Coilover adjustment

[MattyH16v]

I lowered the rear of my car today, and then tried to adjust my coilovers to lower the front to the same height as the rear, but i'm really struggling to wind the coilovers up anymore that they are now....I thought I adjusted them about 20mm but the front did'nt look any lower. Should I disconnect the struts before I wind the coilovers up...or can I leave them attatched cos at the moment I can't wind them up anymore

 

[LegoHead]

I jack the car up as the springs will exert loads of force on the nut and thread.

 

[edde]

How come you cannot lower them any more there on a threaded platform have you run out of thread?

 

[MattyH16v]

Definately not ran out of thread, cos ur suppost to be able to lower them 85mm. Is it easier taking disconnecting the hub from the strut then?:S

 

[edde]

Definately not ran out of thread, cos ur suppost to be able to lower them 85mm. Is it easier taking disconnecting the hub from the strut then?:S

Why can you not turn the nut thing then that the spring site on ? If the've been on a bit the threads can get dirty so you do need to clean them before you can lower and higher.

 

[LegoHead]

have you undone the locking one first?

 

[MattyH16v]

Why can you not turn the nut thing then that the spring site on ? If the've been on a bit the threads can get dirty so you do need to clean them before you can lower and higher.

No I cannot physically turn it anymore as it has become too hard....might need to give them a clean, but they've only been on a few weeks, so are like new.

 

[MattyH16v]

have you undone the locking one first?

Yes...I losened off the bottom one and raised the top one.

 

[LegoHead]

Dont you want to be lowering the top one?

 

[MattyH16v]

Dont you want to be lowering the top one?

hmmm...thought you had to wind them up and compress the spring in order to make the car sit lower?

 

[LegoHead]

hmmm...thought you had to wind them up and compress the spring in order to make the car sit lower?

well i wound them up 15mm on front and the rubbing stopped. I am sure you wind down to lower, but I only just managed to fit them myself, and I am no expert.lol.

 

[MattyH16v]

I'm confused now as to whether I need to wind the springs up or down!:S

 

[LegoHead]

I'm confused now as to whether I need to wind the springs up or down!:S

wait for edde he will know for sure.

 

[stan*]

lol see williamsclio..

u want to lower the platform to lower ride height.

also, if ur corner-weighting, u need to disconnect ARB.

 

[MattyH16v]

lol see williamsclio..

u want to lower the platform to lower ride height.

also, if ur corner-weighting, u need to disconnect ARB.

Cheers m8...how easy is it to do the corner weighting?

 

[stan*]

if u know what ur doing, and have the equipment, its ok.

easier on the likes of Nobles, ariel Atoms, Caterhams (proper cars basically!) as the weight distribution is nearer even.

 

[MattyH16v]

I've pretty much got the camber sorted now anyway....borrowed a very handy protractor tool from work which measure angles. Still need to get the wheels alligned though as this may affect the camber again. From measuring the wheels I have around -1 degree of camber...so it's not too bad at the mo. Is it still worth going to somewhere like Northhampton Motorsports though to get them set up accuratley?Matt

 

[stan*]

the thing is with a generic "set-up" like everyone keeps suggesting, is what are they setting it to?? nothing more than arbitary figures, that may not suit you/your driving style. obviosuly it depends how involved you want to get, but the only real option for a decent set-up is on-track testing.

personally i wouldnt pay £200 or whatever for a "set-up" which is at the end of the day, non-specific.

 

[MattyH16v]

I have a major problem with my coilovers now....I've tried to wind them back down again but both have cross threaded!!! I really did'nt expect this to happen so now it looks like there fucked and i'll have to take them off again! Here the pic -

 

[LegoHead]

Take them off first before winding any more as this will take pressure of the thread and more than likely stop any more damage. you shouldnt need the thread this high up so you may be ok still.

 

[stan*]

its more likely that the soft ally platforms are damaged, rather than the body of the damper...
you should be able to get replacements.

 

[MattyH16v]

Ok...cheers for help lads....I don't know how I get myself in these situations!

 

[LegoHead]

Ok...cheers for help lads....I don't know how I get myself in these situations!

dont worry mate, I found 3 wheel nuts completely undone on my front passenger wheel the other day......ooooops.:S