Crunching drivers side spring.

Hi All, I would much appreciate some advice in regards to my Land Rover 90's suspension. I recently had fitted a 2'' lift kit (Britpart springs, rear heavy duty and Pro Comp ES9000 Scock absorbers). Ever since I had this fitted I have had a ''crunch'' on the drivers side spring when I bumped up a curb or hit a bump e.t.c. On closer inspection I noticed that the paint had rubbed off on 2-3 coils of the spring on the chassis side above the axle bump stop.
The only other thing I can thing of which may have a part in the matter is when I went Green Laning and ''parked'' in a puddle.....ok a 4 foot hole full of water at the edge of the lane about 10mph resulting in a a bit of a dent on the drivers side:doh: but I think it did it before anyway. Any help would be great! Thanks!

:welcome: to LZ

D.G.F.S. said:

Cheers!

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Your welcome hope you enjoy your stay

I will endevour to do so!!!

D.G.F.S. said:

On closer inspection I noticed that the paint had rubbed off on 2-3 coils of the spring on the chassis side above the axle bump stop.

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Hi DGFS,
I'd like to second our Cherrie and say :welcome2: had a look at your profile, nice 90

The crunch sound might be binding of the coils on that spring, or something obstructing it. My suggestion would be so have a close inspection and jack it up on the drivers side until both wheels are off the ground. Assuming it's the front you refer to then hopefully the weight will compress the spring sufficiently to check.
It's also possible the shocker has a fault, you could eliminate this by removing it and you should be able to push it full travel with some effort.

Either way a crunch is never good, I'd definitely be careful driving it till you know what it is.

I have heard that Britpart aren't the highest quality components.

Hi there, thank you for your reply and welcome to LZ. (nice motor too btw!) With regards to the spring (front) how it seams is that when the spring is reasonably compressed and/or the axle is in articulation (compression on drivers side spring) the spring actually rubs against the chassis directly above the axle bump stop which is causing the "crunch" noise. But I can't understand why hence why I'm here!

The spring relies on having two flat aligned surfaces that come together as the axle articulates. If it's hitting the chassis then either the spring is faulty causing it to distort as it compresses, or it's not seated properly, or the top mount is bending / bent due to corrosion. If the axle was so missaligned as to cause this it would drive like a pig.

All in all I would suspect the spring, it's probably distorting. So if you jack it up to maximum compression check with a straight edge, take a picture. Do this both sides and compare. Then get Britpart to send you a replacement if it's shown as distorting.

That's what I would do anyway.

Hey DGFS,
Nice looking Landy, Noticed you have what looks like Insa Turbo Saharas?
What do you think of them? I have just recievd a set but have not fitted them yet, How do you find them on tarmac? Especialy when wet!
Thanks.

Thanks again Jczktv for your reply with regards to the spring issue. I will do as you said when I get chance either tonight or over the weekend and if the spring is at fault then I will be giving Britpart a call.

Hi Gordo, my tyres are Insa Turbo Mud Terrain which I'm guessing are similar to the Saharas. When I first put them on I dropped 10 mph which to me ain't no big deal, especially with a 2.5 td when you get anywhere to 70 mph the noise makes you back off a bit! For grip they are great in mud and snow e.t.c. As far as I'm aware, the tread is self clearing aswell. Occasionally I've been around corners (on tarmac) a little fast for the conditions when wet but I've not slid at all. And to be honest, there is little noise from them, the only time there is a slight grumble is when breaking heavily. Also when I bought them they were second hand and they had been to Scotland a few times and more on road work than off and there was very litthe wear so they must be very tough tyres. I hope this helps.

Nice one, Interesting comments,
I pick my new Defender 90 up from Birmingham tommorow then it's straight back home to fit my new wheels and snorkel, Feel like a kid on Christmas eve!
Looking forward to some great times off roading!

Av fun and enjoy!: