Breaking Down a Coilover

[@FitmentIndustries]

Hey KZbin, We hope you enjoyed the video. We wanted to let you know that this video is a pretty basic understanding of a coilover. As much as we'd love to talk about the intricacies of different coilovers, you'd be sleeping by the time Alex opened a door. We do want to bring up two points that may be beneficial to the viewer that our audience has discussed: 1.) preload doesn't change with force unless it's a progressive rate spring. 2.) dampening and compression are fine tune adjustments, not major adjustments for most enthusiasts. We want to help you learn more without being overbearing, so to our advanced viewers, it may seem like we generalized some things, but we did it on purpose. If you'd like us to delve further into coilovers and spend more time on the technical, let us know and we'll have Alex do another one!

[@voltairee3012]

Fitment Industries do you guys like to sponsor rides?

[@FitmentIndustries]

We do not accept sponsorships

[@gprime70]

Camera was slightly tilted to the right. Great video Alex, I’ve been going back and forth on getting coils for my rsx.

[@maartenvandenberge7116]

I'd like to know more

[@anunknowndude]

He speaks reeeeeaaaaly fast lol

[@Projectsoul477]

Love these videos very educational and in depth what each part does... who said learning couldn't be fun....

[@Ivanskis]

This channel is on fire!!! I checked out your website and fire!! My new favorite company - Fitment Industries!!

[@FitmentIndustries]

Thanks for the love!

[@johndeerman2105]

I can't begin to express how much I enjoy watching your videos and I get to get to learn things. Bonus!

[@FitmentIndustries]

We love to hear that man! Glad you can be entertained and be learning at the same time when you watch our videos 👍👍

[@decaygrim8943]

buying my first set of fully adjustable coilovers was the best thing i ever did. it opened me up the the mechanical world of cars. i can now fully remove and adjust my suspension which includes the intricacies of coilover adjustments.

[@Sentient6ix]

I've been trying to wrap my head around the technical aspects of coilovers for about ten years. Been putting off buying coilovers for that reason, but I think the only way for me to figure it out is to just buy a set, and test n tune them for a few months til i can figure out how to dial it in. Thanks for these videos, they're very helpful

[@paganithottie]

how’d it turn out? 🫣

[@Sentient6ix]

@@paganithottie haven't pulled the trigger yet. Ran into some cashflow issues, so i'm putting the job off for another year or so

[@vaynelevant]

this needs to go out more. i have people talk about coils regarding height and dampening but i haven't heard anyone mention about the preload.

[@brunostiglitz7535]

This video is very detailed and it rectified me with my D2 Racing coilovers - my preload was all messed up and it made my ride really rough and uncomfortable

[@pizzathehut2264]

Today while I was painting a clients kitchen, I was listening to these videos for hours.

[@FitmentIndustries]

Hey, Well thank you for the support! Glad you enjoy watching our videos as much as we enjoy making them!

[@crazyloco8844]

Very informative!!! I got lost on some parts, but overall i get the jist of it all. Now, I just need to decide what coilovers best fit my ride at my budget.🤔 Thanks again!

[@FitmentIndustries]

Not a problem! If you ever need any more help just shoot us an email [e-mail]! 🙏🏼

[@therealderjett]

If people want to get the setup right it is going to take videos like this to get it done. For the racers the main point of a great coil over is corner balancing before hitting the track. Thanks for the great video!

[@static_Tricolor_camry]

The only collar you're supposed to touch is the very bottom locking collar those 2 top collars should never be touch or move from their position to adjust the ride height you should first measure how much you want to lower your ride height then unlock the bottom collar and bring it up to your desire height and when it reaches the bottom you lock it so it won't become loose when you're driving adjusting the ride height is the easiest part it's not fun when you have to keep taking the wheel off though if you're not satisfied with the ride height

[@bruzanhd]

Gravecb7 Accord they don’t make that adjustable for show lmao. It’s used for preload and corner balancing.

[@gavinendsley]

@@bruzanhd Right. It can be adjusted if you know it needs to be, but what he's trying to say is don't use it to adjust ride height because it'll ride like crap if you loosen the preload too much.

