MOT on 2018 Ducato PVC due again in May 2022 so I need to face up to the replacement of the rear suspension. The front bushes on the rear springs are gone and thanks everyone for their help on a previous thread when I thought it might be to do with tyre pressure and the thanks for the that warning that I might have to change the whole spring on each side. I am not sure that the "one leaf" springs that were fitted as new can really cope with motorhome use but I guess it helps Hymer save weight and is probably cheaper. It was an advisory at 3 years old but the bushes are now very worn. FIAT say that the rear spring bushes (and thus the whole rear spring) are a wear and tear item and so not covered by my five year warranty and are quoting almost £2000 to replace with a waiting time of over 6 weeks to get the (single leaf)springs from Italy.
I used man's maths to try and justify fitting full air suspension but with the levelling etc that would come to £7000 and delivery time of 20 weeks. SVtech who I used previously to update a van or two were very helpful in recommending a firm, GME springs in Coventry who have replacement springs in stock. They also have a double leaf spring which I think should help with the issue going forward. The springs and U bolts come to around £600 altogether. I have weighed the van and know that I have 500kg of payload available. The air suspension would add 57 kg and I am guessing the second leaf spring would add around the same? I am still on a learning curve here so any help gratefully received. I have a few specific questions but if anyone has any other advice I would love to hear it.
Can I fit double leaf springs rather than single without causing problems with the van handling, insurance etc. Might it make the handling better?
Will the new double springs make the van more nose down?
Anyone know a firm within 100 miles of Hertford who could do the actual fitting. I saw a Youtube video that made it seem so simple but really not able to do it myself.
I have obviously left this all a bit late but any help welcome. Thanks
I used man's maths to try and justify fitting full air suspension but with the levelling etc that would come to £7000 and delivery time of 20 weeks. SVtech who I used previously to update a van or two were very helpful in recommending a firm, GME springs in Coventry who have replacement springs in stock. They also have a double leaf spring which I think should help with the issue going forward. The springs and U bolts come to around £600 altogether. I have weighed the van and know that I have 500kg of payload available. The air suspension would add 57 kg and I am guessing the second leaf spring would add around the same? I am still on a learning curve here so any help gratefully received. I have a few specific questions but if anyone has any other advice I would love to hear it.
Can I fit double leaf springs rather than single without causing problems with the van handling, insurance etc. Might it make the handling better?
Will the new double springs make the van more nose down?
Anyone know a firm within 100 miles of Hertford who could do the actual fitting. I saw a Youtube video that made it seem so simple but really not able to do it myself.
I have obviously left this all a bit late but any help welcome. Thanks
. In case the OP trys a search.