Coilovers - Explained

[@farsidekiki]

All of your videos pack tons of relevant information, clearly and consicely explained, at a great pace without ever making me feel overloaded or confused. You are simply the best! Thanks for all the lessons!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Kirill Melamed Glad you enjoy the videos, thanks for watching many of them!

[@Khaled-tx5xj]

+Engineering Explained isnt the ford raptor have coilovers? couldnt increase height in any way ?

[@carloscrod_]

Making rookie mechanics less stressed.

[@RWarrior777]

@@EngineeringExplained hey there brother. I have a Toyota Camry 2015. And can suggest a good suspension for a smooth ride and non bumpy. Thanks

[@EngineeringExplained]

They do not pay me to do reviews, they simply provide me with material in order to enhance my videos. It's much better when I can have the actual item when explaining something. They've been very generous in helping out, and I appreciate it quite a bit. Doesn't hurt that I get to use some of these parts on my car! :)

[@EngineeringExplained]

The problem with lowering springs on stock shocks is you reduce useable shock travel, so your shocks could potentially bottom out. Also, the dampening rates of the shocks may not match the spring rates of the springs, so it may cause an overly bouncy ride.

[@ahmadhasif979]

He makes so much effort on every video. #respect

[@JacobEcret]

Ahmad Hasif or maybe he isn’t, some people are just really good at this stuff

[@Tropicsca]

You are the only one that makes videos that I can understand. Thank you.

[@randolldoon]

all thumbs up!

[@zackklapman3569]

Totally thought you were wearing a beanie for the first minute.

[@mburikiama813]

lmao

[@chriskennedy7534]

Yea, 6 yrs ago was a strange look hahaha

[@boyddustin]

Zack Klapman lol I literally was going to write that!!!!!!!

[@planetscott1]

I thought it was Dimitri Martin

[@carloscrod_]

boyddustin this scenario happens on KZbin waaaay to often 🤣 I like how there’s other who think alike.

[@bsg1372]

Great Channel, I'm a gear head and I've been around cars for 20+yrs. I understand about 95% of all your topics before watching, but it's always good to review and refresh. I appreciate what you do for the other viewers. PS I would suggest a companion video to this explaining adjustable suspension arms and upgrading bushings, as these are a must have to maintain proper geometry after altering ride height. Keep up the informative and unbiased work!!

[@crazyjkz]

After reading some of the comments their seems to be some confusion with the term "coilover". There's basically two different meanings when people generally refer to coilovers. When people typically refer to coilovers (as in this video) they are usually referring to aftermarket coilovers that are performance-oriented and are usually adjustable in both ride height and shock stiffness. The shock/strut & coil spring are integrated into one assembly where the coil spring is seated over the shock/strut, hence the term "coilovers". However, most vehicles that have Macpherson strut front-suspension design use an OEM strut & spring assembly where the strut and the coil spring are integrated together into one unit, so technically they can be considered a coilover, but they are OEM or OEM-equivalent and are not adjustable. They are also primarily designed for ride comfort over handling performance as opposed to aftermarket coilovers that are performance-oriented and designed for handling over ride comfort. Hopefully that clears up some of the confusion.

[@carlosserrano9059]

thanks! i commented before i read this.

[@JarmalK]

Thank you and yes it does

[@EngineeringExplained]

So far Yonaka has been a great partner in helping make these videos. My relationship with Redline360 is growing as well, which has great potential.

[@Monstero5o]

You need to become a teacher or run your own engineering shop and design race car man, no joke.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Beast60 What about a KZbin channel dedicated to educating people about cars?

[@Monstero5o]

Engineering Explained haha that too, but does it pay good?

[@Monstero5o]

Engineering Explained or why not both?

[@kekwnerd9464]

@John Matthew 🤣

[@angusmethane3802]

Engineering Explained go on a quest to build the perfect super fun “single guy” enthusiast build. Such as a Nissan 240 or similar

[@EngineeringExplained]

The cheapest option is lowering springs, but there are reasons you don't want to do this. It won't allow for the full travel of your shock (likely) if you do this, where as coilovers will allow for lowering without altering suspension travel (of the included shock, not all do this, but most do). Also, to get things done right, you may have to get an alignment to alter your camber and toe to make up for the change in geometry.

