Step into the world of suspension tuning and performance optimization with coilovers, the essential upgrade for discerning drivers. These adjustable shock absorbers empower you to fine-tune your vehicle’s ride height, handling characteristics, and overall responsiveness like never before. Whether you’re a seasoned track enthusiast or simply seeking a more dynamic driving experience on the road, understanding how to adjust coilovers will unlock a universe of possibilities.
Before embarking on the journey of coilovers adjustment, it’s imperative to grasp the underlying principles. Coilovers comprise a spring and a shock absorber housed within a single unit. The spring, typically adjustable via a threaded collar, dictates the ride height, while the shock absorber manages the damping force, influencing the suspension’s response to bumps and irregularities. By manipulating these elements, you can tailor the suspension to suit your specific driving preferences and vehicle dynamics.
To initiate the adjustment process, meticulously measure the stock ride height of your vehicle from the ground to a fixed point on the fender. This serves as a reference point for subsequent adjustments. Next, loosen the locking collar and rotate the spring collar to raise or lower the ride height. As a general guideline, lowering the ride height enhances handling by lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity, but it may compromise ride comfort and ground clearance. Conversely, raising the ride height improves ground clearance but can adversely affect handling. Finding the optimal balance between these factors is crucial for achieving the desired driving experience.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Equipment
Before you begin adjusting your coilovers, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and equipment. Here’s a comprehensive list:
Measuring Tools:
- Tape Measure: A flexible measuring tape with metric markings for measuring the ride height.
- Level or String: A level or a long string will help you determine if the car is level from side to side.
- Straight Edge: A straight edge, such as a carpenter’s level, can help you measure the evenness of the wheelbase.
Adjustment Tools:
- Spanner Wrenches: Two spanner wrenches, typically 17mm and 19mm, are required for adjusting the spring preload and damper adjustments.
- Allen Key (Hex Key): An Allen key is often needed for adjusting the camber plates if the coilovers have them.
- Socket Wrench or Ratchet: A socket wrench or ratchet with appropriate sockets for adjusting the top mounts or other bolts.
Safety Equipment:
- Jacks: Two heavy-duty jacks are necessary for lifting the car safely.
- Jack Stands: A pair of jack stands will provide secure support while you work on the coilovers.
- Wheel Chocks: Wheel chocks prevent the car from rolling during the adjustment process.
Safety Precautions for Coilover Adjustment
Before performing any adjustments to your coilovers, ensure you follow these safety precautions:
1.Secure your vehicle: Park your car on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the ones you’ll be adjusting.
2.Wear appropriate attire: Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any potential debris or fluids.
3.Avoid excessive force: When making adjustments, use gentle force and avoid overtightening. Overtightening can damage the components or lead to suspension failure.
4.Check for damage: Before adjusting your coilovers, inspect them for any visible damage or leaks. If you notice any issues, consult a qualified mechanic.
5.Support the vehicle: Use jack stands or a lift to support the vehicle while adjusting the coilovers. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Spring Tension Adjustment
This adjustment affects the firmness of your ride. Increasing spring tension will stiffen the suspension, while decreasing it will soften it. Here’s how to adjust spring tension:
- Locate the spring preload adjusters on the coilovers.
- Using a spanner wrench, turn the adjusters clockwise to increase tension or counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Make small adjustments (1/4 to 1/2 turn) at a time and re-tighten the lock nuts after each adjustment.
- Test drive your vehicle to feel the difference in ride quality and make further adjustments as needed.
Note: Spring tension should be adjusted equally on both sides of the vehicle to maintain balanced handling.
Ride Height Adjustment
Adjusting ride height affects the distance between the wheel and the fender. Here’s how to adjust ride height:
- Locate the threaded body of the coilover.
- Use a spanner wrench to turn the body clockwise to lower the vehicle or counterclockwise to raise it.
- Make small adjustments (1/4 to 1/2 turn) at a time and re-tighten the lock nuts after each adjustment.
- Measure the ride height from the center of the wheel to the fender and adjust as needed to achieve the desired height.
Note: Ride height adjustment should be done in conjunction with spring tension adjustment to ensure proper suspension performance.
Adjusting Spring Preload
Spring preload, also known as spring tension, is the amount of force that is applied to the spring when it is in its resting position. Adjusting the spring preload can change the ride height of the vehicle and the handling characteristics. To adjust the spring preload, you will need a set of coilover wrenches.
Things to Keep in Mind When Adjusting Spring Preload
- Ride Height: The ride height is the distance between the ground and the fender. Adjusting the spring preload will change the ride height. If you lower the ride height, the car will handle better, but it will also be more difficult to get in and out of. If you raise the ride height, the car will be more comfortable to drive, but it will also handle worse.
- Handling: The handling is the way that the car responds to steering input. Adjusting the spring preload will change the handling. If you increase the spring preload, the car will be more responsive to steering input. If you decrease the spring preload, the car will be less responsive to steering input.
