear
Like most car parts, springs just wear out over time. If you’re driving a vehicle that has travelled over 70–80,000 miles, it’s important to listen out for unusual noises or a decrease in ride height, as these could be early indications that a spring is nearing its end.
4. Overloading
Freelanders are popular with dog owners, caravaners, and folk who like to use them for proper work. Carrying heavy loads or towing regularly adds extra strain on the suspension, which can shorten the life of the springs.
The Importance of Replacing Broken Springs – Freelander with two Broken Springs
Driving with a broken spring is never a good idea. It can throw your wheel alignment out, cause uneven tyre wear, and make the car handle unpredictably. Worst of all, a broken spring can damage your tyres if the sharp end rubs against them – we’ve seen this happen, and it’s dangerous.
Whenever we replace springs, we always recommend doing them in pairs (left and right on the same axle) to keep the car sitting level and handling properly – which is exactly what we did for this Freelander owner.
A Little Bit of Freelander History- Freelander with two Broken Springs
The Land Rover Freelander first hit British roads back in 1997 and was a real game changer for Land Rover. It was their first proper compact SUV, aimed at drivers who wanted Land Rover capability but in a smaller, more city-friendly package.
The early Mk1 Freelander became a familiar sight across Yorkshire. Farmers loved them because they were cheaper to run than a Discovery but still had off-road ability, and plenty of families bought them as a practical, go-anywhere car for school runs and weekend trips.
In 2006, the Mk2 Freelander came along with better engines, improved safety, and a more modern look. It stayed in production until 2014, when Land Rover replaced it with the Discovery Sport.
Even now, you still see plenty of Freelanders about – a sure sign of how popular and well-loved they’ve been here in the UK.
Keeping Your Suspension in Top Shape
If you notice any of the following, it’s worth popping into Pellon Tyres for a check:
Clunking or knocking noises over bumps
Car sitting lower on one side
Uneven tyre wear
Poor handling or pulling to one side
A quick inspection can catch a weak spring before it actually snaps. It’s cheaper and safer to sort early.
At Pellon Tyres, we always use quality replacement parts, so you know the job’s done right. Whether it’s a Freelander, a VW Polo, or anything else, we’ll get you back on the road safely and without fuss.
If you think your car might have a suspension problem, give us a call or book online – we’re here to keep Halifax drivers rolling safely through winter and beyond.