Rear spring broken

[CovKid]

62cm on mine and thats with 195/15/80 tyres on

[itchyfeet]

Thanks Gents

62cm are you sure? = 24.5 inches, a 195 15 80 is 27 inches in diameter without the flat bit?

I think I'm going to need to remove the good spring and measure it before buying.

[937carrera]

I think I'm going to need to remove the good spring and measure it before buying.

A couple of thoughts:

Do you need to remove the spring to get the length, or will you be able to measure in situ when jacked up ?

Are you not concerned that the other side might be getting into a similar condition. If you're going to the trouble of removing the other side then that'll make it even easier to decide to replace it with new, unless the pricing is ridiculous ?

[itchyfeet]

I think I'm going to need to remove the good spring and measure it before buying.

A couple of thoughts:

Do you need to remove the spring to get the length, or will you be able to measure in situ when jacked up ?

Are you not concerned that the other side might be getting into a similar condition. If you're going to the trouble of removing the other side then that'll make it even easier to decide to replace it with new, unless the pricing is ridiculous ?

I will replace both
need to remove shock to get it full length then it lifts out anyway

[multisi]

Higher ride height on my Caravelle too. Thats why my huge balloon tyres don't look out of place. I came to the conclusion that as it was sold as a people carrier, VW probably fitted slightly taller springs.

I thought the Caravelle was lower than van?

My camper is lower than my tin top van

Only the GL version of the caravelle had lower suspension (30mm ).

[Oldiebut goodie]

Mine is a GL - I presume that it is all standard still.

[937carrera]

I just fired up ETKA

Standard spring for '88 models is 251 511 105, should have 2 yellow paint marks.

Suffix A is for ambulance, suffix C for Caravelle, Joker, Dehler with two blue paint marks, suffix E for lowered suspension has one green paint mark

[multisi]

Its not just a letter change after the number, there are coil springs starting with 251, 253 and 255. VW have reproduction quality springs available but very expensive. Brickwerks do a complete front and rear set of 30mm lower springs for a lower price.

[itchyfeet]

Maybe it is just the weight that makes the height 50mm lower.

the tin top is empty and the tin top is probably 400kg lighter the the pop top

I may take the tin top spring out too and compare.

[937carrera]

Its not just a letter change after the number, there are coil springs starting with 251, 253 and 255.

Yep, you're right, 251 is std, 253 has suffix A, 255 has suffix C or E. Just used to the part number staying the same and only the suffix changing and missed that.

[multisi]

I measured the spare spring I have , its 265mm , the paint codes are two yellow and one white, so standard fitment for transporter models with factory windows or panel van.

[itchyfeet]

I measured the spare spring I have , its 265mm , the paint codes are two yellow and one white, so standard fitment for transporter models with factory windows or panel van.

Thanks I appreciate that 8090 spirit!

I also asked Michael at Brickwerks about their part and his reply was..

Spring Design: Mini Block
Fitting Position: Rear Axle
Colour Coding: Yellow
Thickness [mm]: 10,60
Thickness/Strength 1 [mm]: 18,00
Thickness/Strength 2 [mm]: 10,60
Length [mm]: 255
Outer diameter [mm]: 163
Weight [kg]: 3,80

[itchyfeet]

Springs out tonight

Jacked and lowered onto blocks ( axle stands are available for concrete lovers) wheel off

P1090762 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr


then released lower shock bolt before lowering trailing arm

P1090763 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

then the spring will come out but I did have to force the trailing arm down to get it out.

P1090758 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

quick clean up and broken spring is definately yellow and marked VW so probably origional.

P1090767 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

the other spring however is not original so that side must have broken before, note VW springs tapering in diameter at the ends as does the Brickwerks part
https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/spring-t3-rear-yellow.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

P1090768 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

holding the bits together height is about 255

P1090771 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

the other aftermarket a bit less at 245

P1090770 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

[itchyfeet]

trailing arms look good as does the upper mounts and bump stop, just a bit of surface rust which I will treat tomorrow

Wiki says 15 minutes but I can never put stuff back without rust treating and painting so a 15 minute job becomes hours, especially in this weather when you have to use a hair drier on the Vactan

http://wiki.club8090.co.uk/index.php/St ... on_springs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

P1090765 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

P1090760 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr


this is a bit worn I was going to get a new one but they are unavailable and Brickwerks alternative is unavailable too

P1090766 by Paul_Barr, on Flickr

[Oldiebut goodie]

Those yellow paint daubs are yellow/yellow/green rather than plain yellow - I wonder what that signifies.