Broken rear spring

[ignis]

Mechanic called me today and told me that the clanking noise I'm hearing is from a broken rear spring. They want to install "quick struts" for $510.

Is this really necessary? I've been driving it like this for weeks and the only difference I've noticed is the clank noise when I hit a bump.

If this is necessary, is this a pretty easy job for a DIY'er?

2002 Ford Explorer

 

[PhotoByFriend]

Well, I just finished up with installing both front and rear quick struts (rockauto $135ish each corner). The fronts were super easy, unbolt and slide out. The rear needed a little more effort but it took about 3 hours total. We did not need an air compressor, just hand tools and a good breaker bar. There are great tips in the forums for installation. Do a search and you can do it yourself for $300 or so.

 

[thepotroast]

Ahhh, another 02 with broken rear springs...

 

[EasyRhino]

The broken rear springs are unfortunatley common on your model.

Yes, it should be replaced. No need to panic and quaranteen the truck, but don't ignore it either.

If you are a do-it yourself type the combination shock/spring replacement is around $300 in parts and a couple of hours of work. There is a least one good thread on this forum with pictures. You will need a place and the tools to do it, of course. A little more involved than just replacing a shock.

If not, 500-ish is not terrible to pay someone to do it with the quick strust (another name for the combo shock/spring unit).

 

[gbranh]

Rear spring broke on my wife's 2002 Explorer last week. Passenger side. The truck was sagging very noticeably on that side when I got home and looked at it. Tire was tucked up in the wheel well. No way she could've driven it.

Local mechanic wanted to replace the springs in pairs, for a total of $480 parts and labor. I went to O'Reilly and bought the Monroe Quick Struts for $312 (there was a $60 rebate), and spent an hour replacing both rear springs and struts. Easy job.

Greg