16:45
How to Install Coilovers in Your Car
ChrisFix
Overview
This video provides a comprehensive guide on installing front coilovers and camber caster plates on a car. It begins by explaining what coilovers are, their benefits like adjustable ride height and spring rates, and the function of damping adjustment. The installation process is detailed, including safety precautions, removing existing struts and springs, installing camber caster plates by drilling a new mounting hole, and then fitting the new coilovers. The video emphasizes proper torqueing of bolts, thread locker application, and initial adjustments for alignment and ride height before a professional alignment. Finally, it demonstrates the visual impact of lowering the car and touches upon potential clearance issues.
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Chapters
- Coilovers combine a coil spring and a shock absorber into a single unit, with the spring supporting the vehicle's weight and the shock controlling its motion.
- The primary advantage of coilovers is adjustability, allowing for changes in ride height, which lowers the car's center of gravity for better stability.
- Users can customize the spring rate to match their driving style (e.g., drifting, street driving), affecting how much force is needed to compress the spring.
- Higher-end coilovers offer adjustable damping (compression and rebound) to fine-tune the shock absorber's stiffness and responsiveness.
Understanding what coilovers are and their adjustable features is crucial for appreciating why they are installed and how they can significantly alter a vehicle's performance and aesthetics.
Adjusting ride height by turning nuts on the coilover to transform a car from a 'monster truck' look to a 'sleek lowered sports car'.
- Before lifting the car, measure and record the initial ride height at all four corners for later comparison.
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface, the rear wheels are chocked, and the car is securely supported on jack stands.
- For added safety, place a removed wheel underneath the car's frame as an extra support.
- Loosening the sway bar end link is necessary to allow the suspension to drop sufficiently for strut removal.
Proper preparation and safety measures are paramount when working with vehicle suspension components, as they are under significant pressure and can cause injury if handled improperly.
Measuring the distance from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender on all four corners before starting the installation.
- To access the strut, remove the brake caliper and rotor, ensuring the brake line is not strained.
- Support the control arm with a jack before removing the strut bolts to safely manage the tension from the coil spring.
- Carefully remove the strut bolts, using a hammer if necessary to dislodge them after loosening.
- The strut top nut needs to be loosened while holding the strut shaft to prevent it from spinning, often requiring a wrench and a flathead screwdriver.
Safely disassembling the existing suspension is critical to avoid damage to components and prevent potential injury from the stored energy in the spring.
Using a jack to support the control arm before removing the strut bolts, preventing the spring from forcefully pushing the arm down.
- Camber caster plates replace the stock strut mount and allow for adjustment of wheel angle (camber) and position (caster).
- Installation involves removing the stock mount, which may require drilling out rivets.
- A new mounting hole often needs to be precisely located and drilled on the strut tower to accommodate the plate's design.
- The plates are installed with the bottom piece under the strut tower and the top piece on top, secured by nuts and bolts.
Camber caster plates are essential for correcting alignment issues that arise from lowering a vehicle, enabling fine-tuning of wheel angles for optimal handling and tire wear.
Painting the bolt heads of the camber caster plate, flipping it onto the strut tower, and marking the exact locations for drilling the new mounting hole.
- Transfer the bump stop from the old strut to the new coilover.
- Install the new coilover by passing its top through the camber caster plate and bolting its lower end to the knuckle.
- Apply medium-strength thread locker to the coilover mounting bolts to prevent loosening due to vibration.
- Torque the coilover bolts to the manufacturer's specification (e.g., 150 ft-lbs).
- Adjust the camber caster plates to set initial caster and camber angles, then snug the bolts, as final alignment will be done professionally.
Correctly mounting the coilover and securing all fasteners with appropriate torque and thread locker ensures the suspension system functions safely and effectively.
Using a wrench on the nut and a smaller wrench on the top stud of the coilover to tighten it, then marking the bolt and stud with a paint marker to detect any loosening.
- With the suspension unloaded (tires off the ground), adjust the ride height using the spring seat nut.
- Lock the chosen ride height by tightening the jam nut against the spring seat nut.
- Ensure the ride height is equal on both sides of the front axle for a level stance.
- Install the brake rotor and caliper, torquing the caliper bolts to the specified value (e.g., 95 ft-lbs).
- Before lowering the car, set the damping adjustments on the coilovers based on recommendations or personal preference.
Properly setting the ride height and securing all components, including brakes and damping, ensures the vehicle is ready for alignment and a test drive, while also addressing potential clearance issues.
Setting both front coilovers to their lowest ride height setting and then locking them by tightening the jam nuts against the spring seat nuts.
Key takeaways
- Coilovers offer significant advantages in customizable ride height, spring rate, and damping, allowing for tailored vehicle performance and aesthetics.
- Safety is paramount during suspension work; always use proper lifting techniques, secure jack stands, and be aware of spring tension.
- Camber caster plates are crucial for maintaining proper wheel alignment after lowering a vehicle, preventing excessive tire wear and improving handling.
- Using thread locker on suspension bolts and torquing them to specification is essential for ensuring long-term reliability and safety.
- Adjusting ride height should be done with the suspension unloaded to allow for precise setting and locking of the coilovers.
- Lowering a car can introduce new challenges, such as reduced ground clearance, requiring careful consideration and potential modifications.
- While initial alignment adjustments can be made, a professional laser alignment is necessary for optimal performance and tire longevity.
Key terms
CoiloverSpring RateDampingRide HeightCamberCasterStrutSway Bar End LinkKnuckleThread LockerTorque
Test your understanding
- What are the primary benefits of installing coilovers compared to stock suspension components?
- How does adjusting the ride height with coilovers affect a vehicle's center of gravity and stability?
- Why is it important to support the control arm with a jack before removing the strut bolts?
- What is the function of camber caster plates, and why are they often necessary after installing coilovers?
- What steps should be taken to ensure the coilover mounting bolts do not loosen over time due to vibration?
- How is ride height adjusted on coilovers, and why is it important to do this with the suspension unloaded?