Suspension Basics Explained - Overview Of Alignment, Springs, Dampers, Sway Bars & More

[@gmans7859]

Alignment for the E46 last round we got some 'schooling' too. He in fact gave it just a slight hint of Toe Out on the front after a long discussion about the intent for our 'wanna be' Race Car. My son was SUPER pleased with how it drove and tire wear was spot on. We recently switched to KW V3's to try and some other bits so we need to do the dance again.

[@fcpeuro]

Great to hear. A little tow out on the front of a RWD car, like your E46, is a great way to liven up the chassis. We would just never suggest toe-out on the rear or an RWD car as it will create instability on acceleration.

[@joshuam7552]

Thanks Nate and FCP crew, you're dope!

[@fcpeuro]

Nah Josh you're dope for watching and support us! Appreciate it

[@pedrocacao5081]

Great explanation! Love your race tech videos!! Cheers from Portugal

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching Pedro , glad you like our race cars explained series thus far! Stay tuned for more and be sure to share with your friends in Portugal, we know racing is big down there!

[@mercracing]

Excellent video! Well done and to the point!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks MercRacing , thank you for watching!

[@wongwang7666]

Beautifully explained, job well done!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks Wong Wang, we appreciate it!

[@kend1276]

Excellent video.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you very much!

[@Thomas..Anderson]

Well. Actually a quality content and just 4652 views. What is wrong with you people?

[@djglobol]

Great video.

[@Texmotodad]

Wow - never knew about race cars having tow “out”! Learning much with your videos! Thx!!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad youre picking up some tips and info Perry! Even in just a track day setup we suggest just a hair of toe out in most cases.

[@glasser2819]

no wonder they wreck easily with the instability and the speed...

[@glasser2819]

very straightforward presentation! you're a natural teacher. Wonder why they have not come up with a sort of "dynamic toe" control right around neutral bias. Stopping a toe-out car in a straight line is nearly impossible 🙄 👍

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, G Lasser! Nate can talk about suspension for hours!

[@therevin7]

Keep it up, learned a ton!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad to hear it!

[@GasInMyVeins20AE]

Really fascinating stuff. I love this series. On the control arms, are there dimensional differences compared to stock as well? I assume they're longer and it looks like the ball joint is moved forward too, presumably for more caster.

[@fcpeuro]

Yes, the track is increased and the wheel is a moved a little further forward. This is how the designers increased the caster while mounting the top of the strut in nearly the stock location.

[@NLDMesa06]

In supplement to this video, it would be useful to explain how the springs and dampers effect ride comfort vs handling, and what would result if you changed just the springs or dampers vs both.

[@chrisrodriguez8305]

What do you guys do if race cars need adjusting the caster ? Are there control arms or some other form of adjustable suspension component to adjust the caster ? And where would one buy said suspension component ?

[@fcpeuro]

On the VW TCR, the caster is increased but not adjustable. That said, many camber plates also allow for caster adjustment. You can tell if they have adjustable caster if they allow for adjustment of the top of the strut forward and backward and not only right and left to adjust camber. Also, on some BMWs and other cars, you can increase caster by using an offset control arm bushing found on some M cars.

[@chrisrodriguez8305]

@@fcpeuro Awesome thanks for the info. Learned a lot from watching the video as well.

[@zzoinks]

Is this a good opportunity to regrease the axle to steering rotor spline?

[@334trax2]

Can I buy those parts? I went to your website and I don't see anything for a 2019 VW GTI. Also can you talk about the wheels and tires? I believe they are 10x18" wheels, 275/35R18 tires. I need to set my GTI up better for corners.

[@fcpeuro]

These are factory VW Motorsports race cars, the parts can only be purchased by race teams that own these cars. We do however have plenty of upgraded suspension options for the MK7 on our website!

[@amritmcamc]

How much work is required to transfer the TCR's (front + rear) suspension to the road car chassis? Video =) ?

[@fcpeuro]

Technically, the work itself isn't the hard part, but gathering all the parts, and getting everything setup to work properly in a street car when these components are designed for a race car to going to be difficult. Plus it probably won't ride very well!

[@stevendegliangeli7640]

I love videos about suspension. You did a great job. You should be teaching. You are a very handsome man and very cute. You are beautiful.