Wow. Some shockingly bad answers above mine. Not a one of them got it right. But I know exactly what your mechanic is talking about.
Coil springs on mid-90's Merc Sables and Ford Taurus are notoriously failure prone. They break and yours I am sure are broken. That is why they recommended replacement. I can't count the number of broken springs I have seen on these cars it has been so many. In at least a dozen cases I have personally witnessed where the broken spring has collapsed below the lower spring seat and punctured the tire, causing an instand blowout.
Yes it is that serious.
The bounce test is BS. That was proven and invalid method to test anything 30 years ago. It wouldn't tell you if you had a broken spring though even if it was valid. All you have to do is have a peak at the spring and you can see where it is broken. It will be the bottom coil. If you can't see it just run your finger around the spring towards the bottom until you find the break. It will be there.
Springs should always be replaced as pairs, that is why they are always sold as pairs. Old springs sag so you won't be able to get a decent alignment spec with mismatched combinations of new and worn parts. Also, the other one on that axle is just as likely to break. Also, since you have to take them out and at 11 years old they will be badly worn anyway I would replace the struts at the same time.
Ideally you should replace all four coil springs because these cars are just as likely to have broken front springs as rear and if they are not broken yet, the will, and replace the struts at the same time. You'll be amazed how much better it drives and more importantly, handles and stops. New struts and springs on 1 axle and old worn ones on the other can lead to goofy ride and handling characteristics. With suspensions, everything should match. These are safety components.
Several other cars from the 90's had similar issues too - early 90's Honda's and Acura's, Ford Escorts and Nissan Altima's (front springs only) are also notorious for broken springs.
ASE Certified Automotive Service AdvisorHow can you tell if your rear real coil springs are bad on a 1996 Mercury Sable?
I'm worried since I have to drive over 100 miles tonight and last thing I need is to go off the road. I would wait but I don't have a choice.
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If the back end is sagging,, replace them. If one spring is bad, you should replace them both.
GOD, PEOPLE !!!know what you are talking about before you answer!!!
The Sable and Taurus` have front AND rear struts. so spring and shock are all in one unit, Kind of...
the spring holds up the car and the Shock part prevents excessive movement.
SO,
Get a different estimate, it may be fixable by itself as it`s just the spring and they dont go bad by themselves!
See a FORD dealer! it may be a recalled Item!
Actually it is the coil springs that are making your car bounce when you push down on the trunk and let go. If your car bounces, then the springs are OK. Now the shocks may be bad though. They are what prevents your car from bouncing up and down.
If you car bounces when you push on it, the shocks prolly need replaced, but not the springs. If you push down, and your car slams down on the axle/frame, then you need the coil springs replaced.
Keep in mind that a oil change place doesn't stay in business by doing $20 oil changes. They always try to ';upsell'; you. Either way, you car will be drivable, just maybe a little rough ride.
If you are concerned, I would take it to get a free estimate somewhere else, otherwise, I think you will be ok unless you feel your car ';bottom out'; on the frame.
The bounce test you described is for testing shock absorbers, not coil springs, if the problem you are having is to much bounce in the rear, or too rough of a ride in the rear, then what you need is new shocks, in 40 years as a mechanic, I've never heard of springs needing to be changed on any car under 20 yrs old unless someone has damaged a spring by heating it up with a torch in an attempt to lower the vehicle, hope this helps.
George
The springs on your car seldom if ever will need to be replaced. The only reason to replace them is if they are broken (not worn but actually broken in more than one part) or if you want to change the ride height. Other wise you probably just need new shocks not springs. Get a friend or family member who has a mechanic you can really trust and get him to give you an estimate on the repair. New shocks should cost about $35 each and the installation should be less than $100. Good luck - Gary
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