A broken coil spring usually shows itself as a clunk over a bump or one corner of the car sitting lower than the others. Here is what a coil spring does, how to recognise a broken one, what it means for your MOT and what to do next.
What does a coil spring do?
A coil spring holds up the weight of the car at each corner and absorbs the energy of bumps in the road. It sets the car's ride height, keeps the tyre pressed onto the road surface and works alongside the shock absorber, which controls how quickly the spring moves.
Most modern cars have a coil spring at each wheel, and at the front it is often wrapped around the shock absorber as part of a single strut. Because the spring carries the car's weight, it also decides how high the body sits, which in turn affects the angles of the steering and suspension.
What are the signs of a broken coil spring?
The usual signs of a broken coil spring are a clunk or bang from one corner over bumps, the car sitting lower at one corner or leaning to one side, a tyre rubbing on the arch, and a change in how the car handles. Sometimes the broken piece is visible.
Coil springs commonly break near the end, where the bottom coil sits in its seat. A short piece snaps off but the rest still supports the car, so a broken spring can go unnoticed until a service or MOT. Look out for:
- One corner sitting lower. Park on level ground and compare the gap between the top of each tyre and its wheel arch.
- A tyre rubbing on the arch liner or the spring, often over bumps or on full steering lock.
- Handling changes, such as pulling to one side, leaning further in corners or uneven tyre wear on one corner.
- A visible break, with a gap in the bottom coil or a loose piece sitting in the spring seat.
Clunking noise when going over bumps
A clunking noise from one corner when going over bumps is one of the most common signs of a broken coil spring. Each time the suspension compresses, the broken end can shift in its seat or knock against the next coil, which makes a sharp metallic sound.
A clunk on its own does not confirm a broken spring. Worn anti-roll bar links, bushes, ball joints, top mounts and shock absorbers can all knock over bumps, and raising the car to inspect the suspension is the reliable way to find which part it is.
Is it safe to drive with a broken coil spring?
That depends on where the spring has broken and how the car is behaving. A small piece missing from the end may cause little change at first, while a break that drops the corner, or lets the spring touch the tyre, affects how the car brakes, corners and steers.
A broken spring changes how the car's weight is spread across its wheels, which can make it less stable under heavy braking or in a sudden swerve. The most immediate concern is the broken end itself, because a sharp piece of steel resting against the tyre can cut into the sidewall. If you suspect a broken coil spring, drive gently and have the car inspected as soon as you can. If a tyre is rubbing or the car pulls noticeably, get it looked at before driving further.
Will a broken coil spring fail an MOT?
Yes. The DVSA MOT inspection manual for cars lists "a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened" as a major defect, in section 5.3.1 on springs. A car with any major or dangerous defect fails its MOT.
The same section covers springs that are missing or poorly secured. A missing spring is a major defect, and becomes dangerous if directional control is affected. A spring with fixings so loose that movement is visible is listed as dangerous. The manual describes major defects as those that "may prejudice the safety of the vehicle", and dangerous defects as "a direct and immediate risk to road safety". (Checked against the DVSA manual in October 2026.) If your car is due a test, our MOT testing page explains how to book one.
Why do coil springs break?
Coil springs mainly break through corrosion and fatigue. Water and road salt attack the spring's protective coating, rust pits the steel, and the constant compressing and extending of the spring lets a small crack grow from one of those pits until the spring snaps.
Stone chips break the coating, and the bottom coil sits in a seat that traps dirt and moisture. Potholes, kerbs and speed bumps taken too quickly then send a sudden load through the spring, which can finish off one that is already weakened. Regularly carrying heavy loads works the springs harder too.
Should coil springs be replaced in pairs?
Yes. General practice is to replace coil springs in pairs on the same axle, so both front springs or both rear springs together. A new spring fitted beside an older one that has settled can leave the car sitting unevenly and handling differently from one side to the other.
Springs lose a little height over their life, so a single new spring leaves the two corners on that axle at different heights, which upsets the car's balance under braking and in corners. On many cars the front spring is part of the strut, so the shock absorber and top mount are usually inspected at the same time. Because ride height affects the suspension angles, wheel alignment is commonly checked after suspension work.
Where can I get a broken coil spring replaced near Horsham?
CNR Services repairs and replaces suspension components on all makes and models at our garage in Coolham, a short drive from Horsham. If you have heard a clunk over bumps or noticed a corner sitting low, bring the car in and we will inspect the suspension.
Our suspension repairs near Horsham cover springs, shock absorbers and the other parts that knock and wear. If you are looking for a garage near Horsham, we are close by in Coolham. You can book your car in online, or contact the garage if you would like to describe the symptoms first.
Frequently asked questions
Can a broken coil spring puncture a tyre?
Yes, it can. If the broken end moves out of its seat, it can rest against the inner sidewall of the tyre and cut into it as the wheel turns. The damage is often on the inner edge, which is hard to see, so have the car inspected straight away if you suspect the spring is touching the tyre.
Is a broken coil spring the same as a worn shock absorber?
No. The coil spring carries the car's weight and sets the ride height, while the shock absorber controls how fast the spring moves. A broken spring usually shows as a corner sitting low and a clunk over bumps, while a worn shock absorber tends to show as a bouncy or floaty ride.
Can I see a broken coil spring myself?
Sometimes. With the car on level ground and the front wheels turned to full lock, the front springs are often visible behind the wheel. Look for a gap in the bottom coil or a broken piece in the spring seat. Rear springs and small breaks are harder to see without raising the car.