[@klubstompers]

@@gavinendsley It will ride like crap if it is too tight to. Can make it too stiff. Too much preload can actually raise the vehicle, at resting height, because the spring is harder to compress the higher the pre-load, making the vehicle sit higher even though the shock is shorter.

[@gavinendsley]

@@klubstompers True.

[@Jcc693]

You guys have became one of my fav KZbin channel... found you guys trying to find fitment/suspension pics of the 10th gen Accord dope vids man

[@lynch42]

Great educational video. Still learning about my BC coilovers.

[@TheMilkman04]

Love your vids my man, Alex=Badass

[@graff502cans]

Right on time I just going to install some coil overs to my Camry and this video is the one I was looking for !!!! Thank you very much .

[@blackalgae370]

This is the perfect intro to coilovers video!

[@FitmentIndustries]

Glad to hear you enjoy it!

[@ericlewis5035]

Thanks for the tips. Now I understand coilovers a little better. I want to get Bc Racing coilovers for my 04 Pontiac grand prix

[@jjfordingpoursoulstudios8581]

Great vid, and good advice! If you don't know what you're doing, don't do it. Let someone who does know what they are doing do it for you. Easy peasee.

[@andyly6651]

When i first adjusted the coilovers to lower my jzx, i whined the base adjuster all the way up, then admired it at its lowest, then brought it back up hahah. Silvers also do Z. S. S. Racing coilovers, just rebranded.

[@Lowlyfilm]

Love your channel....seriously one of my favorites

[@FitmentIndustries]

Appreciate it man!

[@klemenjeram]

Mybe make a video Coilovers vs Airride...the purpose of each one and what is better for the certain type of use....

[@Mylocksflop]

What about coilovers with helper springs and only 2 lock nuts? Don't you lower those by lowering the spring?

[@Projectsoul477]

Fitment! I was wondering if you guys could cover STREET GLOW.. I no longer see them around or anything but were huge in the early 2000s..

[@Kev27RS]

Project Soul They still exist and still sell stuff though, if I'm not mistaken...

[@Projectsoul477]

Kev27RS yea they do but sadly there not as big as they were you know? I think people only know them from the movies

[@oneBIGMAC2go]

video on air cup suspension! Platinum VIP phantom cups vs Fortune Auto air piston vs stanceparts air cups etc. pros and cons vs bags.

[@lifeonanisland3125]

Hey quick tip do sum close up shots of the product plice them in and between the video for better demonstration...

[@defooster2757]

yes plz

[@elliottmiller3282]

Physicist here. I want to point out the difference between dampers and springs as they are known to us physicists as damped oscillators. Springs create a force that depends on distance. As they compress more, they exert a stronger force against what is compressing them. Their size and stiffness controls themagnitude of oscillation the Coilover will allow. Stiffer and springs will oscillate less. So will springs that are more preloaded. However, preloading them will also potentially increase the effective spring constant (or spring rate, but constant is a better descriptor). Even linear springs will have their constants increase as they are compressed since no spring can be compressed forever. Dampers (or struts) create a force that depends on velocity. As they move faster they will resist more. This has no effect on the size of oscillations initially but they will reduce the oscillations over time and dissipate heat. Heavier dampers will not allow oscillation to occur for very long while lighter damping will allow oscillation to proceed. In a car, you will notice this as the chasis bounces up and down. Important to the concept of coilovers is phenomenon of critical damping. This is when the coilover is set out such that it will do a half oscillation and then return to stationary. Most coilovers are set up somewhere around this. And it makes sense. If you encounter a bump, you want the coilover to travel as much as needed to absorb the impact, and then return to its initial position without bouncing around. However, spring constants (really just preload) and damping constants can be changed for a variety of reasons.

[@Ejiokpa16]

Need more videos like this!

[@oksblue]

Do airbag suspension next!!! setting up proper psi and height etc

[@larryhernandez5062]

Great Job . Very instructional . . . .

