Problem with my Kings springs

Fazed

Fazed

Forum Member
Joined
May 11, 2014
Messages
206
Location
Australia
Car Year
2003
Car Model
Forester
Transmission
Manual
Statement withdrawn, will not jump to conclusions in future.....maybe just one or two more times, but I swear that's it.

My rear springs have sagged about an inch after a year. I put an inch strut block when I installed the springs to offset any load in the back and now it sits level with the front with nothing in the back. Now have to get another inch block to raise the rear back to where I want it.
 
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SG, I'll take a photo tomorrow and you can compare with the photo's I took after install.
 
what struts are they on.?
new or old?
 
Just measured under the rear diff with, an estimate, 200/250 kgs of timber in the back. 235 mm with Kings and a SubaXtreme 40 mm lift.
Includes two spares and tools etc.
So not too bad I think.
Late edit, about 275 mm unladen.
Now to split the wood..........
 
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I have had my Kings for a couple of years and tow heavy trailers and give them a belting off road. It doesn't make sense what has happened to you. I suggest you should contact Kings.
 
I have to second this ^ advice.

Until you have approached Kings with your concerns, it is inappropriate to bag them here.

After you have contacted them, please let us all know how they respond. When I get to a real computer, I will move these posts to a new thread [EDIT] Done [end edit].
 
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They want me to pull the spring off the car to measure and only replace if it is more than 10mm sag with the spring unloaded. Being a spring it will spring back to original length and I'm almost sure that it will be less than that figure. I already checked this before bagging them out here. I was only posting for others to keep and eye on theirs.

Will they compensate me for my time pulling it off the car? No

Is it too much to ask for something to work as intended first time? Obviously yes.

If king springs do decide to replace then, how long until the replacements sag? I'm probably best off to accept the current sag as it is unlikely it will go much further after a years use and chuck another strut block in. A strut block will sag less. I do intend on putting Koni inserts in, so will measure the free length then.
 
Gidday Fazed

There are a few legal complexities here.

If they had fitted the springs originally, then they would be obliged to remove, measure and re-fit/replace.

As you originally fitted them, then it is up to you to remove them.

Just IMHO as a non-lawyer ...

Also IMHO, if the springs are 20 mm lower when loaded, they will probably be even worse when unloaded.

BTW, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar ... ;)
 
It has always been my experience that springs sag less when unloaded.

Why should I not be properly compensated for my time for removal and re-fit if their product is faulty, causing me to do work that I would otherwise not be doing? Which is why it will wait until I replace the struts.
 
It's been my experience in my longish life that some companies/people will do the right thing by one without so much as a whimper of complaint, and some won't. Some will only do so when they are dragged kicking and screaming towards the court ...

I suspect that Kings will do the right thing by you, but you need to do your bit as well.

When they do find in your favour, they will almost certainly re-fit the springs, and do a full alignment - if you approach them in a firm and fair manner ...

If not, I know a (very) good commercial litigation QC ...
 
I'm with RB. You will be amazed what you can get with a firm but fair and friendly attitude in these situations.

King springs enjoy a good reputation and offer a good warranty. But there are the rare lemons, that what the warranty is for.

As much as it sucks its human nature, we get defensive when we feel threatened. You clearly don't want to threaten them, you just want your springs fixed.

If the person on the other end of the phone likes you, you are more likely to get your way is all I'm saying.
 
You think you coped it up the arse?!??!? I had this happen with my dobinson springs in the rear after 4 years. Plus 2 snapped springs in the front on seperate occasions. Dont even get me started on the rest.
I havr just gotten kings to make me a custom set for my rear.
 
Yes, I've heard your problems with Dobinson springs which is why I went kings. At least they haven't snapped and I can just chuck in a strut spacer to bring the height back up.
 
Pulling one out to measure is a half hour job.

Take a deep breath, drink a beer and be glad you aren't pulling out a clutch.
 
Hang on, how much does a 50 litre gas tank weigh?

I think I missed something obvious here and found my cause of sag.

I might have to withdraw my King Springs suck balls statement ;)
 
^ Full?

Lots ...

My 20L petrol Jerry can weighs around 20+ kgs full. That's why it lives on my trailer - along with the 20L water Jerry can and 2x 10L petrol ones ... My rupture-proof 10L can lives behind the driver's seat, so it is midway between the wheels ...

Ambrose Bierce defined "Positive" as being mistaken, at the top of one's voice :lol:.
Don't worry, we have all done it ... :poke: :iconwink:.
 
just fitting more blocks is not a solution,

it's only a 15 minute job to pull one corner out

Also remember that the new design of Kings is a progressive rate apparently,
soft at the top and harder as they go down.
if you're having the vehicle statically loaded all the time, a progressive spring isn't the right option of the extra weight
 
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