Moog Springs decent?

[EdW]

Got to replace the rear springs on my 98 LE and am thinking of going with the Moogs from Advance. Anyone have any experience or opinions of the quality of these springs? Could also go with OEM from the dealer if they're better or will last longer...

[fishexpo101]

Used them on many years ago - but not on an import. Put those on a GM A-body (1970 Chevelle and Camaro) - nice replacement for the severely worn out stock coil springs. But they didn't last very long. After about two years, the overall ride height dropped about an inch from spring sag. Not too much driving or heavy loads either - as it was a Classic car.

But where hands done better than Hotchkis or other "import" branded names for the GM A-bodies at the time - most of those springs had thinner coils and would buckle under heavy loads (those classic muscle cars are about 800-1000lb heavier than the 8th gen Corolla).

If I wanted the springs to last more than a couple of years - I'd personally go with OEM (for higher ride height) or a well known manufacturer like Eibach, Tein, H&R, Vogtland, etc. Not sure if the "Moog" coils springs they sell at Advance are the same quality as the Moog springs I've used a decade+ ago.

[sam333]

The last few parts I have bought from MOOG have been junk , lasted only a few 1000 miles.

[EdW]

Great info, thanks. I can get a pair of OEM from Toyota Parts East for $130 including shipping, which I think is the best price. Local dealer wants about $170.

With weight in the trunk and 1/2 tank of gas, the bottom of the fender is about even with the top of the (new) tire, so I think it's time to swap them out? Alignment guy suggested it too.

When I pull the rear struts and take the springs off, is there any check or test I can do to to assess the overall condition of the strut? They're only a year old but I had odd tire wear on the rears and would like to make sure that didn't do in either strut.

[fishexpo101]

Originally Posted by EdW

With weight in the trunk and 1/2 tank of gas, the bottom of the fender is about even with the top of the (new) tire, so I think it's time to swap them out? Alignment guy suggested it too.

Hmm, I've never checked mine - but I know the rear "looks" like it drops a lot due to the body style. I'd compare that to the free static ride height - 1/4 tank or less and little to no weight in the trunk. If there is a large difference - more than a couple of inches - then I'd say the springs are shot. Check the ride height from each corner, close to the wheels (rocker panel is a good place) and see if there is much difference in height from corner to corner.

Originally Posted by EdW

When I pull the rear struts and take the springs off, is there any check or test I can do to to assess the overall condition of the strut? They're only a year old but I had odd tire wear on the rears and would like to make sure that didn't do in either strut.

Other than pumping the strut assembly by itself - should resist you pulling and pushing on the strut. Should not be jerky or otherwise uneven in stroke. If it is, try "priming" them. Turn the strut upside down and while keeping it as vertical as possible, push down on it with your body weight several times. This applies to many twin-tube designs (ie most OEM type replacements) - monotubes generally don't respond to this, as they physically separate the oil and gas inside the strut body. Also check the free lengths of the springs and struts - struts should just extend until they hit the top of their stroke, existing springs should be the same height. Just to figure out if they are involved in your excessive tire wear issues.

[pdq]

With weight in the trunk and 1/2 tank of gas, the bottom of the fender is about even with the top of the (new) tire, so I think it's time to swap them out? Alignment guy suggested it too.

If you can't stick at least 2 fingers between the bottom of the fender and the top of the tire, your springs are shot.

When I pull the rear struts and take the springs off, is there any check or test I can do to to assess the overall condition of the strut? They're only a year old but I had odd tire wear on the rears and would like to make sure that didn't do in either strut.

Normally if the strut isn't leaking oil and will return back to it's extended position (ie still has a slow spring return), it's good.