[@chi6831]

Best types of videos loving it

[@adammejia5853]

So I'm getting some rims and trying to educate myself a little, love your videos, but everyone here is obsessed with low cars lol still like the videos though. My question is can I put in coilovers and use it to raise the height one inch or keep it the same? I like looks and function products.

[@FitmentIndustries]

Absolutely man that's the best part about coils is the ability to raise and lower them when you'd like!

[@solomedia8914]

The video was very helpful! I learned something new today.

[@FitmentIndustries]

🙏

[@evenaks]

Beard is looking good Alex!

[@itsjohnnypanda2448]

Now definitely want to buy a coilover for my Mark 2 Supra

[@huntergoins9618]

What is the name of the wheel second to right on the second level of wheeels on the wall

[@vikramkoodoye1418]

I mastered it but if i didn’t I’d hella confused, explained quite the right things in a very messy way 😅

[@CLozs]

ooooof that small block v8 analogy is on point

[@ErK1oneZ]

THANNK YOU SO MUCH FOR GOING INTO DETAIL IF YOU CARE ENOUGH YOU'LL UNDERSTAND AND I DO ! I DIDNT GET LOST AT ALL .. JUST ONE MORE THING WHAT BRAND DO U RECOMMEND FOR COILOVERS ON A GENERAL MOTOR W BODY 97 GRAND PRIX ????

[@FitmentIndustries]

Silvers if its available or maybe some lowering springs! Shoot us an email sometime at [e-mail] and we can maybe get you setup with something!

[@ErK1oneZ]

Fitment Industries I’m convinced I need full body coil overs thank you for the respond I’ll email you for a set up if you can help me I never heard of silvers but lowering springs it’s not the way to go for me I’m looking for full performance

[@asdasd-om8tj]

actually stiffer spring will not react faster or handle bumps better, they will have less traction. softer springs provide more traction however bringing more bodyroll

[@eliezerbrito301]

Please talk to manufactors about making different type of coilovers for 2016 nissan versa sv sedan

[@jasonturner3140]

Did someone make the music to this video with a Ford door chime 😂

[@Guyrald]

does getting a coilover reduces comfort compared to the stock suspension on my e39 528i? i want to lower it without sacrificing comfort and customizing the stock spring, thanks

[@FitmentIndustries]

Hey Geraldo, Some of that stuff depends on the brand you buy from, However sometimes when getting coils you do sacrifice some comfort for going lower hower that is the price you pay haha! I would suggestion maybe a set of lowering springs with upgraded shocks!

[@Guyrald]

thanks for the reply, i'll check on some good shocks! cheers

[@splitassassin78]

I had a set of coil overs and I had my sping tight and my pasnger side front coil over Blew out from a slammed Acura TL

[@82toyotalandcruiser]

What about the bump stop? Shouldn't one take the coilover apart and set the shock portion part and set ride heigh and bump stop. Then use the lower mount to set ride height, then set the spring?

[@bodyguard1191]

Awesome and clear explanation!! Thank you!!

[@aaronwilliams6165]

Can you guys please cover swift springs? Thank you sir!

[@FitmentIndustries]

we are looking into it!

[@danielclark9250]

How do u pick out the right wheel assembly and change it do u have a video on it

[@eraseone84]

I messed with my preload and to rest it I did the Hand tight and 5 mm or little over would that do the job? Should have watch this video before doing my coilovers 🤦‍♂️ Great video and thank you

[@proto35]

dope video. Super useful as I will be receiving my coilovers within the next few weeks I hope and rather not mess it up from its potential. As a critique though, whoever is running second camera, either ditch the auto focus, or take note on which way the lens racks forward and back to get that focusing dialed in as it was flying all over the place next to the shakes as well. I would also love to see a winter maintenance on CO and airride - I live up in Canada and salt is a bitch. Gotta figure out what ima do then.

[@FitmentIndustries]

Thank you for the feedback we will work to fix those angles for you guys. As for now we are firing the intern as he cannot handle the camera! 😂👍

[@jamesbailey5337]

Question! Do the coilovers come preloaded? Or should I check the preload on each coilover just to make sure?

