Question on setting ride height for coilover

nevetS4 · 04-19-2006, 07:43 AM

This is not about how high or low should it be. This is a question about how should we balance the height on left and right.

The shop I went to has balanced the ride height for me when it is on the hoist by measuring the distance between the fender and the center of the disc brake (same distances for all sides). However, when the car is on the ground and settle, the driver side has a ground-to-fender-height 25 3/8" (both front and rear) and the height on the passenger side is 25 7/8".

Do you think this is ok? Or should I adjust it have the same ride height on the ground?

Thanks.

Bruno_S4 · 04-19-2006, 07:48 AM

RSS · 04-19-2006, 07:51 AM

So it would probably be best to go off some of the frame of the car. Old Camaro was off 3/4" from side to side on the rear fenders but sitting level from the frame.

nevetS4 · 04-19-2006, 08:08 AM

The different looks and wheel gaps on both sides start getting to me.

RSS · 04-19-2006, 08:21 AM

That is so that the car is level for alignment issues and balancing etc. If you go by the body panels the car could actually be leaning because the panels arent straight. I have a similar issue coming up when i do my coilover install, everyone seems to go by ground to middle of the fender to measure. But the problem is that fender may not be correct or straight so i am thinking of going from ground to somewhere on the subframe side to side on the front and not so sure for the back yet.

Cool5abi · 04-19-2006, 11:45 AM

Aman_UnatrlyAspiratd · 04-19-2006, 11:50 AM

Aman_UnatrlyAspiratd · 04-19-2006, 11:57 AM

2 options:

1. for looks (and should be decently balanced). Adjust the coilovers to as close as possible side-to-side, wait for them to settle, and lift car to adjust sides that you want to change. Mid fender to ground is an OK way to measure this, and you can compare back to front or positive or negative rake. get all the heights where you want them and it will look good! Doesn't mean car is balanced though

2. Corner balance. Adjust the corner heights while car sits on 4 scales, per corner. Once all scales display the same weights (or whatever changes from neutral you want), the car's balanced. Doesn't mean the heights will be the same at each corner though. Driver shoudl be in car for this technique IMO. You should think of this only if you track the car hardcore.

Hope that helps
Aman

nevetS4 · 04-20-2006, 05:31 AM

04-19-2006, 07:48 AM	#2
Bruno_S4 AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 5,142	Good question. Don't know the answer :( __________________ Yea, though I drive in the Valley of the Shadow of the V8, I shall fear no V8 for the V6 twin turbo is with me. Thou shall prepare boost at my call against the V8 that troubles me. Thou annointest my V6 with Motul Oil and Shell 91, and my psi shall runneth over. Thy loving smoothness and torqueness shall follow me all the days of my driving and I will dwell in the house of the V6 Bi-Turbo forever.

04-19-2006, 07:51 AM	#3
RSS AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 602	The problem when setting a cars ride height is the Body may not be true So it would probably be best to go off some of the frame of the car. Old Camaro was off 3/4" from side to side on the rear fenders but sitting level from the frame. __________________ \|\| 18" RS4 Reps \|\| GIAC X \|\| APR Exhaust \|\| PureMS Testpipe \|\| AWE DTS \|\| Stasis Tracksports 550/650 \|\| RS4 Motormounts \|\| AWE Boost Guage \|\| Momo Handbrake \|\| RS4 Grill \|\| + 1 Stage 3 S4

04-19-2006, 08:08 AM	#4
nevetS4 AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 141	So does this mean that as long as the the body are level, that should be fine?.. The different looks and wheel gaps on both sides start getting to me.

04-19-2006, 08:21 AM	#5
RSS AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 602	You want the frame/unibody to be level the body panels can be off. That is so that the car is level for alignment issues and balancing etc. If you go by the body panels the car could actually be leaning because the panels arent straight. I have a similar issue coming up when i do my coilover install, everyone seems to go by ground to middle of the fender to measure. But the problem is that fender may not be correct or straight so i am thinking of going from ground to somewhere on the subframe side to side on the front and not so sure for the back yet. __________________ \|\| 18" RS4 Reps \|\| GIAC X \|\| APR Exhaust \|\| PureMS Testpipe \|\| AWE DTS \|\| Stasis Tracksports 550/650 \|\| RS4 Motormounts \|\| AWE Boost Guage \|\| Momo Handbrake \|\| RS4 Grill \|\| + 1 Stage 3 S4

04-19-2006, 11:45 AM	#6
Cool5abi Audiworld Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 32	I'd just make sure the distance from the ground to the center of the wheel is equal. :o)

Welcome to AudiWorld!
		Welcome to AudiWorld.com. You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join AudiWorld.com today!

04-19-2006, 11:50 AM	#7
Aman_UnatrlyAspiratd Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 5,358	LOL __________________

04-19-2006, 11:57 AM	#8
Aman_UnatrlyAspiratd Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 5,358	Basically....... 2 options: 1. for looks (and should be decently balanced). Adjust the coilovers to as close as possible side-to-side, wait for them to settle, and lift car to adjust sides that you want to change. Mid fender to ground is an OK way to measure this, and you can compare back to front or positive or negative rake. get all the heights where you want them and it will look good! Doesn't mean car is balanced though 2. Corner balance. Adjust the corner heights while car sits on 4 scales, per corner. Once all scales display the same weights (or whatever changes from neutral you want), the car's balanced. Doesn't mean the heights will be the same at each corner though. Driver shoudl be in car for this technique IMO. You should think of this only if you track the car hardcore. Hope that helps Aman __________________

04-20-2006, 05:31 AM	#9
nevetS4 AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 141	Thanks

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

04-20-2006, 05:31 AM
AudiWorld Audi R8 Paid Advertisement