spring assisters (stiffeners)

[stevecritchlow]

Hi

I've recently swapped my Passat estate tow car for a newer saloon model. It tows the van well of course, but I didn't anticipate the rear suspension would be so much softer than the estate, which makes getting the van level for towing very difficult. I am considering buying some spring asstisters that I have seen in an accesory shop but know nothing about them. Can you pass on any tips such as, are there differences between brands, how do they work, can they remain fitted to the car when not towing, and of course, do they work in pratcise?

 

[Angus1]

i have previously used MAD spring auxilliary springs on Peugeots and they were excellent.Having towed with Passat saloons for the past eight years with no problems or need of `beefing-up`, might I ask what are you towing and just what your noseweight is?

 

[vernon]

I have a VW Golf Mk 5 Tdi which has the GT stiffened suspension and is 12 mm lower than normal, and have just fitted a set of MADS progressive springs inside the rear coil springs, they took about an hour and a half to fit, and have stiffened the back for towing and reduced any sagging, (they actually raise the rear by one inch when the car is empty).

I used to use rubber doughnuts on the rear springs from Towsure but the MAD springs are better.

They cost

 

[Steve L]

I had a simlar problem with a Renault 25, because it was built as a comfortable saloon car the springs were soft.

I fitted a pair of rubber doughnut shaped spring assistors made by Graystone. These helped when the car was loaded andsat in limbo when not required as they fitted between the rear coil spring coils. I did drill a couple of holes to secure them with cable ties, just for security. otherwise all you have to do to fit them is jack the car up to take the weight off the springs. A little washing up liquid smeared onto the groove where they fit in the spring helps with fitting.

Steve L.

 

[vernon]

I had a simlar problem with a Renault 25, because it was built as a comfortable saloon car the springs were soft.

I fitted a pair of rubber doughnut shaped spring assistors made by Graystone. These helped when the car was loaded andsat in limbo when not required as they fitted between the rear coil spring coils. I did drill a couple of holes to secure them with cable ties, just for security. otherwise all you have to do to fit them is jack the car up to take the weight off the springs. A little washing up liquid smeared onto the groove where they fit in the spring helps with fitting.

Steve L.

Steve, the dodge I used was to soak the 'doughnuts' in hot (boiling) water first, this made them more pliable and easier to fit.