- Comfort: The comfort is the way that the car rides. Adjusting the spring preload will change the comfort. If you increase the spring preload, the car will be less comfortable to ride in. If you decrease the spring preload, the car will be more comfortable to ride in.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the spring preload:
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the spring preload adjusters. They are typically located on the top of the coilover. |
| 2 | Use a coilover wrench to loosen the locknut. |
| 3 | Use another coilover wrench to turn the spring preload adjuster. Turning the adjuster clockwise will increase the spring preload. Turning the adjuster counterclockwise will decrease the spring preload. |
| 4 | Tighten the locknut. |
| 5 | Repeat steps 1-4 for the other coilover. |
Setting Ride Height
Adjusting ride height is crucial for optimizing the performance and appearance of your vehicle. Here’s a detailed guide to set the perfect ride height for your coilover setup:
1. Preparation
Gather necessary tools, including a measuring tape, adjustable wrench, and jack stands. Ensure your vehicle is on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Initial Measurement
Measure the distance from the ground to the center of the wheel arch at each corner of the vehicle. Record these measurements for reference.
3. Adjust Spring Perch
Locate the spring perch on the coilover. Typically, it’s a threaded collar that can be adjusted up or down to change the height of the vehicle.
4. Adjust Spring Preload
Adjusting spring preload involves altering the position of the spring seat on the coilover. By tightening or loosening the spring seat, you can increase or decrease the initial tension on the spring, affecting the ride height.
5. Fine-Tuning Ride Height
To achieve the desired ride height, follow this step-by-step process:
- Adjust the spring perch or spring seat to roughly achieve the target height.
-
Measurement Adjustment Actual height is higher than desired Turn spring perch down (or spring seat up) Actual height is lower than desired Turn spring perch up (or spring seat down) - Tighten the lock rings to secure the adjustments.
- Re-measure the ride height at each corner and compare to your target measurements.
- Repeat steps 1-4 as necessary until you reach the desired ride height while ensuring the vehicle is level.
- Loosen Top Bolt: Loosen the top bolt on the coilover but do not remove it completely.
- Position Camber Bolt: Position the camber bolt in the appropriate slot on the lower control arm.
- Tighten Camber Bolt: Tighten the camber bolt to the manufacturer’s specifications to secure the camber setting.
- Install Coilover: Carefully insert the coilover into the lower control arm and align the top bolt with the corresponding hole.
- Tighten Top Bolt: Gradually tighten the top bolt while ensuring that the coilover remains in proper alignment.
- Torque to Specification: Use a torque wrench to tighten the top bolt to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
- Double-Check Alignment: Using a camber gauge or alignment rack, double-check the camber and caster angles to ensure they meet your desired specifications and are within the recommended range.
- A tape measure
- A wrench
- A screwdriver
- A jack
- Jack stands
Fine-Tuning Damper Settings
The next step in dialing in your coilovers is to fine-tune the damper settings. Damper settings control the rate at which the suspension compresses and rebounds. Too stiff of a setting will make the ride harsh and uncomfortable, while too soft of a setting will allow the suspension to bounce excessively. The ideal setting will provide a balance of comfort and performance.
Compression Damping
Compression damping controls the rate at which the suspension compresses when it encounters bumps or dips in the road. A higher compression damping setting will make the suspension stiffer and less likely to compress, while a lower setting will make the suspension softer and more likely to compress.
Front Compression Damping
The front compression damping setting affects the overall handling of the vehicle. A higher setting will reduce body roll and improve turn-in response, while a lower setting will make the vehicle more comfortable to drive on rough roads.
Rear Compression Damping
The rear compression damping setting affects the stability of the vehicle under acceleration and braking. A higher setting will keep the rear end from squatting under acceleration and reduce nosedive under braking, while a lower setting will make the vehicle more comfortable to drive on rough roads.
Rebound Damping
Rebound damping controls the rate at which the suspension rebounds after it has been compressed. A higher rebound damping setting will make the suspension rebound more quickly, while a lower setting will make the suspension rebound more slowly.
Front Rebound Damping
The front rebound damping setting affects the steering feel of the vehicle. A higher setting will make the steering more responsive, while a lower setting will make the steering more relaxed.
Rear Rebound Damping
The rear rebound damping setting affects the stability of the vehicle under cornering. A higher setting will reduce body roll and improve cornering grip, while a lower setting will make the vehicle more comfortable to drive on rough roads.
Aligning the Coilovers
Aligning the coilovers is crucial for ensuring proper handling and performance. Follow these steps:
| Adjustment | Effect |
|---|---|
| Positive Camber | Reduces tire contact with the road during cornering |
| Negative Camber | Increases tire contact with the road during cornering |
| Toe-In | Tires point slightly inward, improving stability at low speeds |
| Toe-Out | Tires point slightly outward, enhancing responsiveness in high-speed corners |
Troubleshooting Common Coilover Adjustment Issues
Ride Height
If your ride height is too low, you may experience excessive rubbing of the tires against the fenders or other components. Conversely, if the ride height is too high, you may lose handling and stability.
