Coilover preload question
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 609
Likes: 19
From: Ontario
2005 E55
Coilover preload question
BC racing colis - I am setting the preload & something doesnt feel right, I have had to unwind the shock significantly, to the point where I have 7 3/8 inches between the top of the tightening collar & the final thread on the shock
Seems way too much - not many threads left
All I did was install LCA & springs, jack up LCA 0.25 inch then make shock fit that length
Advice?
Seems way too much - not many threads left
All I did was install LCA & springs, jack up LCA 0.25 inch then make shock fit that length
Advice?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 169
From: Portland, Oregon
2019 Jeep Trackhawk, 2002 CLK55, 2014 911 Carrera
Try leaving the shock completely uninstalled until you have the ride height set correctly. Then jack the car back up, take the wheels off, use a jack on the outer end of the LCA to preload the coil spring by 7-10mm, then install the shocks, adjusting the body length so the bottom bolt holes line up while the suspension is in full droop. Then tighten the LCA bolts on both ends.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 609
Likes: 19
From: Ontario
2005 E55
Thanks for the reply. My problem is determining where to start the 7-10mm
should i I install springs, drop car then jack up again and wherever the hub sits call that the starting point? I ask because depending on how tight the LCA bushing is to the knuckle, the starting point could be slightly different
when you say tighten both ends of the lca... are you leaving them just snug until you get ride height figured?
should i I install springs, drop car then jack up again and wherever the hub sits call that the starting point? I ask because depending on how tight the LCA bushing is to the knuckle, the starting point could be slightly different
when you say tighten both ends of the lca... are you leaving them just snug until you get ride height figured?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 169
From: Portland, Oregon
2019 Jeep Trackhawk, 2002 CLK55, 2014 911 Carrera
Thanks for the reply. My problem is determining where to start the 7-10mm
should i I install springs, drop car then jack up again and wherever the hub sits call that the starting point? I ask because depending on how tight the LCA bushing is to the knuckle, the starting point could be slightly different
should i I install springs, drop car then jack up again and wherever the hub sits call that the starting point? I ask because depending on how tight the LCA bushing is to the knuckle, the starting point could be slightly different
With the car on jack stands, put a floor jack under the outer LCA bushing and jack it up until the coil spring compresses 7-10mm. Then adjust the length of the shock body to line up with the hole.
This is will put your shock at max extension if you ever catch air, and have it be mid-travel when the car is at a neutral ride height.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 609
Likes: 19
From: Ontario
2005 E55
Currently I have the rear suspension up about 8mm or 0.3 inches, I am unwinding the shock a fair bit but now can get it the last inch or so since it’s hitting the side of the lca where it mounts
grrr...
