Left front higher than right front

[Johann65]

To assist Kavesh, can some of the "Old" members help with this problem please!
I recall in the old days that the coil springs were different from left to right to compensate for the camber of the road.
Does this still apply

[Glen]

Thanks for the reply Glen.

So do the springs work diagonally then?

Sorry I need to know for sure as the people that were meant to know gave me contradicting messages. I really don't want to start doing something else unless I know for sure how it works. Its very frustrating.

Kavesh i am not sure what you asking me FRONT will be independent rear is leaf spring axle so not independent

[kavesh]

Hi Johann

My old coil springs were identical in size. Both the spring shops that I went to said that they should be both the same size as well.

Glen, perhaps I explained it wrong. Springrite in Pinetown said that I need to raise my right rear leaf spring in order to raise the front right side. (My right rear is lower than the left rear).

Midlands Springs in PMB said that I must lower my left rear leaf spring in order to raise the right front. The guy in PMB said that raising the right side rear will not raise the right front as it will push down the left front.

My confusion is which of the advice mentioned above by the 2 shops is correct.

Does this make sense?

[Glen]

Hi Johann

My old coil springs were identical in size. Both the spring shops that I went to said that they should be both the same size as well.

Glen, perhaps I explained it wrong. Springrite in Pinetown said that I need to raise my right rear leaf spring in order to raise the front right side. (My right rear is lower than the left rear).

Midlands Springs in PMB said that I must lower my left rear leaf spring in order to raise the right front. The guy in PMB said that raising the right side rear will not raise the right front as it will push down the left front.

My confusion is which of the advice mentioned above by the 2 shops is correct.

Does this make sense?

Kavesh

I have exactly the same problem see attached pics look at the arch beading also when i measure the front from ground its out

[kavesh]

Finally I hope to put this topic to bed.

Today I had my rear springs realigned so that the rear sits level, was slightly out. This made no difference to the front. So I had the right front removed and stretched by 20mm.

This seems to have sorted out my problem. Vehicle is almost level at the front (5mm lower on the right). which I can live with. So it would appear that my new springs did settle more than it should on the right side.

Anyways I am hopeful that it will remain like this for a really long time

Regards
Kavesh

[Johann65]

Hullo Kavesh,
Hope your concern is now put to bed!!
Keep well!!

[kavesh]

This is an old thread but is still posing a problem for me.

Summary of events so you don't have to read through it all.

In 2013 I noticed the right front of my elky was lower than the left. I had new coil springs made up and installed. I was told they are heavy duty springs. Was very stiff.
After the installation problem was still there, right was lower. Spring shop adjusted the back leaf springs saying it would fix the front but it did not. Eventually they removed and stretched the right front coil spring. They said that the spring may have settled more than it should. And that sorted the front ride height.

Due to the stiffness of the coils my upper control arm bumper stops were always compressed and now 4 years later the rubber bumper is gone.

This weekend I replaced the front coils with softer coils and see that the front right is lower than the left. (Now there is daylight between the control arm rubber bumper and suspension).

When I compared the height of the springs I removed it was significant. Although the same number of coils between them the one was a whole coil higher than the other. (Obviously the one that was stretched).

Does this suggest that perhaps my suspension may be bent? There are no signs of damage though.

Any ideas as to what may be going on.

[IndianaJones]

2 thoughts come to mind.
1. Have you had the Elkie to a very competent wheel alignment centre? They should be able to discern whether, some suspension members or chassis might be bent?
2. How was the springs reset? Was it done hot or cold? Some feel very strongly that re-tempering springs are a total waste of time & money, it only last for 6 months before sagging again.

[kavesh]

Thanks for the reply Indy

The Elky has had the alignment set a few times at different places. They have not mentioned any issue with the suspension.

When I had new replacement springs made up I collected and fitted at home with great difficulty. But to answer your question it was cold and fitted a day or 2 later.

When the new springs were installed the front was exactly the same as with the old springs.

This is when I took it to a local spring specialist. They told me they had to remove the right side that was lower and stretch it . They took the spring into their workshop and about an hour later came and installed it. If I recall they had steel strapped the spring for easy installation. Vehicle was level all round thereafter. (Remember they first attempted to level the rear hoping i would sort the front but it did not)

[Waterhond]

Hi Kavesh,

Do the El Caminos come with torsion bar suspensions ?

Pieter