Setup Coilover Preload and Ride Height

Step by Step instructions to setup your coilover preload and ride height for the BC Racing Coilovers (front of mercedes)
Keep it simple and relax, Take your time. I'm not responsible if you screw up and damage your car in anyway shape or form. TAKE YOUR TIME.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Raymond Urias, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Raymond Urias assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Raymond Urias recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Raymond Urias, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Raymond Urias.

[@retrojake649]

This is the most clear tutorial I've ever watched thank you!

[@DG-uh6rk]

Hell yea it is!!! Watched another video before this and the damn dude said you had to unbolt the strut from the bottom and twist the bottom half 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ I never did it that way and "thought" it was like it was mentioned in this current video. Glad I found this one, I was about to cancel my coilover order.

[@JaYgRiFfSTuBe]

Great video

[@fstlnj29]

This is the best video on this that I have found. Be careful when you set the preload. You do not want to turn the top ring rather lock it in place by the force of the bottom ring. If you look at your procedure you actually turn the top ring causing some loss of preload. Yes I am being super picky but if you go through all of the work then this is important . Thank you for posting!

[@lennex04]

Yeah I have to say. You where very clear on explaining how to preload and adjust. Very good job. High five man.

[@eo2436]

The only video where i fully understood the process!!! You just saved me from paying someone else to do this for me!! Awesome!!!!!!

[@justinkelley4299]

Thank you so much for this video, I was having trouble with preload. You explained everything I needed to know clearly and perfectly!

[@jimdshea]

Same! My take away: max finger tight, then raise 4 mm. But I feel like there should be a more accurate way than just "by feel"?

[@terrancecollins2696]

This is by far the best video I’ve ever seen on adjusting ride height and pre load on coilovers

[@cameroncho]

Literally THE MOST CLEAREST OF CLEAR video on coilover adjustment ever

[@hungrybeastvending3590]

Even if you dont have bc coils! This process is the same for all coilovers! Thanks so much for a clear walk through!😁

[@paulchen8673]

Such clarity and detail .. I will be raising my car and this video is just what i needed... thank you very much mate

[@Finesse460]

Easiest instructional video I’ve seen on KZbin cause others extrapolate too much and some are so vague to the point you gotta watch the video 10x’s.. I only had to watch once. My project is a 98 Lexus LS and I’m working with Megan Racing EZII coil-over system and 20” Enkei Lusso.

[@TheHonro]

Lefty Loosy but also LOWERS the car. Righty Tighty, but also RAISES the car. Thats how I remember it!

[@jacobz6474]

Peter HMan but isn’t it the opposite for the rear

[@HrothgarOdubhghaill]

Just found this video...And have to say, this video alone has now made me more comfortable with fianlly doing my own install. While I knew about the lower part helping adjust ride height, I never knew you could leave it on the car to adjust that part..This helped me (And saved me tons of time) SO much. greta video!!

[@e2003]

I really liked the part where George Clooney's character even through isolation was able to adapt to a somewhat normal way of life. Great Job!

[@adrenaline4life233]

Perfect! I’m pretty sure I messed up my preload by about half a turn when installing my coil overs. This cleared up all my problems and now I just need to set it to what is in the instructions and boom, solid

[@jessebudelman]

Just stumbled upon this gem of a video, just installed some BC BR’s on my Focus ST this weekend....this video is great. Thank you.

[@pandaruiz6653]

The best video of coilovers It helps me very much Thank you From Tijuana Mexico

[@OhanaRVing]

Preloading your coil overs can make a dramatic improvement, and the only way you'll know whether it makes a difference is to make adjustments, document and test. In my case, adding 200lbs of preload made a tremendous difference in that my suspension had less compression modulation and less rebound pressure which translated to a smoother ride. -2 cents

[@dennisrobinson8008]

Increasing the preload smoothed out your ride?

