Grand Espace Rear Suspension bottoms out with small load

[Q Wales]

When I have just 4 people in the car the rear occasionaly bottoms out when driving over small bumps. I am not sure if I need to replace the dampers or the springs? The damper replacement looks to be a very simple job, just like a motorbike with 1 nut top and bottom. I need to resolve this issue very quickly as I will be using it to tour around Europe from next Saturday. Also can someone recommend a place to purchase what I need, someone who can get the part to me in the UK quickly? Thanks In Advance. Mark

[george]

The Espace is well known for broken rear springs.
I have had to replace the rear springs on every one I have owned (3).
Most motor factors can supply, an easy DIY job.
George.

[Anders Dinsen]

Hi Mark and welcome to the forum!

I have never heard of broken rear spring as a problem on Espaces, but it does happen from time to time on all cars. I agree with George that rear springs are easy to change on the Espace - just lift the rear wheels off the ground and compress the spring, and it comes out easily.

As I'm in Denmark, I can't recommend a supplier.

Good luck

- Anders

[renaultbiler]

I've experienced it on the J63's but never heard about it on JE. If the car height is ok unloaded and a visual on springs is ok, new dampers would cure.

[Q Wales]

Thanks for the input guys. I asked a local Quickfit to check the rear suspension whilst they were re-gassing my aircon yesterday and they said they didn't see any problem with it. I must admit that I am still a little confused whether I should be getting springs or dampers and they seem to be quite expensive here, about €60 or €70 each. What's the best way of compressing the spring to get it out/in, do you think I would get away with using a couple of pairs of mole grips or is that a stupid question? I have a G clamp but can't imagine how it would fit in. Thanks again, Mark

[george]

Easy way is to remove the lower shock absorber mount.
Lever the axle down and the spring can be removed, replaced.
George.

[Q Wales]

I'll give it my best shot, thanks again. Mark