[@quang_le]

I’ve always thought you changed your ride height with the two top locking disks, but apparently that changed preload? I understand that the lowering part of the coilover is near the bottom but if you loosen the bottom and turn the coil, isn’t that changing the ride height or is that preload? Sorry if I am not making any sense.

[@josegcaceresvelazquez2665]

Awesome content. Keep up the good work ✌

[@all-starproduction5672]

In Washington the roads are terrible, Every time I go through a bump it bounces like a low rider. Is it the preload I have to adjust? the ride height seems to be fine, my car just bounces like 3 or 4 times like a low rider when it's going over one bump on the freeway bridges.Would I compress my preload or loosen my preload for this situation? the Damping is at the softest level to absorb.

[@zRythemHD]

really informative. make a tutorial on how to measure for fitment!

[@FitmentIndustries]

We are planning to do that!!!

[@ljsmooth4841]

Are wheel adapters safe? I would love some 3sdm .04 on my Accord 🤔

[@larryhernandez5062]

Excellent . . . Love It . Thanks

[@jamesbailey5337]

Also, what brand coilover does Fitment Ind recommend? I’m just looking to lower about 1-1.5 inches, but I also want to be able to do damping adjustments

[@white90scoupes31]

cool. wheels fit now. condom still doesn't fit so I might have a problem with pre load

[@bmadrigal99]

From what you mentioned about not messing with the preload of the spring on the top lock. What if you messed with it already? I re-tightened the spring to be tight again and the car rides good, but i just want to make sure im ok and not messed up my coilovers drastically since i messed with the preload?

[@imransyafi]

I really need your help, is it okay to configure coilovers preload after it is mounted on the car?

[@FitmentIndustries]

Hey man, Great question either way you are going to have to pre load those coilovers either before it is mounted or after so its all a personal preference at that point!

[@mojo-_-7902]

If I’m part of that 90% and would be good with just lowering and a preload, would my car drive like the OEM suspension?

[@pgk7974]

I have a question, how to set spring preload and correct shock length on a divorced coilover for rear?

[@chrisbanda3869]

You guys had talked about pre-load and spring rate a bit. Do you have any recommendations for the spring rates for a 2011 Kia Optima? Does it just depend on what I’m looking for? I guess softer would be the answer to that. Something a little more comfortable for the ride, but will that kill the intention of the coilover? Love your videos. Thanks guys. 👍🏼

[@FitmentIndustries]

Thanks for the support! We would love to help you on this one, Just shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we can help you out!

[@tonybailey89]

That wheel in the bottom right corner of the video at 9:47 with the black and machined face!? What is it, it's beautiful lol

[@FitmentIndustries]

Rohana RFX 11 bit.ly/2xMBlGh

[@danielanthonynopueto3967]

Hi FI any chance to have a video about separate Coils and Shock on Silvers Coilover neomax, Re: Preload and ride height adjustments? thankyou

[@fosstheboss31]

You guys should see if you can start dealing Feal Suspension!

[@anthonyledesma2854]

I just bought a 2018 Honda Civic touring what would you guys run air or coils and what brand would you go with and what kit

[@FitmentIndustries]

It all depends what your looking to do between air and coils! and if you decide coils, it all depends on what look/purpose you're looking for. Dom is great help! email us and ask: [e-mail]

[@andreymora8248]

Do I need a certain coil over to help flush my wheels with my car?

[@qamerhead21]

You should do one of air suspension

[@MrNikbert]

Will installing coilovers take away the ability of my car to adjust dampening with a push of a button? My car has a normal mode and a sports mode and I would like to utilize coilovers but I don't want to lose the adjustable dampers of my car either.

[@FitmentIndustries]

It does vary with some kits! Shoot us your question via email along with the info for your kit to [e-mail] and we can help you!

[@zuccbleach9610]

Do you need to replace these for maintenance?

[@FitmentIndustries]

Coilovers can last for years, but it depends on the quality of it.

[@angelalvarez6074]

Trying to upgrade for a 14 civic lx what would be best set up from y’all

[@jaimeochoa5269]

What will give my car a smoother ride, air suspension or coilovers?

