Why does the car bounce so much after installing coilover suspension?
2 Answers
It may be due to the damping being set too stiff or too high. Coilover suspension adjustment instructions: The higher the spring seat height, the stiffer the spring performs, and vice versa; When adjusting the spring seat, the vehicle height will also change proportionally (definitely not 1:1); Only when the damping coefficient matches the spring can the highest performance be achieved; Damping is not the bigger the better - excessive damping will cause insufficient spring travel, resulting in severe bouncing of the entire vehicle; Adjusting the shock body height does not affect spring stiffness. Meaning of coilover suspension: Coilover suspension (Height Adjustable Damper) - derived from racing technology, refers to shock absorbers with adjustable (spring) height design; When the vehicle is stationary, the ground clearance at the four corners of the body has a significant impact on the wheel load at that position: Increasing the ground clearance at the left rear corner will increase the load on the left rear wheel and its diagonal wheel (i.e. the right front wheel), while reducing the load on the other diagonal wheels (left front and right rear wheels).
I just installed coilovers, and the ride is extremely bumpy, like riding an off-road motorcycle. The issue might be related to improper settings: the springs are set too stiff, transmitting road imperfections directly to the body without any cushioning; damping settings could also be the problem, such as excessive compression or too fast rebound, making the car feel bouncy. If bolts weren't tightened properly during installation or if there are component misalignments, the suspension won't function correctly, exacerbating the bouncing. Overinflated tires or unbalanced wheels are often overlooked factors that amplify the bumpy sensation. I recommend first trying to soften the springs and reduce damping, then testing on a smooth road. It's better to seek help from a tuning shop to balance comfort and handling, so you don't suffer every time you drive.
