Problem Lowering using Bilstein HD's

[Andy B Aces High]

I have finaly got round to lowering my car (front done this weekend). Can anyone clarify the dilema I now have ?

I have fitted the HD's from Carnewall with new OEM M033 springs. The Bilsteins have the extra 30mm thread which as Gert states will allow up to 45mm adjustment. I have set the Strut lower platforms at present to 20mm less than the original shocks that came off and the ride height looks just right, but when the suspension goes on full droop ie the car is jacked up with the wheel off the floor the spring can escape from the upper spring cup.

I have seen cars on here with far more extreme lowering than I have carried out, how do the springs seem on these ? Is there anything that can be done to avoid the spring escaping, if I wind the spring up into slight compression the car will not be lowered.

Next weekend the back suspension goes on then I need 4 wheel alignment, anyone recommend an Indy to do this from their experience. I am based in Kent looking through the mags I am considering Tognola, JZMachTech or Northway as the nearest and seem to be well respected.

Cheers,

Andy B

 

[Pickled Piper]

Hi, I believe this is a common issue with the Bilstein HDs when used in conjunction with M030 or M033 springs. When I had mine fitted the garage ended up wiring the springs to the cup in order that they could not become dislocated. I believe that this is often done in motorsport circles. I was also advised that another way round it is to use an additional helper spring. This is formed from flat steel and has a negligeable rate or length when it iscompressed, but takes up any slack when the wheel is at full droop.

I contacted Gert at Carnewal when the problem first came up on my car. He was familiar with the issue and advised not doing anything. He maintains that the springs do not become unseated in normal road conditions. I understand what he means, as due to the anti roll bar both wheels would have to be at full droop in order for the dislocation to occur. This only ever happens if the car is airborne or on a lift.

Personally, I feel better knowing that they have been wired.

pp

 

[Porker993]

That's what we Landrover owners do to prevent spring dislocation due to extreme axle articulation when off roading. I actually have two exhaust clamps keeping my rear springs in place. Works very well, and no down sides as far as I can see. Wire might be a better solution on the 993, where everything is smaller, as long as you secure it properly.

 

[38F3E1]

The wire tends to snap BTW. Might be OK for motosport where it's one race at a time but everyday driving will break the tie wires.

Mine broke a while ago. Haven't bothered to get them fixed and it's been fine. Best solution is some helper springs but Gert seems to be right in no detriment to leaving them free.

Ian.

 

[Andy B Aces High]

Thanks guys, also thought about modding the top cup by welding a ring on the lower edge so that the spring cannot escape. Will mean taking the front suspension down again.

Any takers on the Indy for set up ?

Andy.

 

[pike]

I used Peter at Tognola Engineering. Completely transformed the handling of my car so I'm very pleased with the results.

Rob

 

[Andy B Aces High]

Thanks Pike. Might take a trip and take a look at their workshop as they suggest on their web site, how much do they charge for 4 Wheel Alignment ?

 

[pike]

I cannot remember the charge off hand. I can take a look this evening, but I do recall that it was similar to other places offering the same service. If you do a search on wheel alignment in the forum you will find many happy customers of Tognola's alignement services. Of course you can also just give Peter a call to get a price.

Rob

 

[Andy B Aces High]

Have checked out the threads on Tognola and like you say they get good feedback, will talk to Peter tomorrow and get a price, I have some other work that needs doing so will put it in for all of it at the same time.

 

[jboult]

The resurrection of an old topic...

I have the M033 springs and Bilstein HDs fitted and my car failed the MOT today, due to the springs not staying in the cups when jacked up (despite passing in previous years at a different place). I'm probably going to wire them as a quick(ish) solution to avoid problems in future. Just out of interest, however, does anyone have any other ideas for a quick fix? I'm all ears!

Cheers/John

 

[M030]

Just wire them to the upper and lower spring perch.

 

[jboult]

Yes, as per my original post, that's what I was going to do. I was really just wondering if there were other solutions (aside from using a more friendly MOT station!).

Cheers/John