Parts for your 2017 Ford Transit-Coil springs

2017 Ford Transit coil springs: what they do and how to look after them

Per Ford’s Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 204-01 and the Ford Body and Equipment Mounting Manual (BEMM) for the 2017 Transit, this model runs MacPherson struts with coil springs on the front axle, while the rear uses a solid axle with leaf springs on most variants. So coil springs are absolutely relevant to the 2017 Ford Transit—up front, they carry the load, set ride height, and keep the big van settled over Aussie and Kiwi roads.

The front coil springs wrap around the struts to absorb bumps, maintain tyre contact, and control how the van sits under cargo or passenger weight. Correct spring rate and height are crucial for braking performance, steering feel, and even headlight aim. Ford’s service information and common trade data (Motorcraft/WSM, Mitchell1/ALLDATA) treat the springs and struts as a matched pair, so condition matters.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for Transit coil springs—replace based on condition. On a regular service, a tech should check for corrosion, cracked paint, broken ends, sagging ride height, and uneven tyre wear. Broken or fatigued springs are more common in high-kilometre vans, ones that live near the coast, or vehicles often run at GVM.

• Tell-tales it’s time: front sits low or uneven, clunks over bumps, steering feels floaty, or rapid outer-edge tyre wear.
• Best practice: replace in axle pairs to keep ride height and handling balanced.

When replacing, a proper spring compressor and safe workshop process are non-negotiable. It’s smart to renew the strut mounts/bearings, isolators and bump stops while you’re in there—Ford’s WSM highlights these as related wear items. After refitting, torque the control-arm and strut fasteners at normal ride height to avoid bushing preload, then get a wheel alignment. If your Transit is a motorhome conversion or runs constant heavy loads, consider the correct heavy-duty or uprated front springs specified for that build to maintain geometry.

For owners, a quick glance during tyre rotations every 10,000–15,000 km helps: look for chipped coating, reddish rust trails, or a spring end sitting oddly in the perch. Keep underbody washes up if you’re coastal or work off sealed roads. With the right springs in good nick, the Transit steers cleaner, brakes straighter, and keeps those front tyres wearing nice and even.

• Are coil springs on a 2017 Transit front or rear?
  They’re fitted on the front with MacPherson struts. The rear uses leaf springs on most 2017 Transit variants, including cargo and passenger models.
• How long do Transit front coil springs last?
  There’s no set lifespan. Many run well past 150,000 km, but high loads, rough roads, and coastal corrosion can shorten life. Inspect at each service and replace if cracked, sagged, or broken.
• Do you need an alignment after replacing front coil springs?
  Yes. Any change in front ride height or strut removal will alter alignment. Book an alignment immediately after the job.