Different issues with coilovers in suspension systems reduce ride comfort and hamper the smooth driving experience. You may sometimes feel the necessity of reinstalling your coilovers in this type of situation.
In this article, I’ll tell you about the cost of coilovers installation. I’ll also share some tips so that you improve the health and lifetime of the coilovers of your vehicle.
What is a Coilover? How Does it Work?
A coilover is an important automobile suspension device used in double-wishbone suspension systems. There is a damper in every Coilover where a coil spring encircles it.
Coilover means a Coilover shock absorber that absorbs the shock of the tires and wheels meeting bumps and holes in the road.
Coilovers combine both shock absorbers and coil springs to provide more control in your steering wheel ensuring a comfortable ride.
At the time of driving over different types of roads having bumps and holes, shock absorbers compress themselves to absorb the shocks that may ruin a comfortable journey. It automatically expands to its regular position when the condition of roads levels back out.
Coil springs also follow the same principle but they are stiffer. As they don’t compress easily, you need to compromise some ride comfort, but can protect your car from bottoming out.
When the coil spring and shock absorber work together in a Coilover, the coil spring compresses itself when you hit bumps and the shock absorber pushes the coil spring back to ensure a smooth driving experience.
Also read: Solo Werks S1 Coilovers- Is it Worth it? (Review)
Types of Coilovers Available in the Market
Coilovers manufacturers divide their products into different performance classes. In general, coilovers can be classified into the following 4 categories and levels.
- Coilovers With Manual Lowering
These are the classic type of coilovers suitable for drivers and beginners. Because of the screw thread, an individual lowering of 20 to 70 mm can be adjusted by using a hand. This can be your choice if you’re looking for sporty handling with individual lowering in an everyday situation.
- Adjustable Rebound and Compression Damping
It’s possible to adapt your suspension in handling according to your personal preferences having this kind of coilover. Tuning enthusiasts can fulfill their taste easily when the concern related to special track conditions, weight, and tire characteristics comes.
- High Performance for Racing Sports and Club
This kind of Coilover is needed to ensure racing performance while maintaining the approval of the road. More than about a hundred different kinds of adjustment choices are possible, as well as camber adjustment. These coilovers are suitable for sporty drivers who regularly drive on the racetrack.
- Electronically Adjustable
Electronically adjustable coilovers use wheel force, engine control sensors, and speed to offer continuous adjustment of damper rate considering different types of road conditions. Premium vehicles of today are now using this kind of adaptive suspension system.
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Coilover?
Coilovers are relatively expensive. On average, you need to spend about $700 for a good set of coilovers. It’s also possible to find cheaper options by spending $300 but it won’t be a good idea to go for them. Some well-performed coilovers will cost about $1,200 sometimes also.
Generally, coilovers below $700 don’t provide a warranty. They also lack the adjustability the expensive brands offer.
Yonaka Full Coilovers Suspension, BC Racing BR Series Coilovers, and Function Form Type 1 Coilover Suspension are some of the best affordable coilovers for your daily driving.
You’ll need to spend somewhere between $200 to $500 for the installation purpose of your coilovers. It’s difficult to say the exact amount as there may be different kinds of complexities and issues. The price may also vary from country to country, place to place.
A good alignment is very important after the installation process of coilovers. This process will cost you about $100 overall.
How To Change Coil Overs Yourself?
Though it’s suggested to install coilovers by a professional, it’s possible to change a coilover by yourself if you have the necessary know-how about the total installation process.
Following the series of steps stated below can help you to change a coilover by yourself.
- The very first step of the installation is planning and measuring. Measure your current ride height, spray penetrating oil to bolts, keep in mind the rust issue, and have a look at suspension & steering bushings.
- Then jack up your vehicle and remove the wheels. Always follow the owner’s manual and use jack stands. Don’t hesitate to take help from experts if you don’t understand something mentioned in the manual.
- The next step is removing the struts. In this step, you’ll need to remove bolts from the lower or upper control arms for pulling out the strut assembly.
- After pulling out the strut assembly, you need to set up the ride height roughly. Follow the instructions of manufacturers at the time of setting them next to coilovers.
- In this step, install the coilovers having s sharp focus on torque rating, unnecessary twisting load, and most importantly manufacturers guidelines.
- Reinstall the wheels, check your ride height, and drive the car for a few distances to settle in your suspension system.
- Finally check every single part and get an alignment done.
Also read: 10 Cheap Cars with the Best Red Interior (+ Photos)
Best Tips To Improve Coilovers Health and Lifetime
Maintaining coilovers Isn’t a difficult job, all you need to do is to follow the right steps for ensuring safety and optimal performance.
Following some effective tips stated below can improve your coilover health and lifetime.
- Coilovers generally get dirty over time which may affect the performance. Clean the coilovers of your vehicle regularly using mild soap and water.
- It’s important to keep the internals of a suspension system free from dirt and moisture. To make this happen, check the seals regularly focusing on damage, wear, and replacement.
- You must be careful at the time of adjusting springs. Applying an excessive amount of force can break or damage the springs which will cause serious safety issues.
In winter, some extra maintenance is needed to protect the coilovers. Applying anti-seize, marine grease, and WD-40 lubricants can protect your coilovers in a cold environment.
