Serious question re Lean...

I've asked this question before, however I never got a good reply, so I'll try again..because I'd like to get it resolved...


What is the most likely cause for a Series2a to lean slightly one one side, with out anyone being in it...And no I'm not 30 stone...lol

If it's shockers...etc, is it best to replace all or just a couple etc...How much does it cost for a new set of normal shockers..?

They are designed to allow for the extra weight of driver & full tank of fuel. Try filling the tank & getting someone to sit in the drivers seat and then check for lean

I changed the springs and shocks on mine which fixed a lean.

- Suspension

How much of a lean are you talking about? it is very difficult to get them perfectly level.

Thanks guys for this info...It's smashing, my local garage (RWB Warrington) didn't answer my questions, they just quoted it could be down to a number of things, shockers, springs, chassis being bent...etc, its as if they didn't want the work, hence I'm at a loss. I really don't mind putting my hands into my pockets, because I take my kids out in this one, hence I'd like it to be tip top road shape etc..The lean is on the drivers side, and I've got about 3/4 of fuel in, Plus the other tank is empty, the lean is no more than one inch, but it's driving me mad, and stands out a mile in my eyes.
Anymore advice is very welcome.I'm trying to keep my Lightweight as standard as possible, Would a full set of parabolic spring decrease it's value...?

When it's all empty it should lean slightly to the passenger side. If it's leaning to the drivers side there's something wrong!

To check them is a bit time-consuming, but worth it. Remove a wheel and Jack each corner up by the chassis somehow so you can remove the shock and check the springs, with the axle free to move. If there's a lot of rust on the spring leaf edges then they may not be moving properly ... if you find a spring that doesn't allow it's leaves to move then that's likely the problem. You need to remove the leaf, take the leaves apart, clean the rust and grease them thoroughly so they move on each other.

Similarly the hangers and bushes could be binding, so it's worthwhile to also check these can move freely.

Same with shocks, they should move slowly but freely under some load and not spring back, they should stay where you set them to. If they move very freely or 'bounce' then they're nackered.

Thanks Paul D, Great advice.. Might I ask, how do you take a spring apart, do I require any rare tools, I can confirm that they look rather rusty, hence your advice sounds great, however having looked at them, It just looks like it might be a pin which holds them together..any clues...And thanks again.

there is a difference in the springs between lhs and rhs make sure you put them on the right way round

You might not need to take them apart completely .. Jack the chassis up with the wheel left on so the weight of the wheel spreads the spring and use a wire brush to clean what you can, then a grease gun to insert as much grease as you can between the leaves. Worth doing this first and seeing if it helps.

It's been a while since I had my last S3, but ... you need to undo the sprung hanger bolts at the spring ends, and the two U-bolts at the axle. The leaves are held together by two 'wraps' of metal which, IIRC have either a pin or a bolt through them. Undo the bolt and remove (or remove the pin/rivet, can't remember) and the leaves should come apart, but make sure you keep them in the correct order and orientation.