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Adjusting coilovers

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Old 17-03-2008 | 03:26 PM
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Default Adjusting coilovers

I've had some Avo coilovers put on the front of my Sapphire, and it's currently sitting too high (about 2" higher than the Konis on before) and it's soft to drive, feels like Konis on their softest settings.

So if I wind the O rings round some more, it'll lower it and firm it up right??

I'll point out it's a used pair of coilovers I've had around for ages, no idea what spring weight they are, just HAD to get rid of the fucking Konis due to clearance issues.
Old 17-03-2008 | 05:22 PM
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to adjust the stiffness turn the small nut at the top of the rod (in the engine bay)

to adjust the height simply turn the spring seat (the spring sits on it) down for lower up for higher!
Old 18-03-2008 | 09:21 AM
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As said but if they are SOFT, the dampers have most likely blown the top seal and leaked out all the fluid, so need a rebuild, mine were Ł93(pair) posted back to me all in.
Std front spring is 300lb 9" long, it will be FIRM to say the least, way way firmer than a KONI on the HARDEST setting!!
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Old 18-03-2008 | 03:09 PM
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Well they "seemed" fine when I got them, no sign of any leakage at all. Anyway I'll have a go at adjusting the firmness, which way do I turn the nut?
Old 18-03-2008 | 05:50 PM
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turn it clockwise to go stiffer, i built these for 5 years so if you have any questions give me a shout
Old 18-03-2008 | 08:09 PM
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As said clockwise to harden, you will soon know if they have no damp left in them.
you should exercise the seal once a month or so by turning all the way each way, or the seal will stick to the adjuster rod inside and tear when they are moved.
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Old 19-03-2008 | 03:40 PM
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Can I adjust the spring seat/o-ring while the wheel is on the car? Do I need a special tool?
Old 19-03-2008 | 04:07 PM
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You can work the adjuster no problem with the wheel on the car, but you won't be able to adjust the height very easy at all with the wheel on the car.
you need a "C" spanner to fit 2 1/4" coilovers about Ł5-Ł10.
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Old 20-03-2008 | 10:27 AM
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Damn, so one of the adjuster nuts on top has sheared off! Damn.

Oh well, I can still adjust the height, will Halfrauds stock a suitable "C spanner" ?
Old 20-03-2008 | 11:55 AM
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AVO can rebuild them - I was lucky and they did it for free, including fitting a nut on the top to adjust them. Mine were leaking so that what they got sent back for. They also freed up the spring seat, or rather they fitted new platforms - also for free and in around 5 days turnaround - as I said, i was lucky and offered to pay - but no charge!!
Old 20-03-2008 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by AndyPen
AVO can rebuild them - I was lucky and they did it for free, including fitting a nut on the top to adjust them. Mine were leaking so that what they got sent back for. They also freed up the spring seat, or rather they fitted new platforms - also for free and in around 5 days turnaround - as I said, i was lucky and offered to pay - but no charge!!
Ok, that sounds cheaper than buying new suspension.
Old 20-03-2008 | 09:09 PM
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it was probably me who rebuilt yours andypen

turbo shed - you will have to pay for yours as they wont be under warrenty now, its not that expensive tho!
Old 21-03-2008 | 10:40 AM
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Well a big thanks Lozi mate - I hope to put them back on this easter but am doing a little tidying and painting down there first. Quick question, I forgot to check how many turns they were on stiffness wise - the other one is still in the car, can I simply wind it down until it stops then count the turns, wind it back and match the rebuilt one?

Turbo shed - I was quoted Ł40 - Ł60 depending on the work needed when I first asked.

TBH the service was so damm good I'd recommend it anyway!! I owe you a few beers Lozi
Old 22-03-2008 | 02:52 AM
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Originally Posted by AndyPen
can I simply wind it down until it stops then count the turns, wind it back and match the rebuilt one?


spot on


i tend to go for 1 1/2 or 2 full turns from soft on mine, set them to full stiff today though for a laugh!
Old 22-03-2008 | 09:48 AM
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Cheers mate - they should be back on this weekend
Let us know how she handle when she's stiff like that eh??

I'll match mine to how they were before - as she was handling like a dream when I finally opened her up at Silverstone during the parade laps last year.
Old 22-03-2008 | 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by AndyPen
Let us know how she handle when she's stiff like that eh??


not sure its shaken my brains around in mead so much ive forgot


very sketchy have to have ure wits about u lol!
Old 09-03-2009 | 02:42 PM
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Just had my coilovers on full stiffness on track. It doesn't adjust the spring stiffness, just the damping stiffness, obviously. The result of adjusting to full stiffness is massive and quite alarming failure to go over the bumps without front bounce affecting the back and vice versa - so car was kangarooing and seeswing front to back over the bumps on the main straight at Brands. Felt scary. I'm at 25% from softest at the moment and may go softer still.

Charlie
Old 09-03-2009 | 05:37 PM
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Fronts tend to adjust rebound whereas rears tend to adjust both bump and rebound.
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