2002 Eddie Bauer Squeaky/ Cracked Springs

[blazzingbrandon]

I have an 02 Eddie Bauer and the problem is my rear springs.

I have been hearing a lot of squeaking when going over bumbs and what not. I got down underneath to take a look and I noticed the springs in the rear are completely cracked. They are still in place but the top and bottom of each spring is cracked and split apart in several pieces.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue. What would you suggest and how much would a typical job like this run me?

[Johnny Mullet]

I have changed these springs many, many times and if you are going to pay a shop, it will be expensive. You can do it yourself, but only if you have a safe spring compressor and proper tools. The hardest part of the job really is the 3 top mounting nuts. They have to be removed with a wrench or better yet, a GearWrench but you must heat them up first or you will be replacing more than just the springs.

[shorod]

Are the springs actually cracked, or just the protective coating over them? Any chance you can post a picture of the cracking you are referring to? Your rear suspension uses coil springs so if the springs truly are cracked, I would think you'd have a low rider in the rear.

-Rod

[Johnny Mullet]

I have seen 2002-2005 Explorer/Aviator/Montaineer models with rear springs broken in 2 or more places but yet the ride height remained the same and the customer never complained of noise or issues, just routine inspections find this problem. I bet 50% of 2002-2005 Explorers on the road today have a broken spring without the owner even knowing it.

[blazzingbrandon]

As you can see, this is an actual piece of the spring that I just pulled of. Not only did it crack from the rest of the spring but it also has a crack down the middle as well.

Damn Ford, this issue should be recalled if so many people are having this problem...

[shorod]

Wow! Very interesting. I'll have to check my brother's 2003 to see if it has issues with the rear springs. Thanks for the info!

-Rod