2000 S40: front end of the car gradually sinking down

mrongo · Post by **mrongo** » 12 Mar 2015, 18:48

Okay so here's the issue/situation. I made the stupid mistake of relying on a non-professional mechanic who works off of Craigslist to fix this situation. In July of 2014, he replaced both of the front end coil springs. I've noticed that it rides lower to the ground, which he said it would because he put in "sport-ier" springs (I did a little research on the parts before he did the labor and if I can remember correctly I thought there was only one series of 2000 Volvo S40 coil springs, but he told me otherwise?? Not sure). But since then, I've noticed that it's been sinking even further (the driver's side has sunk further than the passenger side; I've just measured/eye-balled it using my fist). I'm worried that the new coil springs are going to pop out or something like it. I use my car everyday and drive 50 miles to work three times a week using a highway that is under severe construction with no shoulders. I'm also un-insured. Is this situation related to the new coil springs in anyway or is it something else going wrong with the car that coincidentally is happening at the same time? Sorry for the novel but this is a serious situation for me right now and I'm deathly afraid my car will crap out in the middle of a busy highway under construction. Please, if you could lend me a word of advice/knowledge and send me in the right path, it would be much appreciated.

Livens · Post by **Livens** » 13 Mar 2015, 14:18

The only time I've had a front end start getting low was when i had a broken coil. I don't have any experience with sportier/shorter springs, but I would have it looked at if it's getting lower on its own. Most shops will at least look at it and tell you if something is wrong for free.

As far as disabling your vehicle as some point... that depends on what is causing the lowering. I drove on a broken coil for awhile, only had about 1/2" between the tire and fender, and it never bottomed out. On tight turns I could hear the tire rubbing on the wheel well shield though.

Post by **alschnertz** » 14 Mar 2015, 17:44

First thing I would do is get insurance.

zack1970 · Post by **zack1970** » 19 Mar 2015, 05:38

alschnertz wrote:First thing I would do is get insurance.

Couldn't agree more...... it's hard to diagnose online.
Could you upload some pictures on the suspension areas that might give us some ideas.
Sorry... newbie just trying to give a piece of my mind