One of the most common complaints that car owners have is that their car feels bouncy after installing coilovers. Coilovers are a type of suspension system that replaces the original springs and shock absorbers and provides better handling, control, and improved performance. While coilovers are a popular choice for many car owners, it’s important to understand why your car might feel bouncy after the installation of coilovers, and what you can do to address the issue.
What are Coilovers?
Coilovers are a type of suspension system that replaces the standard shock absorbers and springs that are used in most cars. Coilovers are designed to provide better handling, control and improved performance. They consist of a coil spring that is mounted over a shock absorber and is adjustable in terms of its stiffness, allowing the driver to adjust the ride quality according to their preferences.
Why is My Car So Bouncy After Coilovers?
There are several potential reasons why your car might feel bouncy after installing coilovers. The most common cause is that the coilover spring rate is too high for the car. The spring rate is the amount of force required to compress the coilover spring, and if it is too high, it can cause the car to bounce excessively. In addition, coilovers that are not properly installed can cause the car to bounce, as can coilovers that are not properly matched to the car’s suspension system. Finally, the ride height of the car may be too low, which can cause the car to bounce excessively.
How to correct “bouncy” coilover?
If your car is feeling bouncy after installing coilovers, the first thing you should do is check that they are correctly installed. If they are not, then you should have them properly installed by a qualified mechanic.
Once the coilovers have been properly installed, you should adjust the spring rate to ensure that it is appropriate for your car. The spring rate should be lower than the maximum load capacity of the suspension system. You can find this out by consulting the car’s manual or contacting the manufacturer.
If the spring rate is correct, then you should check the ride height of the car. The ride height should be set so that the car sits at a comfortable level. If the ride height is too low, it can cause the car to bounce excessively.
Finally, you should check that the coilovers are properly matched to the car’s suspension system. If the suspension system is not compatible with the coilovers, it can cause the car to bounce excessively.
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How to tell if coilovers are bad?
- Check for signs of physical damage, such as bent or broken parts, torn or frayed rubber, or worn-out bushings.
- Check for leaking fluid, which can indicate an internal seal has failed.
- Look for signs of corrosion, rust, or other deterioration.
- Test the movement of the unit by pushing down on the body of the coilover and seeing if it rebounds quickly.
- Check for any rattling, clunking, or other strange noises when the suspension moves.
- Shake the assembly gently and listen for any rattling.
- Observe the spring rate to ensure it is not too soft or too stiff.
- Make sure all the mounting bolts are tightened properly.
- Check for uneven wear on the tires, which can indicate a problem with the coilovers.
- Check for any binding or sticking when the suspension is compressed and released.
What are the disadvantages of coilovers?
- Coilovers can be expensive, costing more than traditional springs and shocks.
- They can be difficult to adjust due to their complex design and require professional installation.
- Coilovers are not suitable for every vehicle as they are designed to fit specific models.
- Coilovers can be too stiff for some vehicles, resulting in a harsh, uncomfortable ride.
- Coilovers can cause increased wear and tear on suspension components due to their heavy-duty construction.
- Over-tightening of coilovers can cause excessive tire wear and increase the possibility of a crash.
- Coilovers can cause an imbalance in the vehicle’s center of gravity, resulting in reduced handling.
- Coilovers can cause excessive “bump steer” when traversing rough terrain.
- Coilovers can create too much negative camber for certain vehicles, resulting in uneven tire wear.
- Coilovers can be noisy due to their metal construction, resulting in an unpleasant and distracting ride.
Do coilovers ruin suspension?
Coilovers are a popular way to adjust a vehicle’s suspension, but they can also have a negative effect. Coilovers can cause excessive wear on other suspension components, as well as increase the overall stiffness of the suspension, making it less comfortable for long drives. In some cases, improper installation of coilovers can also damage the suspension system and cause a decrease in performance. Ultimately, coilovers can ruin a suspension system if not installed properly and maintained regularly.
How long do coilovers take to settle after adjustment?
Coilovers take time to settle after adjustment, depending on the severity of the adjustment. Generally, it takes between 500-1000 miles of driving before the coilovers completely settle into their new setting. During this time, it is important to drive carefully and avoid hard acceleration or braking, as these can cause the coilovers to take longer to settle. Additionally, checking and adjusting the pressure in the coilovers periodically can help ensure that they settle into their new setting more quickly and efficiently.
How long do coilovers last on a car?
Coilovers typically last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the type of vehicle and the driving conditions. Regular maintenance, such as checking the coilover’s spring tension and shock absorber, is essential to ensure a long life. The quality of the coilover also plays a role in how long they will last as higher quality coilovers typically last longer.
Conclusion
Bouncy cars are a common issue for car owners who have recently installed coilovers. The most common cause of this issue is that the spring rate is too high, the coilovers are not correctly installed, the ride height is too low or the coilovers are not properly matched to the car’s suspension system. If you are experiencing this issue, you should consult a qualified mechanic to have the coilovers properly installed, and then adjust the spring rate and ride height to ensure that they are appropriate for the car.