[@FitmentIndustries]

Sheeesh Air IMO - Erik

[@ericwatler23]

What coilover should I use to get the same ride is stock I have a 2012 SXT charger I only want to lower it an inch and a quarter. I got the pro kit eibach springs and shocks and it rides good but over bumps and bumpy roads it does not Ride good please help.

[@Barracuda1807]

What about helper springs? Also coil sleeves on struts that don't allow any other hight adjustment then adjusting the coil spring lockers.

[@TestarossaMusicista]

The spring perch is the correct way to adjust the height. Helper springs are implemented to not allow the spring to come unseated at full droop.

[@FitmentIndustries]

We can take a look!

[@Lowlyfilm]

Yo guys a good idea for another video would be maybe how life is driving around a slammed car? Static of course....or the daily life of a slammed car....or how to drive a slammed car

[@FitmentIndustries]

That’s a great idea! We’ll throw it on the to-do list!

[@PRforteletubes]

I'd really appreciate if y'all dropped the instrumental list for this video in the comments.

[@wlfgrlx8577]

The wheels in the middle row, all the way to the right, look like a star, would those fit a 98’ ls400? Because i’d drop MONEY on those. 100% 🙏🏻

[@FitmentIndustries]

Shoot us an email at [e-mail] and lets see if we can find something that fits! 🤟

[@jaythree1976]

What are those bronze wheels over your right shoulder?

[@FitmentIndustries]

ESR ES3's

[@jaythree1976]

Fitment Industries thanks uou

[@tylerwerner6413]

Are you guy affiliated with custom offsets?

[@FitmentIndustries]

Yes, sir we actually share the building with them!🙌

[@tylerwerner6413]

Seemed like it, a lot of small similarities in the videos. I just came from an F150 to a Lexus so wheels will be in my future.

[@amirab1962]

what wheel is that in the 2nd row 2nd to last. The star shaped 5 spoke. 0:20

[@FitmentIndustries]

Those would be the 3SDM 0.05 which can be found here! --> bit.ly/2S8dbCY

[@tehSlushie]

I know most people get coils to lower a car, but are coils able to reach the same if not close to stock ride height on cars as well?

[@FitmentIndustries]

Yes, most coils can be adjusted to similar height as stock!

[@Getzopurple]

Show us lots of directional wheels a good 18 by 9.5 and 18 by 10.5 with left and right side so it dosnt look like trash plsssss

[@Maxrizzz]

so overall , dont mess with the preload in general? lol im new to this .. help

[@TestarossaMusicista]

I like these videos, but your synopsis of "preload" is flawed. You should adjust the base to get the amount of stroke that you require to enable the longest stroke without having suspension and wheel parts colliding with each other. The height should be adjusted by the spring perch. The spring isn't going to flap around when it's on the car and is compressed, it's going to settle onto the perch. If the spring does move around at full droop then you require a helper spring. A linear spring will always respond the same way regardless of if you have it "preloaded" or not unless you have way over a inch of preload. The reason being is that the springs are linear. It's difficult to understand where the preload myth comes from. If you buy high end dampers like KW, Bilstein, AST, or Moton, there is no adjustable base. You adjust only via the spring perch because the dampers are the correct stroke from the factory instead of being a general use damper like what's in cheaper setups.

[@TestarossaMusicista]

Something else to know is that major companies setup the coilovers from the factory. HKS even come corner balanced!

[@FitmentIndustries]

For sure, like we did state, most companies will send you your coils preloaded correctly! We do realize that we didn't go full in depth for preload but we didn't want to make the video longer then it all ready was!

[@TestarossaMusicista]

Understandable. For further information, if you or anybody else is curious, here's some links on damper tuning. You won't see preload addressed anywhere because it really isn't a factor that's commonly considered apart from shim stacks on racing suspension systems. Most high end dampers don't even feature and adjustable mount setup. General Shock Tuning: farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets19.html Koni Tuning Guide: www.bimmerhaus.com/tech/shocktuningTN.html Penske 7300 Manual: www.penskeshocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/7300-Manual.pdf Koni Adjustments for Road Course Use: www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthAmerica/Racing/Over-Under-Steer-(1)/ Bilstein Racing Shock Info: info.bilsteinus.com/public_access/media-cd/2013/Catalogs_Brochures/Bil_MtrsprtsCat_2011.pdf

[@RyanHarris77]

body roll, body roll, high kicks, high kicks, this is how we do it.

