Mistakes To Avoid When Adjusting Coilovers
The success of automotive performance greatly depends on the quality of the suspension system, with coilovers playing a crucial role in achieving optimal handling and maneuverability. Proper coilover adjustment is both an art and a science, requiring precise, purposeful action rather than simple tweaks.
However, even the most experienced auto enthusiasts can make errors when working on their vehicles. Here are eight common mistakes to avoid when you’re adjusting your coilovers.
The Crucial Role of Coilovers in Your Vehicle’s Performance
Coilovers play crucial roles in bearing the vehicle’s weight, smoothing out road bumps, and ensuring each turn feels precisely choreographed. Engineered for greater adjustability and to boost performance beyond what standard shock absorbers can offer, coilovers are essential for people who are passionate about vehicle performance. However, their effectiveness hinges entirely on the quality of their setup.
The Cost of Incorrect Adjustments
Incorrectly adjusted coilovers can jeopardize your vehicle’s safety and suspension and, ultimately, cause catastrophic failure. The wrong adjustments can affect performance and lead to expensive repairs. Here are the top eight mistakes to avoid with coilover setup:
1. Wrong Height
Adjusting ride height is where many people falter. It’s not just about the vehicle looking good; it’s about balance and clearance. Setting your vehicle too low can lead to tire rubbing, compromised suspension geometry, and a harsh ride. On the flip side, if you’re towering over the competition, you’re losing out on the added stability and performance tuning that a lower center of gravity can offer.
2. Wrong Weight
Corner weighting is for the serious precision driver. Fine-tuning your suspension will account for any uneven distribution of weight in your vehicle. By ensuring equal weight on each tire, you optimize not only performance but also safety, keeping the vehicle planted and responsive at high speeds and tight turns.
3. Neglecting Preload
Preload is the initial compression set on the spring when the vehicle is at rest. You’ll want to fine-tune the balance and ensure the spring can function throughout its full range without prematurely topping out. Neglecting preload is akin to starting a marathon with untied laces—eventually, you’re going to trip up.
4. Not Adjusting the Damping
Damping adjustments control the rate of compression and rebound. These are crucial factors in how the suspension reacts to changes in the road surface. Most adjustable coilovers give you the power to dial in damping settings, a feature that people often don’t utilize but that can significantly affect your vehicle’s handling, comfort, and tire wear.
5. Not Considering Vehicle’s Weight and Usage
Vehicles aren’t all built the same, which means the adjustments to their coilovers won’t all be the same, either. You must consider your vehicle’s weight and the intended use, whether it’s spirited weekend drives or track-day showdowns. Heavy vehicles need stiffer setups, while track-driven vehicles can benefit from a more aggressive tuning.
6. Not Adjusting Rebound and Compression
Just as with damping, the rebound and compression settings must be just right. If there’s too little compression, the road surface will too easily control the vehicle’s movements, causing a bouncy or “floaty” feeling. Too much compression, and you’re in for a teeth-jarring experience.
7. Neglecting Maintenance
Coilovers aren’t set-and-forget components. They need regular checks for leaks, corrosion, and assurance that their adjustment mechanisms are working correctly. Without proper upkeep, your coilovers are about as good as unadjusted ones.
8. Using the Wrong Tools
Using the wrong tools or methods for adjusting your coilovers can lead to stripped threads, imprecise adjustments, and potentially unsafe setups. Always follow manufacturer recommendations, and invest in proper tools for a safer adjustment experience.
How To Avoid These Mistakes and Cruise to Coilover Perfection
When it comes to making coilover adjustments, precision is key. Staying mindful of the crucial aspects of suspension tuning will help you achieve that perfect ride quality while maximizing performance. Here’s how you can avoid making the mistakes listed above:
- Keep it balanced: Avoid the low-rider scrape or the monster-truck vibe by finding that sweet spot for your ride height. It’s like choosing the perfect pair of shoes for a night out—style matters, but you’ve got to be able to dance, too.
- Be precise: Get into corner weighting like it’s the latest gaming craze. It’s all about distributing the weight evenly to keep your ride smooth and grippy.
- Tune your preload like a pro: Adjust your coilovers’ preload with the finesse of tuning a guitar—just right, and your suspension will sing through bends and curves.
- Don’t forget the damping: Play around with the damping settings. It’s like adjusting the brightness and contrast on your TV for the optimum movie experience—too much or too little, and you’ll miss the action.
- Match your setup to your style: Tailor your coilovers to your vehicle’s weight and driving needs. It’s like choosing your outfit based on the weather and the occasion. You wouldn’t wear flip-flops to a snowball fight, would you?
- Find the right rebound and compression: Goldilocks had the right idea—your rebound and compression settings should be “just right.” They shouldn’t be too soft or too hard, but perfect for keeping those tires kissing the asphalt.
- Regular checkups are musts: Give your coilovers the TLC they deserve with regular maintenance. It’s like taking your pet for check-ups—preventative care keeps the big, scary surgeries at bay.
- Use the right tools: Arm yourself with the correct tools for adjustments. Nothing is worse than stripping a thread or damaging your setup with a makeshift wrench.
Don’t be afraid to do your research, seek expert advice, and invest in quality tools for an optimal setup that will have you riding on the road with confidence.
The goal here isn’t just to educate but also to empower. By avoiding these common pitfalls when adjusting your coilovers, you’re not only protecting your investment but potentially unlocking performance you never knew your vehicle had. Remember, precision is key, so take the time to do it right, and you’ll reap the rewards on your next drive. We hope this guide has been helpful in steering you toward optimal performance with your coilovers.
Elevate your driving game with Dirty Racing Products’ suspension systems and more. Explore our range of products today and take the first step toward that perfect ride!
