Circlip Height Adjustment

[neil_se]

I was looking at some reasonably priced coilovers but they are circlip height adjustable, how does it work?

Can someone show me how it works using pics of these Tein and Ohlins coilovers?

[GTRgeoff]

You unbolt the top plate (use spring compressors), lift the spring platform and the circlip is then relocated in the grooves on the lower shock body, which are clearly visible. Height is then always pretty much spot on compared to guesstimate and adjustment with screw thread adjustment.

Once the height is where you want it you leave it anyway so no real inconvenience involved.

[neil_se]

Sounds like a bit of a pain but i guess once i had it at the right height i'd just leave it. Thanks for the explanation Geoff.

Edited April 12, 2006 by neil_se

[CEF11E]

Is there anything else bearing the load of the spring tension and the car weight?

and has anyone had a circlip come off or break?

[GTRgeoff]

The circlip is locked in place by the taper in the platform so should not break. Anything is possible to break but I'd suggest this would be close to impossible. Companies have to base safety and reputation on it.

If you were a bit clever you could do it on the car as well by just compressing the springs, lifting the plate and relocating the circlip but once all is set you just leave it be.