Springs

[Tubaryan12]

Is there a way of knowing if your springs are worn out or too soft? Is it just a matter of preference? How do you determine if it's time for replacement?

[imperialbari]

Howdy tubaryan12,
There are two tests for worn out springs:
Can you "outrun" them with your fingers ?
Are you uncomfortable with the way they feel ?
If you answered yes to either of those then replace them.

BUT if they just don’t work like they used to, then it is very likely that you need
valve cleaning/service. If it's bin more then six months since last time they were
cleaned and attended to then that may be all you need. Maybe just valve guide cleaning.

Would you recommend a spring cleaning?

[Tubaryan12]

I've seen quite a few "ruined" springs but almost none that were "worn out"

Ruined, I would assume, by stretching them?

From the answer I've received here, I guess it's more a matter of preference and cleaning / repair.
With properly fitting valves, just about any spring of the proper size and tension should be able to do the job for a lifetime.

[Tubaryan12]

bloke "How often to you replace your cars' leaf or coil springs? The only cars that I've seen sagging on one (driver's) side were three that I can think of that all belonged (really) to 400 - 500 lb. men."

...or possibly to anyone that lives where they throw road salt.

[Jess Haney]

I've seen quite a few "ruined" springs but almost none that were "worn out".

Most springs, to me, are too stiff, but maybe that's because I'm way off on one end of the "preference" spectrum.

I believe (if available) the best possible choice is "light" + "fast".

+1 I switched all my springs out to yamaha Euph springs. They give me the fast response and I dont feel like I have automotive parts under my pistons.