Gaz Coilover problems.
10-01-2009, 10:14 AM
#1
Gaz Coilover problems.
I'm not usually one for putting a similar post in 2 sections, but I'm having problems with my Gaz Gold Coilovers and it's chewing away at me, so wanted to see if anyone has had any similar experience?
I actually bought these over a year ago, but have only just fitted them.
I actually bought these over a year ago, but have only just fitted them.
I've fitted my Gaz Coilvers, after overcoming the issue's with the front bearing/top mount and so on. I have set the ride-height approximately, if anything it is on the low side, but until it's all back together, I don't want to set the height properly, but one thing is for sure, it will be going UP not DOWN.
However, when you bounce the rear of the car it knocks like fuck.
Gary reckons it's because the rear shocks are effectively 'topping out', so they are too short. Lowering the car more would possibly solve it, but I don't want it lower, I want it higher!! I'm looking for the height I had it before, so the equivalent of around 30mm lower than standard.
Anyone else had such problems?
However, when you bounce the rear of the car it knocks like fuck.
Gary reckons it's because the rear shocks are effectively 'topping out', so they are too short. Lowering the car more would possibly solve it, but I don't want it lower, I want it higher!! I'm looking for the height I had it before, so the equivalent of around 30mm lower than standard.
Anyone else had such problems?
10-01-2009, 10:33 AM
#3
When I first fitted them, the car was far too low, so I wound the platforms up and it got harder and harder as though the shocks were topped out and I was compressing the spring.
To go any higher would put the spring under even more tension.
To go any higher would put the spring under even more tension.
10-01-2009, 10:50 AM
#8
Have u modded the left rear inner arch??
they allways knock on that side
the spring hits the inner arch which needs dressing back with a large ball pain hammer
Paul
also with the low ride it will not knock due to shock angle
they allways knock on that side
the spring hits the inner arch which needs dressing back with a large ball pain hammerPaul
also with the low ride it will not knock due to shock angle
Last edited by costina; 10-01-2009 at 10:52 AM.
10-01-2009, 10:55 AM
#9
my springs go tight when i take the platfom over half way, as you say the shock piston doesnt go high enough, but if you keep raising the platform putting the spring under tension, the car wont compress the spring as much when the weight is on it... and you do get higher ride height, i can make mine look like an offroader
its probably knocking because you dont have enough tension on the spring, as the spring will jump about if its near its full length
its how they work, its kind of backwards to a std strut, on coilovers you push the spring up to tension it, which pushes the piston to its stop...without that you wouldnt be able to tension the spring...
its probably knocking because you dont have enough tension on the spring, as the spring will jump about if its near its full length
its how they work, its kind of backwards to a std strut, on coilovers you push the spring up to tension it, which pushes the piston to its stop...without that you wouldnt be able to tension the spring...
Last edited by JTECH James; 10-01-2009 at 11:10 AM.
10-01-2009, 11:12 AM
#11
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Maybe Gaz need to make a longer shock if those ones are "topping out" when the suspension rebounds. Should give you room to raise the cars ride height when finished.
My 2p's worth.
My 2p's worth.
10-01-2009, 11:16 AM
#12
its how they work
topping out is normal, there is no real weight behind it, just the spring tension, it wont make any noises....
unlike bottoming out, which has the weight of the car behind it...
Last edited by JTECH James; 10-01-2009 at 11:31 AM.
10-01-2009, 11:28 AM
#13
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JTECH - I know they must top out mate, too keep the spring under control, but it sounds like they are doing it a little too early (even with Christian just bouncing the car by hand). So maybe slightly more shock travel would help. Plus your could wind up the platform to get the extra ride height Christian wants.
p.s Good luck with your 180mph attempt
p.s Good luck with your 180mph attempt
Last edited by simon170; 10-01-2009 at 11:30 AM.
10-01-2009, 11:35 AM
#14
JTECH - I know they must top out mate, too keep the spring under control, but it sounds like they are doing it a little too early (even with Christian just bouncing the car by hand). So maybe slightly more shock travel would help. Plus your could wind up the platform to get the extra ride height Christian wants.
p.s Good luck with your 180mph attempt
p.s Good luck with your 180mph attempt
i reckon its noisey because there isnt ENOUGH tension on the spring,the platform needs raising more.
10-01-2009, 11:36 AM
#15
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The gaz oilovers certanly ain't quiet when topping out.......plus as said they shouldn't top out under normal driving conditions! The springs being loose depends on the height adjustment you make but you can fit helper springs if required to overcome the problem of the spring being loose when the car's jacked up.
10-01-2009, 11:39 AM
#17
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You reckon the springs is expanding fully and going loose between the topmount and adjustable collar, yeah? Certainly would clunk loudly...
