How to Adjust Coilovers Without Tool

Adjusting coilovers without a tool is not recommended. Coilovers require specific tools and knowledge for proper adjustment.

Coilovers are adjustable shocks that allow for fine-tuning of your vehicle’s suspension. They’re becoming increasingly popular with tuners and track enthusiasts as they offer superior handling performance over stock suspension setups. But what do you do if you need to adjust your coilovers without access to the correct tools?

It’s not recommended, as adjusting your coilovers without the proper tool can lead to damage or failure of the part. Nevertheless, there are a few methods you can use in a pinch to make basic adjustments.

In this article, we’ll cover some ways of how to adjust coilovers without tools, and ways to make do with what you’ve got.

What Does “Adjusting Coilovers Without Tools” Mean?

When we say “adjusting coilovers without tools,” we mean using any other means to help you adjust the shocks besides using traditional tools such as a spanner wrench or a coilover adjustment knob. This could include using household items as substitutes.

Advantages Of Adjusting Coilovers Without Tools

If you don’t have any tools to adjust coilovers or find yourself in an emergency situation on the road, these hacks can be useful. Some benefits of adjusting coilovers without tools include:

• Convenience
• Cost-effectiveness
• Saves time
• Quick adjustments

What To Know Before Adjusting Your Coilovers Without Tools

Before adjusting your coilovers without tools, there are essential things to note, including:

• The type of coilover that you’re using
• The specific adjustments needed for your car’s suspension needs
• The condition of your coilovers (rusty, corroded, etc.)

Consider the next set of hacks before starting an adjustment without proper tools:

• Using a rubber mallet
• Using a pipe wrench
• Adjusting with pliers
• Using a pry bar
• Loosening the locking rings with a screwdriver

Safety Precautions When Adjusting Coilovers Without Tools

While adjusting coilovers without tools may sound easy and efficient, it can be risky if not handled with care. Therefore, observe the following safety measures:

• Wear gloves and safety goggles
• Do not attempt if you’re unsure or inexperienced
• Do not use excessive force that could damage the shocks
• Do not attempt while the car is in motion
• Do not attempt if the coilovers are extremely rusted or corroded.

Adjusting coilovers without tools is possible, but it requires accuracy, focus, and safety precautions. Before undertaking the task, ensure you’re knowledgeable and confident about the process. Otherwise, seek professional help. With these hacks, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in any precarious situation.

Try them out and enjoy a smooth ride!

Popular Coilover Hacks

Adjusting coilovers is a necessary process to ensure the optimal performance of your vehicle’s suspension system. It allows you to adjust the ride height, dampening, preload, and rebound of your coilovers. While many people assume that this requires an array of tools and technical knowledge, there are some popular coilover hacks that you can use to make adjustments without tools.

Coilover Adjustment Using Your Hands

Adjusting coilovers by hand may seem impossible, but with a bit of elbow grease, it can be done. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Find a safe and stable location to work on your car.
• Step 2: Locate the collars on the coilover, which are responsible for adjusting various settings.
• Step 3: Grip the collar with your hand and turn it in the desired direction. You may need to use a cloth or gloves to protect your hand from friction.
• Step 4: Use force and turn the collar as much as possible. If the collar is too tight, you can use an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen it slightly.

Adjusting Coilovers Using A Lift Or Jack Stand

Using a lift or jack stand to adjust coilovers is a popular option for those who have access to this equipment. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Locate the collars on the coilover that you want to adjust.
• Step 2: Using a lift or jack stand, raise your vehicle so that the wheels are off the ground.
• Step 3: Adjust the collars as per your requirement using a wrench or pliers.
• Step 4: Once you are satisfied with the adjustment, lower the vehicle to the ground and make sure that everything is secured.

Coilover Adjustment Using A Locking Plier Or Wrench

Using a locking plier or a wrench is an effective way to make quick adjustments to your coilovers. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Locate the collar that needs adjusting and determine the size of the locking plier or wrench that you need.
• Step 2: Place the plier or wrench on the collar and adjust it in the desired direction.
• Step 3: Keep adjusting till the desired height is obtained.
• Step 4: Once you are satisfied with the adjustment, remove the plier or wrench and check that everything is secure.