[@timothycoyne5874]

Wow. Look how young Jason was here! I’ve learned much from his videos over the years. I’m glad he stayed with it!

[@loricybin]

Learning about suspension systems as I learn to do work on my own vehicles. This video is super helpful and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heresjohnny4836]

ty, im not knowledgable on cars but you r explaining very well

[@dankarp8567]

If you increase spring rate, you will need to adjust your rebound and compression in the shock. If you are going from a soft spring, your compression will be to stiff and your rebound will be to fast for the stiffer spring. The proper spring rate should be vehicle weight plus passenger weight and spring accordingly. Then revalve the shock to slow or speed up movement of the spring for the compression or rebound, to your needs. Be careful to not preload the spring to much or you might coil bind the suspension.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Just installed them this past weekend. Quite noticeably stiffer. Ride quality suffers a little but it does seem to stay very flat in corners. I'll need to get some upper control arms to take care of the negative camber, I've lowered it a good amount.

[@dougiequick1]

I'll never forget I had an old RWD Malibu with sacked springs in the rear that I did not want to pay to make new again so I asked about coil over shocks (since it was also ready for shocks anyway) and the first couple service writer/mechanics were like"huh?" basically claiming I had no such option ...So finally I just went to aftermarket parts counter and ordered a pair of coil over rear shocks ....peanuts $ compared to doing it "right" ...It TOTALLY corrected the problem, Worked perfect! I was very happy ...never did understand service writers claiming there was no such fix....wth??

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yes, but by using stiffer springs you aren't reducing the "independence" of the suspension. Sway bars act as a link for the two, but are a cheaper solution to the problem of body roll.

[@MT4LYF]

this was his first video i understood properly. i will have to rewatch some as my interest in fixing more stuff on my car increases. good video and have subscribed.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yes, many do this, but it does alter the pre-load of the spring.

[@EngineeringExplained]

They seem to be pretty good quality. I have not yet installed them, and plan on doing so hopefully this weekend. Initial impression though they seem good, and the spring rates are in line with other aftermarket manufacturers.

[@empireentertainmentevents1353]

The way you explained things are so easy to understand. IF only others can explain things as well as you do. Thank you!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Correct, depending on the suspension (double wishbone, macpherson, etc.) the top of the coilover will have a different mounting. A MacPherson strut will likely have a 3rd screw on top.

[@EngineeringExplained]

If you plan on lowering your car, and don't have adjustable camber, it's a good idea to get one to prevent uneven tire wear, or if you want the ability to adjust it for track use.

[@EngineeringExplained]

MacPherson strut is a type or variant of a suspension. A coilover can replace the spring/strut combo already in place in the MacPherson strut setup.

[@Jabid21]

Loving the thumbnails. There is nothing more enjoyable than holding a car part with a million dollar smile.

[@kiarrabrissett2237]

I still watch these videos from SEVEN YEARS AGO. Lol it's crazy to think about it like that but I love love love these videos. So informative and precise

[@EngineeringExplained]

The spec1 may simply mean that the damping is not adjustable. Though I have not yet installed mine, the build quality looks to be good. I need to install mine!

[@aranyak1881]

I'm designing vehicles for a video game and was wondering how to improve the payload/suspension. Thanks for the cool video!

[@decaygrim8943]

I first saw this video 7 years ago. And now I’m experienced and smart enough to fully understand this now.

[@EngineeringExplained]

MacPherson strut is basically a type of suspension, I have a video on the topic. A coilover can be used in various suspension types.

[@greensheen8759]

I love your videos! I have a question. If I want the smoothest ride on my daily driver, what kind of suspension modifications would be best? I switched to summer tires which helped a lot, but my favorite is actually the "boat" kind of feeling some luxury cars have.