[@toyotanehal]

@@dennisrobinson8008yes because it made it stiffer and his car was probably bouncing a bit more than normal cars so stiffening the suspension will make the ride quality a bit better

[@dennisrobinson8008]

@@toyotanehal Mines is a bit "too harsh" with the 8k fronts 6k rears. If I could smooth that out over bumps i'm told "Shockworks" brand controls stiffer springs better most than other brands so they would indeed "smooth" the ride out.

[@toyotanehal]

@@dennisrobinson8008 i haven’t heard of that brand but I went with a generic bc racing coilover with 8k’s all around and they’re pretty good

[@Anthony-us6im]

Ln​@@toyotanehal

[@elfocker]

Best clarification of preload and adjustment. I couldn't find anyone doing it right. Thank you. Just picked up a set and I'm ready to go. Lol

[@johnclemans7802]

Great video, clear, and detailed! Good job! In the process of installing coilovers on my 06 Mustang GT.

[@jim.c6780]

Looks great ray your turning your Mercedes into a cool ride by the time your done with all the upgrades your Benz going to look so awesome.

[@TylerMontgomery-rj8zl]

New to coilovers. This video was extremely informative. Thank you!

[@Somechonchon]

Thought it was just a slap on part. Thanks for explaining pre-load.

[@TheShogun88]

It is, but for race applications i.e track use this is when the pre-load should be adjusted otherwise you should only mess with the ride height if you dont plan of tracking your car.

[@chancehinman9307]

Wow this video was a big help I adjusted my coilovers and was messing with the preload thinking it was ride height and my spring was able to move up and down like 2 inches. Yikes will be fixing it

[@comeau1978]

Very clear explaining how to set up properly. Thanks! As soon as it gets warm the GTO will be set up properly.

[@ThatsNotVeryFunnyLol]

Damn you made this super easy to understand honestly lol. I don't know if all coilovers come with the preload set to where it needs to be but yeah you did a great job of explaining this. Thanks!

[@bernardoh6048]

Best video ive seen, i didnt even know you could adjust the coilover without taking it off 😂 im new to all this

[@mexicanbot14]

Excalty!!! I didn’t know this either it’s going to make things easier!!

[@Nj888chu]

wow... crystal clear instructions and explanation. good job !

[@vivekdoijode3467]

you are a life saver mate!! While lowering my Teen Flex Z, the preload lock got loose and I kind of messed up with the preload setting even though the height is same on both coilovers :( Now I can reset it back!!

[@gregmason3849]

This is the only video that clearly explains this . Thank you ! I’ve been looking for ages

[@phasehonda]

Most springs on the market sags over time and after 1 year that 4mm preload might not be enough. I will recommend 8-10mm depending on the length of the free length spring. The other way is to reset the spring preload during your usual oil change interval.

[@Elwooddudes]

I've got some BC Racing BR's on the way! My first set of coilovers, so this has helped a lot. thanks man!

[@joeloalexis9030]

I got some on the way too!😎

[@matthewwach7693]

Wow I didn't know Doctor Banner was also a car enthusiast! Awesome video sir!

[@timg1262]

Thank you. Straight forward. Other videos suck.

[@maconcrack600]

Best tutorial I’ve watched. Thank you!

[@babynicolelove2nibethlife640]

Very good job sir.clear turorial.follow from japan

[@joerobertson3478]

Thank you for one of the most concise videos on all of KZbin. God, I am sick to death of the legion of clown video productions out there!

[@sendtacos1824]

Finally someone gives a good explanation!!! Great video

[@Derkaderkavlad]

Finally a clear tutorial

[@user-1500HP]

I think it will be rare that the distance from perch to perch will be the same on both sides if you are aiming to achieve the same aesthetic looking ride height. You might find a descrepency on the perches of up to 10mm between sides is needed to get a similar ride height.

[@sneezinhatch]

It's 50/50 with a good brand coilover they settle the same with the cheaper ones I have mirrored the same distance by measuring but the springs settled a lot different

[@nickpike4335]

Funny. I actually sold my C63 to buy a Vette and build it, this helped me a ton with my car. I miss my Mercedes. Lol

[@sohayel_nafi]

Felt like I was watching chrisfix video lol

[@RexyFan]

Sohayel Nafi haha my thoughts exactly when I saw his hand enter the screen at the start lol .... was waiting for the .... Heeey guys...

