Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2017 Subaru Xv-Coil springs
Explore 4WD & Adventure
Coil Springs on the 2017 Subaru XV: What They Do and How to Keep Them in Top Shape
The 2017 Subaru XV is a popular compact SUV known for its rugged versatility and smooth ride quality, and one of the key components contributing to its suspension system is the coil spring. Unlike leaf springs or air suspension, the 2017 XV uses coil springs as a fundamental part of its suspension setup. These springs play a crucial role in providing comfort, handling, and stability on a variety of terrains, which makes understanding their purpose and maintenance important for any owner.
Coil springs on the 2017 Subaru XV are steel spirals designed to absorb shocks and impacts from the road. They sit between the vehicle's chassis and the wheels, working alongside shock absorbers and struts to smooth out the ride. When the wheel encounters bumps or dips, the coil springs compress and expand, helping to keep the tyres in contact with the road surface. This not only improves ride comfort but also enhances traction and safety, essential for a vehicle that's often used for both city commuting and light off-road adventures.
The 2017 XV typically features coil springs on both the front and rear suspension systems. In front, the coil springs pair with MacPherson struts, a common and effective front suspension design that balances cost, comfort, and drivetrain layout. At the rear, coil springs support a multi-link suspension, further improving ride quality and stability by allowing each wheel to move independently.
One of the big benefits of coil springs is their simplicity and durability. Made from tough steel, they are resistant to wear but naturally degrade over time due to metal fatigue and environmental conditions such as rust. This makes regular maintenance and inspection a good idea if drivers want to keep their 2017 Subaru XV riding smoothly and safely.
Maintenance and timely replacement of coil springs are important for a few reasons:
- Maintaining Ride Quality: Worn or damaged coil springs can cause the vehicle to feel bouncy, harsh, or off-balance, dampening the comfort that Subaru's suspension system is known for.
- Ensuring Handling and Safety: Springs that have lost their strength affect ride height and weight distribution, which can lead to poor handling, uneven tyre wear, and in some cases, affect braking performance.
- Protecting Other Suspension Components: Coil springs that are not working properly put extra strain on shocks, struts, and mounts, potentially leading to more costly repairs down the track.
When servicing the coil springs on a 2017 Subaru XV, a mechanic will usually check for signs of wear such as cracks, corrosion, or sagging. A simple way to spot coil spring issues yourself is by observing uneven ride height, excessive body roll during cornering, or strange noises like creaking or clunking when driving over bumps. If any of these symptoms are present, it's worth having the springs looked at.
Coil spring replacement is not generally considered a regular maintenance item like oil changes, but it should be performed when springs show clear signs of failure or after many tens of thousands of kilometres. The actual lifespan can vary depending on driving style, road conditions, and weather exposure. For example, harsh off-road use or salty coastal roads may shorten the effective life of coil springs.
Choosing quality replacement coil springs ensures that the 2017 Subaru XV retains its characteristic blend of comfort and control. Opting for genuine Subaru parts or equivalent aftermarket components is recommended to preserve the vehicle's handling balance. Installation is best handled by professionals since coil springs are under tension and require special tools and expertise to safely remove and install.
In terms of routine checks during regular vehicle servicing, mechanics will often inspect the coil springs as part of the suspension health check. This includes checking ride height, visual inspection for physical damage, and ensuring the related suspension hardware (like mounts and bushings) are in good condition.
Overall, the coil springs on the 2017 Subaru XV are vital to what makes this vehicle a dependable and comfortable ride, especially for those who enjoy its adventurous spirit. Keeping the coil springs in good nick is one of the quieter, but equally important, ways to maintain the enjoyment and safety of this vehicle over many years and kilometres.