DIY Tricks For Adjusting Coilovers Without Tools

If you don’t have access to any of the tools listed above, don’t worry. There are still some diy tricks that you can use to adjust coilovers without tools. Here are some tips:

• Use your foot to turn the collar, which may provide enough force to make an adjustment.
• Use a rubber mallet to tap on the collar, which may loosen it and allow for adjustment.
• Place your weight on the wheel and adjust the collar using your hand.

By using these popular coilover hacks, you can quickly adjust your coilovers without breaking the bank or needing any special tools. Remember to always be careful when working on your vehicle and take all necessary safety measures. Happy modding!

Best Practices For Coilover Adjustment Without Tools

Adjusting your coilovers without tools is a challenging task, but with a technique and knowledge, it can be done. There are times when you may find yourself on the road with the need to adjust your coilovers, but you don’t have the right tools with you.

Here are some best practices for coilover adjustments without tools.

How To Make Sure Your Adjustments Are Accurate And Precise

To ensure your coilover adjustments are accurate and precise, follow these steps:

• Identify the coilovers’ position on your vehicle before adjusting. Take note of the current height of your vehicle.
• Take measurements before and after adjustments. With a measuring tape, check the distance between the wheel hub center and the bottom of the fender. Write down this measurement somewhere.
• Adjust each coilover individually in small increments and measure after every turning. This helps prevent over-adjustment and makes your coilovers easier to adjust.
• Recheck the measurements after making all adjustments to ensure your coilovers are balanced on all sides.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Adjusting Coilovers Without Tools

While adjusting your coilovers, you should avoid the following common mistakes:

• Over-adjustment: Adjusting your coilovers too much can cause damage to your suspension system.
• Ignoring uneven adjustments: Treating all coilovers the same can lead to uneven adjustments, which affects your vehicle’s handling and stability.
• Forgetting to measure: Adjusting without taking measurements can make it difficult to tell if your adjustments are affecting your vehicle’s height and handling.
• Crude adjustments: Using crude or wrong methods to adjust your coilovers can cause more harm than good.

Proper Alignment After Adjusting Coilovers Without Tools

When you finish adjusting your coilovers without tools, it’s important to realign your vehicle. Here’s how:

• Go for a test drive after adjusting your coilovers and record how your vehicle handles. This will help you know whether your adjustment has been effective or not.
• Adjust your alignment. Once you have verified that everything is in order, you can realign your vehicle. Proper alignment is crucial to ensure that your tires wear evenly and maximize your vehicle’s stability and traction.

When To Seek Professional Help

Although adjusting your coilovers without tools is possible, there will be times when you might encounter problems that you can’t handle. Here are some scenarios where it would be best to seek professional help:

• If you lack mechanical knowledge or experience.
• When your adjustments aren’t improving your vehicle’s handling.
• If you don’t have the right tools.
• When your vehicle’s suspension system needs major repairs.

It’s possible to adjust your coilovers without tools, but it’s important to follow these best practices to achieve accurate and precise adjustments. Avoid common mistakes, realign your vehicle properly after adjustments, and only seek professional help when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Adjust Coilovers Without Tool

How Do You Loosen Coilovers Without A Tool?

You can use a monkey wrench and a pair of vice-grips to loosen the coilovers without a tool.

How Can I Adjust Coilovers At Home?

Raise your car, remove the wheel, find the coilover, and adjust the ride height by hand using a locking collar.

Is It Safe To Adjust Coilovers By Hand?

Yes, it is safe to adjust coilovers by hand if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take safety precautions.

Can You Adjust Coilovers Without Removing Wheels?

No, you cannot adjust coilovers without removing wheels, as you need to access the coilovers from underneath the car.

Do You Need A Mechanic To Adjust Coilovers?

No, you don’t need a mechanic to adjust coilovers if you have a basic understanding of cars and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Conclusion

Adjusting coilovers is a simple task that you can easily do without any fancy tools. With the right method and a little bit of patience, you can control the overall height and dampening of your car. This will give you a more comfortable and stable driving experience.

Remember to follow the necessary safety precautions before adjusting your coilovers. Inspect your car’s suspension components to make sure that everything is in good condition. Take your time to properly align the strut tower and the retaining nut before proceeding to adjust your coilovers.

Lastly, take your car for a test drive to see if everything is working well. Follow these simple steps, and you can now adjust your coilovers anytime and anywhere without the need for any expensive or fancy tools.