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

Fantastic video- thank you. I messed up adjusting the ride height on my 2005 R53 Mini by adjusting the lower spring collar, thinking that would change ride height - and have been experiencing terrible ride quality since doing it - you just made me realise that basically removed all the preload from the spring completely (it was actually still loose) by doing this and that will hopefully be the cause of the terrible crashy ride quality I had... Just adjusted it and will feedback if this fixed the issue!

[@noolimitzzg5130]

Thank you so much dude! Just received mine, will be installing them and this cleared up my questions!

[@ryansantangelo8666]

Thank you. You did an excellent job. Much appreciated and blessings!

[@xaviermunguia09]

Thanks man I’ll be doing that tomorrow.

[@jabranmalik8298]

The best explanation video thanks♥️

[@johnclemans7802]

Again great job! Use a old ruler with mm reading. I found it easier to back out the center locknut on the strut mount itself. Just back the center locknut out ( loosen it) about 2 full turns only. Go back under the wheel wells and use only the upper center collar to turn it left or right, inorder to raise or lower the ride height. Measure before and after with an old ruler, using millimeters. Remember not to adjust the preload on the spring! Loosen only the lower collar, the one closest to the brake rotor/caliper. Remember to tighten the lower collar only with a blunt drift and hammer. Don't hammer too much, just about a 1/8" or so. Remember to tighten down center locknut on the strut mount to proper torque values. Remember too have your front end alignment checked by a professional shop when finished! One special note to remember, measure between the inside of the lower collar and the inside of the center collar before you start, take pictures for references. You want to make sure you have the factory settings as reference before making any adjustments! Hope this helps!

[@ricktrips5708]

Rookie question but the process is the same for the rears ?

[@ChieffinOnReefer]

You earned a sub my friend ! Very clear & quality content. straight to the point & very informative. & universal across all coilovers. Prefect for a novice to the veteran technician!

[@GrimSnipez]

thank you man fr my front end was sooooo stiff i could not drive now i know how to fix and have my car on the floor slame

[@pitbullbite5835]

Thanks bro... New to the BMW scene. I appreciate your video on this! Peace...

[@BryceBrown1]

Very clear and easy to follow, thanks!

[@waashingmachine_1687]

Do you have instructions for how to lower the rear of the car?

[@icemn]

Wow fantastic! This makes so much sense now

[@DanielSadjadian]

They look great! One question about the aftermarket wheels, how do you know how strong they are? I was watching AutoVlog's video and saw that his aftermarket wheels cracked after driving over a small pothole..... something which wouldn't have happened to the stock Mercedes wheels. Are these aftermarket wheels genuinely well built (to Mercedes standards)?

[@RaymondUrias]

Daniel Sadjadian he bought knock off rims (Replicas) Never buy thoes IMO. These are 100% real rotifoms each rim can support 1600lbs www.rotiform.com/blq-cast-1-piece-w-21872.htm That exceeds the standard set by Mercedes 1200lbs. Alot of factors need to be accounted for including the tires. If skimp on the side wall then you have no cushion for the pushing. If are considering upgrading your rims make sure you buy them from a reputable company and always check with the manufacturer if they are licensed to sell them. I personally have never had a rim crack....had one a long time ago bend from a big ass pothole.... couldn't avoid it lol

[@KelsS1k]

Its All Weight, Depends on How Much Weight They Can Threshold

[@babytazz6100]

if you lowered it more to where the tires are flush with the fender, what prevents the tire from hitting the fender when you turn?

[@danterry5882]

Great vid man!!! Im going to redo my fronts after watching this just to make sure. What tips do you have for the rear? I have divorced rear coil overs and cant find a clear video showing the correct way to do it.

