Coliovers: How to?

[Jay.S]

I've never had a set of coilovers before so I'm abit unsure on how to dismantle them and adjust the ride height/comfort.

So this is what I've got:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835409@N04/10477553155/http://www.flickr.com/people/59835409@N04/

I took it off last night ready to dismantle clean it up and give it a lick of paint whilst also making the ride a little less firm. I took them into work today to use the workshop.

There is a 19mm nut in the top mount I've tried undoing it but the damper is just spinning. I don't have the c-spanner but I've tried a copper drift and also a huge set of stilsons nothing.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[Jay.S]

Anyone?

I didn't really word that very well.

But when I try and remove the top plate to remove the spring it's just spinning.

 

[Bobby.]

You need to remove the top nut to dismantle to clean up all the parts. The best way is to buzz it off with an airgun.

To to adjust the ride height you need to loosen the to rings on the thread and then move them up or down depending what way you want to adjust the height. Then tighten them against each other to lock them in place. You may want to clean the threads up first with a wire brush so they move freely.

 

[Jay.S]

Cheers bobby.

Yeah I've cleaned up all the threads.

With the top nut the whole lot just spins though a buzz gun would spin it all round quicker than I can by hand.lol.

 

[Bobby.]

Have you actully tried or do you think that's what will happen? It usually works, also have you cleaned the threads on that bit as well?

 

[Jay.S]

Yeah I tried it today. I had a large breaker bar and the damper & spring are just spinning when I try and loosen it.

I had it a vice aswell so the actual body of it remained still.

I wired brushed them and gave it a soak in penetrating oil.

f**ked?

 

[Bobby.]

Has the shaft got an Allen key or torx hole in the top of it? If so put a tool in their, spanner on the nut, whoola.

 

[Jay.S]

No I thought that.

The 19mm nut is around a thread which has to flat edges near the top but its all recessed in, maybe ring spanner then socket on top.

Just wanted to check I didn't miss anything obvious.

 

[Owen92]

You will want to wind the spring all the way down to release some tension. An impact gun may spin it, but it will be loosening at the same time.

 

[Mr R.]

No I thought that.

The 19mm nut is around a thread which has to flat edges near the top but its all recessed in, maybe ring spanner then socket on top.

Just wanted to check I didn't miss anything obvious.

That's it mate.

 

[Jay.S]

Cool cheers. If I wasn't busy at work I would have more than 5mins to have a proper go.

Spring compressors not needed then?

 

[Bobby.]

Na shouldn't be needed for coilovers.

 

[Jay.S]

Cheers all.

 

[Jay.S]

This is probably going to sound silly to a few of you but how do you know way which to go to firm/soften the ride?

I've put the coilovers back on but how should the top mounts sit:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835409@N04/10515134345/JayS_182

As you can see the rubber bush is sitting off the frame, should it be flush/snug?

Or am I right in thinking it was flush with the bodywork the ride would be more firm as there is less movement in them? I've found I can adjust them using a 8mm socket.

Thanks

 

[Sam@NP]

Get on the Gaz website they should have a manual or something explaining how to adjust the damping rates. In all honesty they look like they need a good refurb I'd send them off to get it done as they will come back as good as new for the sake of £100 or so.

 

[Jay.S]

That's what I'm planning on doing eventually Sam. I just want to try and set them a little better as the ride at the minute has disc slipping potential.

 

[Jay.S]

After reading the Gaz site:-
http://www.gazshocks.com/setup/fitting-advice

Looks like turning the damper adjustment anti-clockwise will soften it up, same for the back. So I'll give that a try. Bit of a future reference incase anyone ever needs it.