Coil Spring Buffer : The Poor Man's Choice

Since my car is too low and I don't feel like replacing the still-in-mint-condition shock or the spring to make it higher, I've decided to give this spring buffer a try. There are a few sizes to choose from as it covers quite a number of cars from different manufacturer. It was claimed that this spring buffer helps restore spring tension and extend lifespan to sagging coil spring. Is this quite true though as the thick rubber will fill the gab between the spring clearance, that particular area will hardly absorb any load or tension. This eventually will make the spring stiffer and the "restore spring tension" claim is somewhere eligible when applied to an old and sagged spring. Since this buffer is in its prime selling time, you'll be suprise the price that has been tagged on it. It can be anywhere from RM55 to RM120 per pair. Lucky me I've found this one at $60, including installation of course.

Installing the buffer isn't a hard job. Jack the front part of the car and wallahh.. this will enough space between the coil to slit the buffer in. The buffer is made from hard silicon rubber so improper installation may produce an annoyingsqueaking sound; you have been warned.

The outcome?? Ok, here we go. First of all, the tire and fender clearance increase roughly almost an inch. Not much but better than nada. Secondly, the car feels harsher as the coil is now stiffen. Handling feels a bit better as the front part wobble a bit lesser than before, but I still manage to hit the tire with the fender when driving over on certain flyovers on MRR2 (thanks to Uncle Sammy's brilliant road projects).