[@CAstillsubie05]

haha that hand pre-load had me cracking up lol

[@jaybagnarol3921]

hahahha me too

[@mrau92me]

If you want to raise the car, how do you know when you've gone too far, meaning you've screwed the tube out of the lower perch? Does the manufacturer tell you the minimum length of thread engagement, so the lower perch won't fail structurally?

[@bigdfig6083]

Manufacturer should've supplied info. I'd check their site first then call cs. ISC springs have a small hole (peep hole) drilled through the body of the bottom mount such that the strut/shock tube threads are visible once inserted to required minimum depth.

[@louispabon1077]

You explained the front but how do you readjust the height on the rear part of the vehicle i have a shock and spring like yours thers no video i cant seem to find one

[@alvarosilva957]

For what I understood. I shouldn't mess with the spring load unless I'm going to a track race or bs like that???

[@rcxdupyourao836]

Thank you. My preload was super messed up and my wheels were hitting my fenders over every crack in the road😂

[@calixxlivin]

What brand coilovers were they? Never mind re watched

[@bryanbyrd2062]

I mean no disrespect. But the fitment looked the same height as when you first started. Did I miss something? This is all new to me so please correct me if I'm wrong? I just installed coilovers in the front and 2 inch drop springs in the rear. I'm having problems with tuning and adjusting the front. It corners like it's on rails. But bounces in the front like it's got hydraulics. Any advice would be much appreciated thank you.

[@rohanmax14]

Did you ever made an video for how to adjust the coilover on the rear?

[@elvisquezada2113]

Could you provide best way to lower front of a 1983 W126 300SD ? I am Planing to get 17” wheels . Also , advise on best amplifier and speakers to use with first generation Becker radio and installation. Thank you very much for your videos and advise.

[@andersoncooper5174]

Very good explanation

[@0nizukaS]

Hi. 2 years late here. What should I do if the shocks have been adjusted to the same length but there's a 4-5mm height difference between the two sides? I was on level ground but still I turned my car around to make sure and still. a 4-5mm difference.

[@boskovic234]

do we need to spooring the car again after adjust the ride height ?

[@camrondavis3717]

is the preload set up the same for any car or coilover ? nobody really answers this

[@chinothedreamgiver1629]

Guilty of counting the threads.. just works for me..

[@calzoneanvilcases8431]

I did this and my (Driver side) completely drooped after I took it on a drive and now the spring is fully compressed. when I jacked up my car, the springs do not decompress. I had to angle my tire out of the hub. Has anyone encountered this?

[@m.collins213]

I'm thinking about getting a set of BC coilovers. Could you give me an update on them? Are they still working good? Some peeps in tube land don't like them or are having problems w/ them. Thanks for any info and the watch rulz btw!

[@m.collins213]

Dude, is that a Casio Digital Watch from 1982 you're wearing...?

[@mas9067]

Patrick Collins this is 1982 you’re just late to the party

[@SydeshowMO]

I guess your right to say most ppl won’t ever adjust preload. But those that do should be corner balancing. That’s where you benefit from preload. They way your doing it is fine for safety but your limiting functionality. Good stuff tho. I needed to see how BC we’re adjusted.

[@AdonisGaming93]

damn you never cut to after you did the final adjustment haha. Awesome video man, definitely learned a few things. I was doing some things very wrong.

[@fitzphillips5370]

Great video and explanation.

[@dawiskid187]

Very informative tks for this video I know how to set my adjustments..

[@sherwinsula3182]

Very clear explanation.

[@redbaron2448]

I have the same coilovers Mercedes accept my rear the spring is separate from the shock so how do you raise the car up do turn the spring or do you turn the shock? Thanks

[@RaymondUrias]

You turn the spring. The shock will be your preload.

[@redbaron2448]

@@RaymondUrias ok great, thank you

[@seebxx]

Have you thought of getting a new front bumper or lip?

[@RaymondUrias]

SEEB XX New bumper. Really excited to show everyone it's amazing

[@seebxx]

Raymond Urias looking forward to it!