Preload
Incorrect preload can lead to excessive bounce or harshness. If the preload is too tight, it can cause the springs to bind, resulting in a rough ride. Conversely, if the preload is too loose, the springs may not provide enough support, leading to excessive bouncing.
Damping
Incorrect damping can compromise handling and comfort. If the damping is too firm, the ride may be harsh and uncomfortable. Conversely, if the damping is too soft, the car may feel unstable and floaty.
Compression and Rebound
Compression damping controls how the suspension reacts to bumps and other road imperfections. Rebound damping controls how the suspension returns to its original position after being compressed. Improper adjustment of these settings can lead to a bouncy or unstable ride.
Alignment
Incorrect alignment can cause uneven tire wear, reduced handling, and premature suspension component failure. It’s crucial to ensure that the alignment is properly adjusted after installing or adjusting coilovers.
Strut Top Mount
The strut top mount connects the coilover to the vehicle’s body. Improper installation or adjustment of the strut top mount can lead to clunking or rattling noises, as well as reduced handling.
Upper Mount Bearing
The upper mount bearing allows the strut to rotate smoothly. A worn or damaged bearing can cause binding, noise, and reduced handling.
Spring Rate
Incorrect spring rate can negatively impact ride comfort, handling, and stability. A spring rate that is too stiff can result in a harsh ride, while a spring rate that is too soft can lead to excessive body roll and instability.
Lower Control Arm
The lower control arm connects the suspension to the vehicle’s frame. Improper adjustment of the lower control arm can affect ride height, camber, and toe alignment.
Maintaining Coilover Performance
Maintaining the optimal performance of your coilovers is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and controlled driving experience. Here are some key tips to keep your coilovers functioning at their best:
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
Inspect your coilovers regularly for any damage or signs of wear and tear, such as rust, leaks, or loose components. Clean the coilovers periodically to remove dirt, grime, and road debris that can accumulate over time.
Proper Spring Tension
Adjust the spring tension according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific vehicle and driving style. Too much tension can result in a harsh ride, while too little tension can lead to instability and poor handling.
Ride Height Adjustment
Set the ride height appropriately to optimize suspension performance and aesthetics. Adjust the coilovers to the recommended height for your vehicle, ensuring that there is adequate clearance for the wheels and tires.
Camber Adjustment
Camber refers to the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical axis. Proper camber alignment is essential for optimal handling and tire wear. Adjust the camber as per the manufacturer’s specifications or seek professional alignment services.
Caster Adjustment
Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the side. Proper caster settings ensure stability and steering feedback. Adjust the caster according to manufacturer recommendations or consult a suspension specialist.
Toe Adjustment
Toe refers to the angle of the wheels relative to each other when viewed from above. It affects tire wear and steering response. Adjust the toe to the manufacturer’s specifications or seek professional alignment services.
Damper Settings
Coilovers with adjustable dampers allow you to fine-tune the firmness of the suspension. Adjust the dampers according to your driving style and the road conditions. A stiffer setting provides better handling but may compromise ride comfort.
Maintenance Schedule
Regularly inspect and service your coilovers, including re-torquing bolts, replacing worn components, and refreshing fluid in adjustable dampers. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations or consult a qualified mechanic.
Professional Alignment
After making any significant adjustments to your coilovers, consider getting a professional alignment to ensure that all suspension components are working harmoniously. This will optimize handling, tire wear, and overall vehicle safety.
Proper Lubrication
Lubricate all moving components of the coilovers, including the springs, perches, and bearings, to minimize friction and ensure smooth operation. Use a dry lubricant spray or a grease specifically designed for suspension components.
How To Adjust Coilovers
Coilovers are a great way to improve the handling and performance of your car. They allow you to adjust the ride height, spring rate, and damping, which can be tailored to your specific driving style and needs. Adjusting coilovers can be a bit daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the basics.
The first step is to choose the right coilovers for your car. There are many different brands and models available, so it’s important to do your research and find a set that will work well with your vehicle. Once you have your coilovers, you can install them yourself or have them installed by a professional.
Once your coilovers are installed, you can start to adjust them to your liking. The most important adjustment is the ride height. This will determine how high or low your car sits. You can use a tape measure to measure the distance between the ground and the fender lip. The ideal ride height will vary depending on your car and your driving style. Once you have set the ride height, you can start to adjust the spring rate and damping.
The spring rate determines how stiff or soft your suspension is. A stiffer spring rate will give you a firmer ride, while a softer spring rate will give you a more comfortable ride. The damping determines how quickly the suspension rebounds after it has been compressed. A higher damping setting will slow down the rebound, while a lower damping setting will speed it up. You can experiment with different spring rates and damping settings to find the combination that works best for you.
