Installing a new set of coilovers is one of the most popular upgrades for almost any car build. Whether you are trying to lower the car, improve handling, clean up the stance, or just make the car feel more planted, coilovers are usually one of the first big suspension upgrades people look at.
The thing is, coilovers are not always as simple as “bolt them on and go.” There are a few easy mistakes that can lead to clunking, uneven ride height, bad tire wear, rubbing, poor ride quality, or even damaged suspension components.
In this blog, we are going over 5 rookie mistakes to avoid when installing coilovers. These are common issues we have seen through builds, customer questions, and research while trying to make suspension installs easier to understand. Some of these are simple how-to tips, and some are must-do steps after the coilovers are installed.
1. Not Getting an Alignment After Installing Coilovers
One of the biggest mistakes people make after installing coilovers is skipping the alignment. Any time you change ride height, you change the suspension geometry, which can throw off camber, toe, and overall handling. This can cause the car to pull, feel rough, handle poorly, or wear through tires much faster than expected. We know you may not want to spend extra money right after buying coilovers, but an alignment is a must if you want the suspension setup to drive correctly.
2. Setting the Ride Height Too Low Right Away
A lot of people install coilovers and immediately slam the car as low as possible. While it may look good at first, going too low too fast can cause tire rubbing, axle bind, scraping, poor suspension travel, bump steer, and a rough ride. It is usually better to start with a moderate drop, drive the car a little, let the suspension settle, and then fine-tune the height from there. A clean stance that still has proper suspension travel will almost always drive better than a car that is slammed with no room to move.
3. Adjusting Preload Incorrectly
Preload is one of the most misunderstood parts of coilover setup. Many beginners crank down preload thinking it changes ride height or automatically makes the car stiffer, but that is not always how it works. Depending on the coilover design, preload and ride height may be adjusted separately. If preload is set wrong, it can cause clunking, poor ride quality, uneven suspension travel, or strange handling. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before adjusting preload because every coilover kit can be a little different.
4. Torquing Suspension Bolts While the Car Is in the Air
Torquing suspension bolts while the car is still in the air is a classic rookie mistake. Rubber and polyurethane bushings are designed to sit naturally at normal ride height, not while the suspension is hanging at full droop. If bolts are tightened while the suspension is unloaded, the bushings can bind once the car is lowered back down. This can lead to squeaking, clunking, rough ride quality, and premature bushing wear. Whenever possible, suspension bolts should be tightened with the vehicle at ride height or with the suspension loaded.
5. Not Checking Clearance and Loose Hardware
After installing coilovers, you should always check clearance and make sure everything is tight. Look over wheel and tire clearance, brake line routing, ABS wires, sway bar position, endlinks, lock collars, top nuts, and all mounting hardware. Many clunking or rubbing issues after a coilover install come from something simple like a loose collar, loose endlink, or a tire sitting too close to the fender, liner, spring perch, or suspension arm. A quick recheck after the first short drive can help catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems.