[@AntarcF20C]

How about the truth about Pirelli tires?

[@specialformula14]

Still waiting for a in depth bag over coilover vid

[@FitmentIndustries]

We can look into it!

[@stevensanchez330]

The thumbnail looks like a video game

[@HoangNguyen-vh7db]

Video about tune the perfect preload?

[@vikramkoodoye1418]

Hoang Nguyen depends on the weight/load of the body section it will be supporting 😉

[@darianistead2239]

That would go over most peoples head and is vehicle/driver dependant. If one needs to go into specific, preload, corner balancing, bound, rebound, camber, spring rate settings etc best to go into a reputable shop that deals in those set-ups and have it adjusted to suit your driving style/requirments.. If your looking to just slam it add more preload so it takes more effort to get bound and not have as much wheel travel to foul but harsher ride and is dependent on whether you have a rising rate spring or linear blah blah blah.

[@randyej2pr]

If my front springs spin with little hand force obviously when on jackstands but dont move up and down by no means is my preload ok or should i tighten my preload a bit more so they dont spin?

[@FitmentIndustries]

we recommend tightening it a bit, but just remember that the rule of thumb is hand tight + 5mm with a spanner wrench.

[@evanh4201]

Anyone have experience with Godspeed or CX Racing coilovers?

[@Driftbroski686]

My Tein basis only (height)adjust by the locking collars?

[@FitmentIndustries]

by the lower mount

[@boogiedownbrklyn8626]

What are the rims that is in the middle row all the way to Alex's left?

[@FitmentIndustries]

3SDM 0.05

[@RandoManFPV]

Do I have to get an alignment everytime I adjust ride height?

[@FitmentIndustries]

Not always! But your discretion. Just have to make sure it’s not crazy off. Have ran coilovers in the past and first alignment is all I needed, choice is yours! -Edgar

[@Vgk36]

Do Tein flex z come preloaded ??

[@smithielive8322]

do most coilovers come with damping at the mid and preload already set?

[@FitmentIndustries]

in most cases yes!

[@klubstompers]

More prelaod = stiffer spring less preload = softer spring. More preload can actually make the vehicle sit higher, even though the shock is shorter, because it takes more force to compress.

[@asdasd-om8tj]

wrong

[@klubstompers]

@@asdasd-om8tj correct

[@asdasd-om8tj]

@@klubstompers last part is true however preload has zero effect on how stiff or soft the spring is, as covered before on this channel multiple times

[@klubstompers]

@@asdasd-om8tj I have different sets of coils, and most of them will get stiffer with a higher preload, because you are pre loading the spring with stored energy. You can pre load coils till they literally bind, so i dont see why you think, shortening your coil wind isn't going to effect ride. Take a spring in your hard and squeeze it with your fingers, then preload it and then squeeze it, youll see it take more force on the one that already has stored energy in it, to get it to initially compress more, because it is pushing against your fingers, aka pre loaded. Ride all depends on the spring rate, length of coil, strut rebound, and vehicle weight, and pre load (can) effect everything except the weight. This isnt going to be as noticeable with a softer spring rate, the stiffer the spring the more stored energy when pre loaded.

[@asdasd-om8tj]

@@klubstompers haha I get what youre saying I thought that at first too. Its very counterintuitive to think and hard to really understand but it doesnt change the stiffness, it only changes the force to start the compression of the spring and then behaves like it would otherwise. This reduces shock performance by not being able to absorb small bumps on the road. This is why they teach you to never adjust spring by preload, just set the preload manufacturer tells you and leave it at that.

[@EliteJovenAgent]

what rim is that to the right of the dude beside the black rim

[@FitmentIndustries]

The Rohana RFX11?

[@EliteJovenAgent]

Fitment Industries yes that one thanks. Now i just need to sell my kidney to afford one