[@EngineeringExplained]

They may fit, but that doesn't necessarily mean the damping and spring rates are properly matched, or that you won't break the shocks on a heavy bump. Unless they're simply an OEM replacement, with the same height.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Eventually, hopefully, yes. I'd like to get into CG and roll center.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Pre-loading the springs does not change the stiffness of the springs. Unfortunately if you want stiff you'd need different springs. That said, you may be able to achieve what you want to do cheaper with anti-roll bars, not really sure what your goal is though.

[@HomeAmongTheWise]

Very informative, thank you very much for your time

[@unclegeorge6175]

+Engineering Explained, I could have used those on my 89 Mustang to stiffen my weak rear leaf springs. Great Explanation. Keep up the good work.

[@gtbarnes11]

no u could not...mustangs after 1978 don't have leaf springs

[@deadbeat86]

Man this videos are sooooo informative, its so easy to understand, it doesnt even matter the fact that english is not my native language. I really apreciate the fact that you take the time to share your knowledge. Ive learned a lot from you, Im a ver happy subscriber, always waiting for new videos. Greetings from El Salvador :)

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yes, I'll have install videos soon.

[@clippers4me]

I am not car savvy but I have a 2017 Infiniti q60 and have 25mm spacers on. I have about 1 1/2 inch gap to my fender. Wanted to get 1 inch lower. Will a good coil over combined with my spacers ruined or throw off my suspension? I don't want my car computer to throw off codes due to these modifications.

[@EngineeringExplained]

What did you not understand? I have a suspensions playlist that goes into much greater detail of many of the topics.

[@ParanoiaRising]

Great videos here. You manage to keep them short, but still informative and simple enough to where most anyone could make sense of it. Definitely a real help.

[@Reginald-Erasmus]

uhm just so people know, just about every vehicle comes out standard with coil-overs, its not an aftermarket part, what IS aftermarket are the adjustable coil-overs

[@wnbdriver]

yes (based on my own experience). I lowered my car 2.34" (6cm) front/ 1.57" (4cm) rear with springs only (apex yellow) and had them on for two weeks only. Strut mounts were gone in a few days and then the front shocks leaked (a bicycle hand pump was harder to work than my shock absorbers) and had to be replaced. I went back to stock springs and new shocks all around and new strut mounts for the front shock absorbers.

[@hibbs79]

I like your videos and the way you explain things so even dummies like me can understand it. 👍

[@Khazar01]

Correct me if I'm wrong, from a driver's perspective, the dampers are used to tune the car's behavior while under braking or accelerating (corner entry and exit), but during that steady state part of the corner while the car is coasting the sway bars are used to tune the car's behavior.

[@EngineeringExplained]

I've been in the working world for 1 year now, and I drive a 99 Acura Integra. So yeah I'm pretty much a millionaire at this point. ;)

[@mouseno4]

I am a car idiot. In the words uttered to John Snow, i know nothing. When forums keep mentioning things like this... i keep seeing them fly right over my head. This explained them clear and concisely and in plain english. Awesome. Thanks.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Hoping to get them installed this weekend!

[@TFASplbtttt]

Dude, your videos are quickly becoming some of my favorite

[@EngineeringExplained]

"You should buy an expensive car." That part requires enough money for an expensive car. :)

[@jawary8474]

What was expensive 7 years ago, now cheap!

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

@@jawary8474 500 up still costs for coilovers.. and when someone saving to do something else on their car

[@EngineeringExplained]

I don't plan on dropping it 4 inches, maybe 1" at the most. I live in a city where a lowered car is incredibly impractical. Once this is my "track-only" car I'll go a little more, depending on if I can get the suspension geometry correct.

[@AJTalks]

Great video, thank you. I would love to see a video on what makes Ohlins better than the competition. From what I have experienced, there are no compromises with that coilover system. Plus you might score some very nice dampers for your STI by reaching out to them

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks, yes there are definitely additional factors which need to be altered to maintain an ideal geometry of the suspension. I do hope to make a few videos on ride height, cg, and roll centers to expand on this. Eventually :)

[@EngineeringExplained]

We're all happy, things are going well!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Hopefully I'll have a video up at some point.

