In the beginning, Measure the current ride height before you touch a bolt. Check and ensure that your car is on level ground. Measure from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender. It will be good if you can spray some penetrating oil on the bolts you’re working on the night before installing the coilovers. The correct steps to install coilovers may vary with each car. But, here are a few general steps that you can follow to learn about how to install coilovers.
1. Remove the wheels
The initial step is to remove the wheels. For gaining access to the suspension components, raise your car using a jack and remove the wheels. Ensure to check the owner’s manual to correctly locate the jacking points and where to place jack stands. Always use jack stands and never depend solely on the jack to support your vehicle. Make sure not to leave any part of your body under the vehicle longer than you have to.
2. Remove the struts
The next step is to remove the struts and coil springs. Normally, there will be a few bolts at the strut tower’s top, three around the perimeter, and one center nut for the strut shaft. There will also be one bolt at the strut’s bottom. You will have to remove some bolts from the upper or lower control arms to remove the strut assembly. You can also check and replace worn bushings at this time. Also, inspect the removed bolts and replace them if needed.
3. Install the coilovers
After removing the struts, install the coilovers. If you need to assemble the coilovers, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with them. Although each coilover is alike, each manufacturer will put their spin on it. After installing, you can install and adjust the camber plate if one was there in the kit, along with any brake/ABS lines you loosened and swaybar end links.
Once installed, adjust the collars to get the coilover to the height you need. Check that each coilover on the same axle is at the same height and has the same amount of threads exposed.
4. Reinstall the wheels
Replace your wheels and tighten everything up. Once done, drive the vehicle for at least a few yards to settle the suspension and park your car on a level, flat area. Measure the ride height from the center of the wheel to the bottom of your fender again. Adjust the spring preload up or down from there based on your needs. Always follow the coilover manufacturer’s recommendations to know how high/low the preload can be adjusted.
5. Check the car’s alignment
Ensure to check your car’s alignment whenever you work on its suspension, especially when you loosen or unbolt the control arms. Realize that your car has alignment issues if its steering wheel isn’t centered while going straight or has poor handling in corners. It is best to re-torque the bolts you touched after driving a few distances.
What are the benefits of coilovers?
Knowing the benefits is as important as knowing how to install coilovers.
Improves handling: if installed properly, your car will get better handling. With coilovers, you can comfortably take sharp turns.
Can easily adjust: adjustable coilovers help lower and raise your car easily. So, whether going on a long trip or to a car show, adjustable coilovers can easily raise and lower your car.
How long do coilovers take to install?
Normally, it takes around 3-4 hours to install coilovers.