[@johnq4196]

BC or Siliver's Neomax? I CANNOT DECIDE?!?!? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

[@KidCigano]

So I emailed the company of ISR which is the coilovers I bought.. I asked them if the preload is already set or if I have to make the adjustments. They told me I’ll have to make the adjustments, however, so many videos I’ve watched said that the manufacturers put a lot of effort to set the preload. So I don’t know who to believe haha

[@RaymondUrias]

The good ones set it up for you. I know BC does...I'm not aware if ISR does as well

[@FastLab_Garage]

i have coilovers fully threaded and my ride is way to stiff how to soften my ride pls help

[@officialdjhoody]

Great video! Exactly what wanted to know. Great work!

[@TimelessCoconut]

Over time. Can the lower perch come undone? Is that a possibility? I’ve had a tire blowout and one side of my coil over rubs/clunks now

[@Tricky_86]

Hey man good video I'm having trouble with uneven ride height everything set perfectly same measurements on both sides but the front passenger side sits lower than the front driver side what should I do

[@RaymondUrias]

Was the car involved in an accident? If measurements are the same then the car should be level. Check your tire pressure and other variables

[@Tricky_86]

@@RaymondUrias No I got the car history was never involved in an accident.

[@RaymondUrias]

@@Tricky_86 then it should be level. I have heard of some cars being off by 1/4" that's normal

[@rahimahmadi3339]

Hey dude! Did you get that fixed? I have the same problem here the driver side is too much lower I had to raise the driver side height almost 2cm.

[@enriquegonzalez-lara5407]

I believe some wheel fenders are just not the same mine are a bit different by mm

[@12fg39]

You explained the preload so well compared to the other videos. Thank you but have one question. Would I need alignment whenever I adjust my ride height?

[@RaymondUrias]

Thanks! I have found that alignment is necessary if your ride height adjustment is greater then half an inch. You would be surprised how much that throws the camber off

[@MRrailaway]

Those rims are sick wat are they?

[@RaymondUrias]

Thanks man Rotiform BLQ

[@QkSilver04GTO]

I'm new to coilovers, just put a set of Pedders xA's on my GTO... do you set the preload 1st, then adjust ride height, or ones it not matter?

[@danielskrskr]

You said tighten it until you can't push up on the spring anymore. But you were clearly still able to easily compress the spring by hand when you started adding the 4mm of "preload". You also said this is the disadvantage of having coilovers??? As opposed to what??? I just want clarification I don't mean to be that guy

[@RaymondUrias]

Lowering springs.... And no trust me you can't easily compress it. It gets to a point we're not even King Kong could press on it. After that point you will have to use the spanner to get it to compress. I prefer lowering springs but sometimes you just can't get the vehicle low enough.

[@danielskrskr]

@@RaymondUrias Ah, ok. Thanks for the response!

[@martinorozco1692]

Your video jus popped up, thanks I have BCR coming in tomorrow for a Lexus 250 F sport, any recommendations? That be helpful

[@wilfredorodriguez8919]

What would be your opinion on bagging a w204, Right now I’m in a bit of a decision war on should I just get coilovers witch is cheaper or just pay a bit more to bag the car 🤯

[@shrek4759]

do i need alignment everytime i adjust the height?

[@B1gDaddy001]

Can you do a instruction video for the rear too? Thanks.

[@lordhighkage5348]

how do you set preload on coilovers in the rear on cars that have the strut and spring seperate?

[@RaymondUrias]

Great question. The spring would adjust the ride height. The shock absorber would adjust the preload, it will have a lock ring that you can loosen and make the shock longer or smaller depending on the manufacturer preload requirements.

[@aaronpoisson]

What’s the factory ride height compared to where you liked it? Have you any issues scrapping bottom of bumper on slopes?

[@DrHumorous]

Thank you!!!

[@alexfernandez7529]

Can you do a set of stainless steel brake lines next?

[@RaymondUrias]

I was actually debating it, I probably will.

[@yokev_5611]

Does your spring move left to right freely? Like if you’re turning it with both hands?