When the suspension has been in operation for a long time, over time the machine noticeably sags. In this case, loss of maneuverability is felt. This means spring fatigue. At the same time, ground clearance is reduced. In the conditions of unsatisfactory condition of the roads, some drivers raise the car with the help of spacers installed under the springs. Frequent transportation of goods by a vehicle affects the condition of elements that are subjected to heavy loads. Thus, they lose their depreciation properties. Before deciding to increase the clearance, it is necessary to check the condition of the entire suspension. To mount the spacers under the springs with your own hands, you need to purchase them.
Where can I buy parts to increase the ride height
Such items are commercially available at many parts stores and are already included.
Almost all car models have spacers manufactured industrially. You must buy such devices in accordance with the brand of the machine.
How and how much suspension should be raised
First you need to measure the current clearance (the distance between the bottom point of the machine and the surface). You can calculate from the engine location, given the size of the sump protection. When you know the value of the ride height, you need to decide how much to raise the car. This should be done at a value of 10-30 mm. Otherwise, the shock absorber bushings and the hub levers will experience significant loads, announcing the imminent failure of the suspension elements. When the ride height is increased to a greater value, it is very problematic to set the camber - toe-in, and the reaction of the wheels to the steering system will be non-synchronous. This will result in a limited suspension resource.
Raw materials used for the manufacture of spacers
Rubber products are resistant to environmental conditions. Sometimes they can cause corrosion processes at the installation site. They have a relatively low service life and a reasonable price.
The polyurethane element in chemical composition is an improvement in the rubber family, but has higher strength indicators.
It has the property of shock absorption. It does not protect against fatigue of parts and has a high cost.
Plastic components are the advanced developments of polymer technologies, they have positive operating characteristics and almost no flaws. Designed for a long service life, but the cost is quite high.
Parts made of aluminum alloy. They also have good features and are expensive.
How to install these parts
When you purchase a kit to increase clearance, there is always an instruction for use, but there is a need for a detailed consideration of how to mount spacers under the springs with your own hands. For owners of cars of domestic manufacturers, installation of special difficulties and hassle will not cause. You will need a flat platform, a hydraulic or mechanical jack, a set of open-end and head wrenches.
To install spacers under the springs (VAZ-2101 is no exception), you need to unscrew the bolts of the hydraulic shock absorber fasteners to the glass. Gently lift the machine at the wheel location. Then dismantle the wheel with the disc. When the equipment is elevated above the surface, it is necessary to remove the spring, and fix the spacer to the rubber buffer mechanism. To carry out such a process with the rest of the suspension and return everything to its place.
Features of increasing ground clearance in SUVs
To mount the spacers under the springs with your own hands on the Niva on the rear, you will need to change the spring cups and the shock absorber mounts. At the same time, their fastening points will be higher. Next, you need to make adjustable upper rods of the rear axle. Their length should increase. Jet thrust will need to be strengthened.
For the front part, installing spacers under the springs with your own hands will be even more troublesome. It is necessary to raise the car at the location of the lower suspension platforms. Spacers themselves will be located under these sites. This is done in order to maintain the inclination of the springs. In order to prevent premature wear of the upper arms, which have received additional load, it is necessary to install yet another spacers between the arms and ball bearings. After these steps, you need to change the levers of the steering knuckles and turn the steering tips. This decision will eliminate the emphasis in the stabilizer tie rods. If the springs sag, the shock absorbers and anthers do poorly with their duties, a replacement will be required. Otherwise, there will be no effect from mounting the spacers under the springs with your own hands. Upon completion of the installation procedure, you must visit the service station to expose the alignment - toe-in.
What are the recommended clearance sizes
For passenger vehicles, this value has a border of 140-200 mm. This gap must be considered if you want to increase ground clearance.
The category of SUVs from the crankcase to the surface should have a distance of 200-350 mm.
Spacers under the springs do-it-yourself on the "Karina E"
This representative of foreign engineering brand Toyota has a spring height of 340 mm. You can not buy elements for raising a car in every salon of auto parts. The installation process will require removal of the wheel and disc. It will be necessary to release the support and secure the spacer with a raised body.
To replace the spacers under the Aveo springs, it is necessary to do the same manipulations. When driving more than 150 km / h on a non-asphalt surface, a slight wobble of the rear of the machine is possible. On gravel, you can comfortably move at a speed of up to 120 km / h. Not bad when there is a regular spring puller. This saves time and effort. Such a mechanism is simple in design and is designed to compress the spring to allow the lower lever mount to be unscrewed safely. When performing such work on the front, spacers under the rack will be required.
Do-it-yourself spacers under the springs: "Ford Focus-2"
You will need to disassemble the wheel with the disk. Then raise the machine and place it on a hard stand.
In the absence of a removable device for the springs, you need to rest the jack on the lower lever and raise it to unscrew the mount to further release the part. Instead of the factory rubber bush, it is required to install spacers under the Ford Focus-2 rear suspension springs and carry out assembly operations.
Benefits of increasing ride height:
- the back will be deprived of the effect of subsidence;
- the ability to level the car, avoiding the tilt of the front of the car, loaded with the location of the engine;
- increased comfort of movement in conditions of low-quality road surface;
- when the car is loaded, you do not need to worry about the suspension sinking to a critical level; on irregularities of a road surface wheels will not cling to wheel arches.
The disadvantages of the decision to increase clearance:
- the angles of the suspension can vary, which adversely affect the management;
- the stroke value of the shock absorber rod will change, it will be difficult for them to cope with the performance of their functions;
- vibration loads;
- structural rigidity is reduced; factory conditions, a group of engineers are working on the performance of the suspension;
- shock absorber bushings will often become unusable.
In order to put the spacers under the springs "Lanos", it will take about an hour of time and the general installation procedure.
Due to the shift of the center of gravity up, the car will behave a little differently. Do not move at extraordinary speeds, the stability of the machine may be lost. It is necessary to gradually and carefully increase the load. When raising a car, you often have to sacrifice its speed qualities.
What is the cost of spacers
Depending on the material of manufacture, for these elements you will need to pay from 1300 to 2200 rubles. Before deciding to change the amount of clearance, you need to find out whether this will help to remove specific problems.
Is warranty service affected
If the car has a service from the manufacturer, you must immediately prepare for the refusal of warranty service.
When you independently install the suspension elements, its design will change, and the warranty will be refused. There is reason to seriously consider the decision to raise the car, you will have to pay for inspection and maintenance from your pocket.
After the procedures have been carried out to increase the clearance, it is necessary to adjust the position of the headlights so that the light beam meets the lighting requirements on the road. Need to adjust the tilt of the rotary axis and the brake force regulator. The safety of movement on a vehicle depends on these parameters.