Coilovers are an aftermarket suspension upgrade that is popular among car enthusiasts and racers. Coilovers provide a much more adjustable range of dampening and spring rates than a traditional suspension setup, allowing for fine tuning of a car’s ride and handling characteristics. Adjusting the stiffness of a coilover is a relatively straightforward process, depending on the type of coilover it is.
Understanding Coilover Suspension
Coilover suspensions are a combination of a coil spring and a shock absorber. The coil spring is the part that provides the spring rate of the suspension, while the shock absorber is the part that dampens the energy from the springs. Coilover suspension setups can be found in many different types of cars, from track cars to street cars, and they provide a much more adjustable range of dampening and spring rates than standard suspension setups.
Single Adjustable Coilovers
Single adjustable coilovers are the most basic type of coilovers and are generally the least expensive. They offer the ability to adjust the spring rate, but not the dampening. Adjusting the spring rate on a single adjustable coilover is a relatively simple process. There is typically a threaded collar on the lower part of the shock absorber that can be adjusted by either turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. Turning the collar clockwise will increase the stiffness, while turning it counterclockwise will decrease it.
Double Adjustable Coilovers
Double adjustable coilovers are a bit more complex than single adjustable coilovers. They offer the ability to adjust both the spring rate and the dampening. Adjusting the spring rate on a double adjustable coilover is similar to a single adjustable coilover, but the process for adjusting the dampening is slightly different. Most double adjustable coilovers will have a knob or lever on the top of the shock absorber that can be used to adjust the dampening. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the stiffness, while turning it counterclockwise will decrease it.
Ride Height Adjustment
One of the great advantages of coilovers is that they allow you to adjust the ride height of your vehicle. Adjusting the ride height on a coilover is a relatively straightforward process. Most coilovers will have a threaded collar on the lower part of the shock absorber that can be adjusted by either turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. Turning the collar clockwise will raise the ride height, while turning it counterclockwise will lower it.
Rebound Adjustment
Rebound adjustment is a feature that is found on some types of coilovers. Rebound adjustment allows you to fine tune the dampening of the suspension. Generally speaking, faster rebound dampening will give a stiffer ride and slower rebound dampening will give a softer ride. Adjusting the rebound dampening on a coilover is a relatively simple process. Most coilovers will have a knob or lever on the top of the shock absorber that can be used to adjust the rebound dampening. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the rebound dampening, while turning it counterclockwise will decrease it.
Compression Adjustment
Compression adjustment is a feature that is found on some types of coilovers. Compression adjustment is similar to rebound adjustment in that it allows you to fine tune the dampening of the suspension. Generally speaking, faster compression dampening will give a stiffer ride and slower compression dampening will give a softer ride. Adjusting the compression dampening on a coilover is a relatively simple process. Most coilovers will have a knob or lever on the bottom of the shock absorber that can be used to adjust the compression dampening. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the compression dampening, while turning it counterclockwise will decrease it.
Firmness Adjustment
Firmness adjustment is a feature that is found on some types of coilovers. Firmness adjustment allows you to fine tune the spring rate of the suspension. Generally speaking, stiffer spring rates will provide a firmer ride and softer spring rates will provide a softer ride. Adjusting the firmness on a coilover is a relatively simple process. Most coilovers will have a threaded collar on the lower part of the shock absorber that can be adjusted by either turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. Turning the collar clockwise will increase the firmness, while turning it counterclockwise will decrease it.
Conclusion
Adjusting the stiffness of a coilover is a relatively straightforward process, depending on the type of coilover it is. Single adjustable coilovers can be adjusted by adjusting the threaded collar on the lower part of the shock absorber. Double adjustable coilovers can be adjusted by adjusting the knob or lever on the top and bottom of the shock absorber. Ride height, rebound, and firmness can also be adjusted on some types of coilovers. Adjusting coilover stiffness can be done relatively quickly, allowing you to dial in your suspension setup for optimal performance.