Lude Generation

Back again, after a few years' break! Since becoming a single mother to my (second) Lude baby, I've returned to this fountain of wisdom to do some learning. Please raise your hand if you wouldn't mind becoming a bit of a mentor for someone with very little knowledge, but lots of love for Ludes

Would also be very grateful for recommendations for a good garage in/near Leicester. First on the list: front suspension spring(s) need changing, and not every garage has the necessary equipment for doing the job for the old boy. As a parting gift of advice, my ex (who I used to rely on for car advice) recommended I order a set of KYB springs, take them to a garage and ask if they can fit them. Maybe someone here could already recommend a reliable mechanic or two to contact?

So, hello again, and sorry in advance for being such a baby chicken amongst all you wise owls

Welcome back to LG
sure you will get help on here.

Changing the front springs on the lude is very easy - any decent garage should be able to do this work for you.
All that is required - is to take the shock off the car - 3 bolts at the top of the strut in the engine bay and one at the bottom of the fork. Shock will drop come out - compress springs and remove them - fit new spring and put back on the car.. I would expect a bill for about 1 hours work. You can download the service manual which will give full instructions on how to do the job.
KYB springs are a good choice. I have set of brand new KYB K FLEX front springs that should fit 4th and 5th gen. Part number is RD2369 if you need.

Thank you @vanzep!

The previous garage who I used, said their machine that does the compressing part wasn't compatible with the size of the spring needed. From memory, I believe the chap said the spring for Preludes is too big for their machine, so I'd need to find another garage whose compressor can handle the size

I'd be happy to buy the springs off you - how much are you asking for them (postage included, unless you're not too far from Leicester/Nottingham so I could collect them)?

hmmm - tbh you dont really need to use spring compressors - the front springs are under very little pressure when off the car - you just undo the top nut and they come off - just make sure the top of the shock is facing away from you when you do this. Ive changed springs on front shocks a few times - i bought a set of basic spring compressors to do the job but not really used them. To fit then new spring you will need to push down on the top hat and then do up the nut. Really it is very simple - the only thing i would say is if you are in there replacing springs then you may want to replace the two top rubber bushes as they get flattened over time. Again a cheap part - you can get a repair kit on ebay with these parts for about £10 a side. ( i will get you a link to them on ebay)
Sure you could buy the kyb springs off me if you like. They are brand new. so £50 for the pair plus shipping - they are heavy so allow about £10 for that - so £60 in total- delivery to uk mainland.

her is the link to front shock top bushes
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/403969777237 ... R_CUncPdYg

Thank you kindly! I'll compare prices online and let you know re: KYBs.

Heavens, I wouldn't attempt replacing them myself. The ex used to do certain maintenance on the old boy, but my mechanical knowledge and skills are limited to topping up liquids and checking tyre pressures I know, the way to learn to do something is to have a go at it, but I wouldn't start my journey with something like replacing suspension coils. I think polishing the headlights and seeing if I can clear one o the blocked screenwash jets is a good enough first challenge

basic maintenance is what these cars need.
i had never worked on a car until about 10 years ago - but ludes are fairly easy to work on imo. and it does help to get info from service manuals and on the forum. I still use the services of a garage from time to time but give them the parts and instructions and pay labour only.

Welcome back!

vanzep wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 01, 2023 6:28 pm

basic maintenance is what these cars need.
i had never worked on a car until about 10 years ago - but ludes are fairly easy to work on imo. and it does help to get info from service manuals and on the forum. I still use the services of a garage from time to time but give them the parts and instructions and pay labour only.

I totally agree on maintenance and am going to do my best to learn what's needed and stay on top of it all. The Owner's Manual is now on my bedside table to be started as evening reading. Perhaps I'll be a bit more knowledgeable in a few weeks' time!

vanzep wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 01, 2023 6:06 pm

her is the link to front shock top bushes
...

Thank you so much - ordered!

vanzep wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 01, 2023 6:01 pm

Sure you could buy the kyb springs off me if you like. They are brand new. so £50 for the pair plus shipping - they are heavy so allow about £10 for that - so £60 in total- delivery to uk mainland.

Your price is reasonable, kind sir. Shall I PM you for exchanging payment and delivery address details?

Yes of course - I will look out for you pm