How to Fix Coilover Bounce

Aftermarket coilover systems substantially improve your vehicle's handling by utilizing a more performance-oriented spring and shock combination compared to the stock suspension. Many coilovers also offer an adjustable ride height, which allows you to lower your vehicle for an aggressive stance. However, most coilover systems feature a much stiffer ride quality than the stock springs and shocks in order to achieve this high-performance handling. If set up incorrectly or damaged, your coilovers may end up giving your vehicle a bouncy, poor-handling ride quality. Luckily, a bouncy coilover system can be troubleshooted with minor mechanical work.

Instructions

1

Adjust the coilover shocks to a stiffer setting. Many aftermarket coilovers feature an adjustable knob at the top of each shock, which can be adjusted without removing any of the suspension components. The adjustment knobs for the front shocks can be accessed in the engine bay, while the rear shock adjustment knobs can be accessed in the trunk or hatch area. When you tune the shocks to a stiffer setting, the shock damping will be increased. This keeps the spring from bouncing up and down when you drive over bumps in the road.

2

Park your vehicle on a solid, flat surface. Raise each side of the vehicle separately with a floor jack, and place a jack stand under each corner of the vehicle chassis. Use a lug wrench to remove the wheel lugs, then lift the wheels free from the vehicle. This gives you clear access to the coilover components.

3

Inspect each coilover shock visually for signs of damage. The resistance of the shocks is provided through the use of hydraulic shock fluid. If the shock is damaged from road debris or otherwise worn out from normal use, the hydraulic fluid can leak out of the shock body. The shock will then be unable to provide adequate damping to the spring, which gives your vehicle a bouncy ride quality.

4

Have your damaged shocks rebuilt or replaced by a professional. Once the shock begins to leak hydraulic fluid, the ride quality is likely to worsen as more fluid is ejected from the shock body. The shock must be refilled with fluid and repaired to retain its performance and ride quality. If the damage is severe, the entire shock unit needs to be replaced.

5

Replace the wheels and reinstall the lug bolts once you are done inspecting the shocks. Remove the jack stands from under the vehicle and lower it with a floor jack. If you removed a shock for repair or replacement, have your wheels realigned by a professional alignment shop once the coilovers are set up again and working properly. This ensures the continued handling performance of your vehicle, as well as even tire wear.