Parts for your 1996 Daihatsu Gran move-Coil springs

1996 Daihatsu Gran Move Coil Springs — What They Do and When to Replace Them

Coil springs are absolutely relevant on the 1996 Daihatsu Gran Move (also known as the G300-series Pyzar). Technical references including the Daihatsu factory Workshop Manual (Chassis—Suspension section) and independent data services such as Autodata/RedBook list the Gran Move with MacPherson struts and coil springs at the front, and a torsion-beam rear axle paired with separate coil springs. So if the ride’s getting a bit bouncy or sitting uneven, the coil springs are right in the frame.

On this compact MPV, the coil springs carry the vehicle’s weight, set ride height, and work with the shocks/struts to keep tyres planted and the cabin comfortable. Up front, each spring wraps around the strut, helping with steering stability and braking control. At the back, the torsion-beam setup uses coil springs to balance load-carrying with tidy handling—handy for school runs, weekend gear, and the odd Bunnings dash.

They’re tough, but they do age—especially with Aussie and Kiwi road conditions, towing, or heavy loads. Sagging springs can cause nose-down or tail-low stance, uneven tyre wear, and bottoming out over speed humps. If the Gran Move sits lopsided on level ground, that’s a big clue a spring’s lost its mojo.

• Service tip: Inspect springs every 20,000–30,000 km or yearly with the suspension check—look for rust pitting, cracked paint, broken coils, or polished “shiny” sections from coil bind.
• Replace in axle pairs: front pair or rear pair together to keep ride height and handling balanced.
• Always fit new upper strut mounts and insulators if the front struts are out—it’s cost-effective while it’s apart.
• Use quality, model-correct springs (standard rate unless a specific load upgrade is needed). Avoid random “lowering” springs unless the shocks are matched and legal ride height is maintained.
• After spring or strut work, get a four-wheel alignment. The MacPherson front end is sensitive to ride-height changes.

Driving symptoms that suggest it’s time for replacement include clunks over bumps, pogo-stick rebound, steering that won’t track straight, and the rear sitting down with a small load. A healthy set of coil springs brings back proper ride height, sharper steering feel, and better braking stability—making the Gran Move feel tidy again without blowing the budget.

Popular questions

How long do coil springs last on a 1996 Daihatsu Gran Move?
With normal use, many last well over 150,000 km, but age, corrosion, and heavy loads can shorten that. Coastal cars often see more corrosion, so periodic inspection is key. If the ride height has dropped or the car leans, it’s time to book it in.

Can worn coil springs damage other parts?
Yes. Sagging or broken springs can stress shocks/struts, accelerate tyre wear, and upset braking stability. They can also make alignment settings hard to maintain, which compounds wear and handling issues.

Do I need new shocks when replacing coil springs?
Not always, but it’s smart to assess them together. If shocks are leaking, soft, or original with high kilometres, doing both saves labour and restores the suspension as a matched set. Front strut mounts/bearings should also be checked while the struts are out.