[@TimJoseph08031990]

My Odyssey, Forester, and Civic have this design in the back and McPherson struts at the front. The McPherson struts are coilovers, since the shocks are inside the spring. Replacing the shocks on a coilover can be tedious, unless there is a pre-assembled strut with the coilover and shock together in one assembly, depending on the vehicle.

[@sonnytrejo2403]

"And that of course being 9.81 meters per second" 😆👍 After watching your videos I always think... I need to brush up on my arithmetic! Thanks for the info.. Excellent!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Eventually I could make a video on this, yes. It's a good topic but also gets very complicated very quickly.

[@markflierl1624]

How is a coil over any different from a McPherson strut. They look the same to me.

[@lauannric]

Super informative, thank you! :) But I still can't get myself to get it done, fearing of potholes and bumps along the road and highway, especially at my place here

[@davidd6003]

That science talk at the end blew my mind🤯

[@Car3stash]

Do you know that this video is not under the suspension related videos? I think you might wanna put them there so it's easier to find for new users. Great video by the way!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Luckily I haven't had too much go wrong with it. I certainly don't do everything. I've just replaced the distributor cap and thermostat. I've taken it to the shop to fix oil leaks/burning, but I think what truly needs to happen is a full engine rebuild.

[@krisnestorurian9127]

In addition to the suspension topic, which parts of the suspension should use urethane bushings and which should use hard rubber for racing applications? Thank you for your awesome videos

[@BigDette]

Thank you sir, Glad to see that someone else sees sense in this conversation!

[@ghettoflyer]

When you install the coil overs I would greatly encourage you to upgrade your anti sway bars (they're usually pretty in expensive... considering the results) ... You will be pleasantly surprised (I think) with the improvement of the handing of you car. Hondas/ Acuras usually have pretty soft antisway bars. Potentially you could show the G's your car could pull before and after the modification...

[@Isaacdlc]

yeah, alignment is always recommended. But if you are lowered, and do not want the negative camber it is suggested to get a "camber kit" to correct that negative camber. And then get a alignment.

[@EngineeringExplained]

I'll probably get around to a sway bar eventually. I'll likely try to go with the Type-R set-up.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Good ole' Mohr's circle. Perhaps one day, I'm trying to keep most videos automotive related, but perhaps if I got into chassis stresses or something of the like.

[@jellie33414]

You should do a walk around with your integra, do you put modifications on it? You have a lot of knowledge and I'm learning from you though. Keep up the good work

[@EngineeringExplained]

1999 Acura Integra - My First Car

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yep, and yep. I have a few videos on the installation, and one on testing them as well. Cheers.

[@EngineeringExplained]

It could be that the fluid, or some of it, has managed to break a seal and leaked out, thus making the shock absorbers of no use.

[@andyloax]

that depends on how low you want to go you should consider lowering springs since they can offer better spring rates versus a full coil over

[@EngineeringExplained]

I'll get around to it at some point, yes.

[@Funrides91]

Your videos are very helpful. So a lot of companies sponser you with there products?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Altering the height of the coilover will not change the spring rate, so the coils will be just as stiff.

[@alphachupappy]

Engineering Explained but how about the roughness of the ride hows the feeling inside the car? Any significance? lets say an inch or two lower setup of coilovers. Planning to buy one but im afraid it will alter the comfort of a stock ride. I just want to lower my ride and for the benefit of coilover during sudden turns and other benefits of owning one. Btw, i have 08 subaru forester and im from Philippines 🇵🇭 thanks for the much info

[@jeremywhittler8591]

You may have to calculate your specific spring rate and order custom springs. Don't expect that your just going to get the ride your looking for by slapping on a set of coilovers even if thier v3 kw. Especially in an engine swapped car. It may work out , or it may be trial and error. You may go through three sets like most do. For suspension to work it has to have room to move plain and simple. Watch roll bars, they may have a negative effect on compliance with coilovers. Suspension set up is a work in progress and a tradeoff of handling vs ride quality. On the softer side offers more traction on the street, tracks are smooth roads are not.

