How to install a coilover in a car?
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How to install a coilover in a car?
It is recommended that you get your coilovers installed at an auto shop. Still, a D-I-Y installation is not out of the question. Depending on the manufacturer and model, coilovers are shipped in different ways. You can either get them fully extended, collapsed, with the springs mounted, or with separate springs. The first thing you should do when you buy them is to inspect the contents of the package. You should determine that they are the right size for your car. Also, check that you have received sets for the rear wheels and the front wheels.
Step 1: Install the Spring
Installing the springs should be the first step if the coilover came with the springs separate. Most coliovers have an instruction manual detailing how to install the springs. Typically, you will have to first extend the shock. Then, slide the spring over the shock until it comes in contact with the spring retainer, also called the preload nut. If the coilover is dual rate, install the slider first before mounting the lower spring from the lower end of the shock. After installing the lower spring and the upper spring, there should be zero preload. So, you should make sure that both springs snug together. Also, at zero preload, there are no more than 3 inches of threads above the coil adjustment nut. Zero preload guarantees that there is no play between the coil nut adjusters, the springs, the slider, and the spring plate.
Step 2: Install the Coilover
To install the fully assembled coilover, suspend the chassis using a jack and make sure the suspension is in full droop. Then, bolt the coilover using the right bolts (usually grade 8) with the lock washers and nuts. Lastly, lower the vehicle slowly. If you did everything correctly, after the vehicle weight rests on the coilovers, it will settle at your desired ride height. If it is slightly below the ride height, you simply need to add the amount of preload. You add preload by rotating the upper coil adjustment nut down. However, if it settled way below or way above the desired ride height, you need to change the springs because the problem could be that the spring rate.
Step 3: Test Run
Now that you have installed the coilovers and set the correct preload, you can go for a test run. The test run will let you know if the coilovers need shock tuning or shock valving. Your main concern on the test run should be the feel of the suspension. You want the coilover to achieve light handling, and also need the suspension to be strong enough to adequately support the weight of the vehicle.
original：Coilovers Buyer’s Guide | MaXpeedingRods Blog - Focus On Performance
Step 1: Install the Spring
Installing the springs should be the first step if the coilover came with the springs separate. Most coliovers have an instruction manual detailing how to install the springs. Typically, you will have to first extend the shock. Then, slide the spring over the shock until it comes in contact with the spring retainer, also called the preload nut. If the coilover is dual rate, install the slider first before mounting the lower spring from the lower end of the shock. After installing the lower spring and the upper spring, there should be zero preload. So, you should make sure that both springs snug together. Also, at zero preload, there are no more than 3 inches of threads above the coil adjustment nut. Zero preload guarantees that there is no play between the coil nut adjusters, the springs, the slider, and the spring plate.
Step 2: Install the Coilover
To install the fully assembled coilover, suspend the chassis using a jack and make sure the suspension is in full droop. Then, bolt the coilover using the right bolts (usually grade 8) with the lock washers and nuts. Lastly, lower the vehicle slowly. If you did everything correctly, after the vehicle weight rests on the coilovers, it will settle at your desired ride height. If it is slightly below the ride height, you simply need to add the amount of preload. You add preload by rotating the upper coil adjustment nut down. However, if it settled way below or way above the desired ride height, you need to change the springs because the problem could be that the spring rate.
Step 3: Test Run
Now that you have installed the coilovers and set the correct preload, you can go for a test run. The test run will let you know if the coilovers need shock tuning or shock valving. Your main concern on the test run should be the feel of the suspension. You want the coilover to achieve light handling, and also need the suspension to be strong enough to adequately support the weight of the vehicle.
original：Coilovers Buyer’s Guide | MaXpeedingRods Blog - Focus On Performance
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