Do suspension springs wear out?

[EdzBenz]

I'm contemplating buying a set of used E55 springs/shocks and sway bars to install on my E300. The set up has 187k miles on it. I figure the shocks are not usable.
Do springs wear out over time/use like shocks?

[Skid Row Joe]

Yes. I've had to replace several sets on American branded autos.

Fact is, my old 300SD ' s rear springs were over - hauled at some point before I bought it, to the extent that their resistance to even a small addition of cargo weight displaced their normal 'spring' if you will.

[Skid Row Joe]

It would seem to me a big gamble on labor time in R&Ring springs from a different car model. Especially used ones.

[MTI]

AMG springs will likely lower the car and have a higher spring rate than your E300, so the ride may be compromised (harsher). Also, with any lowering springs, consider matching up the appropriate shocks/struts, since using your OEM ones may result in premature end of life due to the shorter travel with the lowered suspension.

[Duke2.6]

Originally Posted by EdzBenz

Do springs wear out over time/use like shocks?

In a word, no, but further explanation is required.

A properly designed and manufactured spring that is not overloaded in service should normally last the life of the car.

What typically kills springs is corrosion. Localized corrosion in the form of craters and notches will weaken the spring in those localized area, which can reduce the overall spring rate and eventually cause the spring to break.

A careful visual inspection of the spring off the car and dimension comparsion to OE specs (such as free length) will reveal the level of damage, and then a decision must be made to reuse or replace.

Duke

[EdzBenz]

Got it. Thanks for all the help, guys. If I do buy these springs, I will buy the appropriate shocks to go with them.

However, I'm leaning toward just buying new springs that are to my car's spec and be done with it. Maybe I'll get a smaller spring pad to reduce ride height a little, but that's about it.