10-01-2009, 11:44 AM
#18
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How can they run topped out all the time?? If that was the case the suspension would have to be solid?! When there's weight on the shocks and the springs compress the shock leg moves down too so i can't see them being topped out all the time! And yours may be silent but if they're not gaz golds on an rst then it's not really a direct comparison.
10-01-2009, 11:45 AM
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I found the Gaz shocks top out with a CLUNK if you run the damping on some of the softest settings (first 4-5 clicks).. sadly their cheap-ness shows. 
10-01-2009, 12:06 PM
#29
think about it, if the piston didnt stop to allow you to wind the spring tight, every time you jack it up the spring will be loose lol.
but when the weight is on the car, it should give you travel as the suspension compresses and droop when you jack it up.... back to the full travel
what poundage springs are they?
Last edited by JTECH James; 10-01-2009 at 12:32 PM.
wrong car sorry hav'nt woke up yet 
10-01-2009, 01:46 PM
#31
imo you need to raise the ride hight yes in effect putting more tension on the spring what is happenenig from what we found is the cup on top of the gaz shock top (assuming you refitted the inner cup from on top the old shockers) is pattering as you bounce on the car ie becoming loose the tight i know it sounds hard tp accept as you tension the springs up as the wheel is suspended but the shocker is dampening the effect when its on the floor ,anyways your cars to low raise it and the problem will dissappear.
best way to adjust the springs throw the c spanner in the bin and use an oil filter tool ie the big clamps to turn the seat easy as.
p.s what rears spring rates you got the standard are pants you need at least 220lbs,better not say anymore or u will be pushin me round the track pmsl
Tim
best way to adjust the springs throw the c spanner in the bin and use an oil filter tool ie the big clamps to turn the seat easy as.
p.s what rears spring rates you got the standard are pants you need at least 220lbs,better not say anymore or u will be pushin me round the track pmsl
Tim
Last edited by Tim; 10-01-2009 at 01:49 PM.
10-01-2009, 01:49 PM
#32
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The guy who runs the machine shop a few doors up from mine has found the same with his Gaz legs on his red topped Corsa, he worked all the spring rattings and damper travel out and decided that the Gaz stuff was miles out. He ended up specing some springs and having some dampers made, dont think they are fitted yet.
10-01-2009, 03:10 PM
#33
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yes this happens a lot.
when you jack the car up, more often than not, you get 'helper' springs to fill the gap, where the main coilover spring goes loose.
where the piston out-extends the coil spring.
Last edited by pee vee; 10-01-2009 at 03:12 PM.
10-01-2009, 03:25 PM
#34
Tim,
We did look at spring rates a few weeks ago, because I ordered these so long ago that I can't remember what I ordered. I've since forgotten what they are!! PMSL. I'm sure they are around 250lb. If they are coming off again, I can check again and will remember to write it down. The joys of being old eh??!!
I can't see how having NO droop is right. I hear what you are saying, but I think I will speak to Gaz on Monday and see what they suggest.
We did look at spring rates a few weeks ago, because I ordered these so long ago that I can't remember what I ordered. I've since forgotten what they are!! PMSL. I'm sure they are around 250lb. If they are coming off again, I can check again and will remember to write it down. The joys of being old eh??!!
I can't see how having NO droop is right. I hear what you are saying, but I think I will speak to Gaz on Monday and see what they suggest.
10-01-2009, 03:38 PM
#35
when i jack mine up the platforms on top go out of line,you have to lower it with your hand in the arch guiding the spring and cup back into the right place,if you dont do this they knok like mad,mine are only 11 months and 1000 miles dry old and they are really corroded,im going to call gaz on monday to get them re-coated.
10-01-2009, 03:45 PM
#37
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we fitted gaz coilys on beachs saph the comps caught the spring cup unlinke the avo so straight away he had to lay out on shorter springs and if im honest they were the most squeaky leaky pile of bollox i have ever come accross
10-01-2009, 04:31 PM
#38
so the piston will hit the stop everytime the weight is off it... otherwiise you cant make the spring tight...
if you have short springs that dont push the shock to its stop, you fit helpers, which keep the piston at full travel on the stop when the weight is off
Last edited by JTECH James; 10-01-2009 at 04:38 PM.
10-01-2009, 06:58 PM
#39
It's all irrelevant isn't it? If the shocks have no 'droop' then they are wrong, aren't they? Simple as. It is not uncommon for springs to be loose when the car is drooped, but of course this 'slack' is taken up once you put the weight on them.
I am kinda happy with the height of the car, would prefer it a little higher, but if I jack it up, 2 pumps on the trolley jack and the wheel is off the ground.
I am kinda happy with the height of the car, would prefer it a little higher, but if I jack it up, 2 pumps on the trolley jack and the wheel is off the ground.