coilover

Coilover, short for coil spring over shock absorber, is a suspension component used in automobiles that combines a coil spring and a dampening shock into a single, replaceable unit. The assembly supports the vehicle’s weight, controls wheel movement, and determines ride height. Coilovers are typically installed between the chassis and the wheel hub and often feature a threaded sleeve that enables height adjustment by moving the spring perch.

A coilover consists of a spring, a damper, and mounting hardware. The shock body may be mounted to a top mount or camber plate and paired with a lower mount on the wheel carrier. Many units offer adjustable damping (and sometimes separate compression and rebound settings) to tailor ride quality and handling. Some designs use a monotube damper while others use a twin-tube configuration. Height adjustment is achieved by rotating the threaded portion of the shock body, which changes the spring preload and the vehicle’s ride height.

Coilovers are commonly used in performance tuning, motorsports, and street applications where lowering the ride height and altering handling characteristics are desired. Installation typically involves replacing the factory suspension components and may require an alignment after adjustment. Proper setup is important, as adjusting ride height can affect suspension geometry and tire wear.

Advantages of coilovers include a wide range of adjustability, improved handling, and the ability to lower the vehicle for a desired stance. Disadvantages can include higher cost, stiffer ride on uneven roads, and the potential for reduced ride quality if not correctly tuned or maintained. Regular inspection for leaks and proper maintenance is recommended to preserve performance.