[@2JZLS]

Thank you for teaching me about vehicles, i knew nothing before i ran into you, not even how to change a tire. Now all i want to do is win Formula Drift. Look out world.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Depends if there is anything else that is powered by that belt.

[@gghihideedhideed9693]

You need to explain the gas versus aspirated coil overs. Also you need to mention camber because camber also gives your friction depending if the Tarmac or Road is curved like a NASCAR track or originally straight

[@chriskrilly9021]

Most accurate descriptions.. appreciate the videos and info

[@MrMikey1703]

Thanks very much for this mate. I had never heard the term until about twenty minutes ago, googled it and got your video. Brilliant! The only think I don't undersand is why you need coil springs AND the oil cartridge shock absorber. Is that solely for controlling the damping? I am a motorcyclist where we use cartridges up front and a coil at the back - possibly with a small sealed shock inside that.

[@djmv2002]

Great video. Debating on aftermarket coil overs. Thinking Tein or CUSCO friend trying talk me into buying DC2 set.

[@TheMaverickjc29]

Great video man,that was classy and knowledgeable, keep them comming. Greetings from Costa Rica, central america

[@EngineeringExplained]

I will have videos of the install, and hopefully a test video as well.

[@JujuARod]

Dude, awesome video man. It's crazy how much I have learned on this channel, and how it conceptually helps with physics (Which I'm taking now!) Also, I think you should do a walk around of your Integra soon! Perhaps after you install these coilovers, best of luck and don't stop making videos!

[@mustangx]

Great job. You are very easy to understand and pleasant. Subbed.

[@bartvanriel6767]

First of all, thanks for all the great information you're putting out there. Being a mechanic I've found it to all be correct so far. One question though, I have a bmw z3 1.8 1996 with a 50/50 weight distribution, should I use the same spring weights then? Thanks!!

[@peterwood2633]

Isn't the spring technically the shock absorber and what you refer to as a shock absorber the damper

[@lmann17]

Really really good at explaining things and good diagrams. Keep it up man !

[@urdrenn]

could watch hours of your videos! learned so much! Would you mind explaining "Bags" airsuspension, are they viable for tracking your car, etc...?

[@MeBeYours]

You should do a video on bag over coil setup. I like the idea but don't understand it very well

[@jbarone96]

You should do a vid comparing coilovers and air lift suspension.

[@edlingja1]

Jordan Barone Pneumatic suspension and airbag support/levelling aren't the same things. Basically, the airbags are somewhat limited and replacement is costly. The pneumatic piston kind isn't insurable, so not roadworthy. Sadly. Basically anything can be made- but legally you can't drive it. Also it's not oem so you can only race/show.

[@surajkalyanshetti2819]

Very good video, can you explain on wheel stifness and contribution to vehicle noise

[@BharatBhushan-nj8sc]

Keep it up buddy, these videos are very helpful. Can you do some on Mohr's Circle, Stress theory etc.

[@lanevo]

Nice video but you should explain more about suspension geometry, since lowering your car too much effect your roll centre which doesn't reduce body roll. Pure because the coilovers are usually stiffer you feel less body roll.

[@monkeypainter808]

The "full threaded body" feature is not an indication of an expensive coilover anymore. Companies can just develop the lower threaded portion and top hat and pass off a generic shock-body/valving as a coilover specifically designed for different cars. Could you do a video on how spring preload affects or doesn't affect handling? I think that argument needs to be put to rest. Videos are more and more interesting!

[@RTJTRD]

I've been researching what spring rates would be ideal for my driving habits. I am getting the BC Racing Coilovers extreme drop with front and rear cup kit. The issue i'm stuck on is what spring rate to choose. This video has been most helpful in learning about coilover sysytem. Thanks. I'm still trying to figure out the spring rates as with BC they are custom and can do any spring rate you choose.

[@jwsnyder5021]

If you lower the car a substantial amount, the steering arms will no longer be level...this induces a condition called bumpsteer. As the front suspension moves up and down, the angle of the steering arms changes, causing the front wheels to steer slightly. Of course this can happen even with stock ride height, but the amount of steer is greatly reduced if the steering arms are level at static ride height.