A theoretical study of the stress-strain state of helical cylindrical compression springs used in the suspension of vehicles during shot peening is carried out. The stress-strain state of the front suspension spring is studied by mechanical-mathematical methods and methods of the deformation theory of plasticity, in particular, by the method of small elastic-plastic deformations. It is established that shot peening reduces compression of the front suspension springs during pre-stressing by 2.54% due to an increase in the torque in the cross section of the coil by 4.30%. The results of the study can be used in the development of technology for the manufacture and restoration of expensive helical coil springs for the suspension of vehicles, in particular, in determining the required load of contact pre-stressing, taking into account shot peening.