Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Opinions on BAT Euro Struts

I have to do the front struts on mine, and figure that if the fronyts have gone, the rears can't be far behind (pardon the pon ).

I will be replacing the springs with OEM springs (I have been warned that they will break, and it's not an "if" but a "when") because I do not want to lower the car due to Ottawa winters, and they are pretty economical.

I am thinking about getting the BAT Euro struts all around. Any opinions on them as stock SVT replacement? I have seen the line in the BAT catalog, but want real world impressions.

Thanks for any and all help!

Why would the springs break?

For the exact same reason as they put a recall on them: they corrode and fail. Of course, even though the part number is the same as the SAE springs (or whatever springs the SVT uses), the recall doesn't apply to the SVT. My left rear spring has gone already.

I have been told by a Ford mechanic that works under the table in his spare time, that half of his business comes from springs on Contours, Mystiques and Foci.

Seriously, do a search, and there are tons of references to this. While the struts are out, might as well put the new ones in.

I had heard about the recall, but thought it applied only to a certain build run, and I didn't realize the problem was universal.

Better check my springs again.

Hahaha...Because mine broke recently, for no reason. Amazing.

I have BAT Struts w/ Eibach springs on my car. They are a definite improvement over the stockers.

- The car does not dive at all under hard braking.
- They don't float over bumps like the stock ones.
- Their is much less body roll in corners.

They best part is they are very inexpensive compared w/ the competition. Also, they are made in Germany, so, you know they are made to a higher standard.

I had a broken OEM spring after a bad winter driving over potholes. Burst strut also. Wound up getting the ST200 struts and Rousch springs. Nice ride and a moderate drop too..

I've been running The BAT struts with H&R Sport Springs in my CSVT for just over a year now. I am totally pleased with the performance of both. I chose the struts for the percieved quality of a German made product, and price. The price was right.

Anyone use them with the stock springs?

Good to hear someone else is interested in doing the same thing.
Would love to find a different supplier for OEM springs, of course It be nice to know who the orginal supplier was, so we could at least avoid them!
Sure must be a bigger issue than I thought, every time in get into this converstion it's amazing how many people that have had broken springs on strut type suspensions. However most have been Fords? Tarsus and Sables. Should do a survey who all has had broken springs here. It may have been done already and I missed it?
I have a recall/campaine on my 98 Mystique LS 10 year warranty, but I refused to have that joke of a fix applied. Well fix isn't the correct word?
More un-sprung weight and a noise-maker.
Paul