Table of Contents
Adjusting the suspension on your Subaru BRZ can significantly enhance both ride comfort and performance. This guide will walk you through the steps to customize your suspension setup, ensuring you get the most out of your driving experience.
Understanding Your Suspension System
The suspension system of your BRZ plays a crucial role in how the car handles, rides, and responds to road conditions. By understanding the components involved, you can make informed adjustments.
- Shock absorbers
- Coil springs
- Sway bars
- Alignment settings
Tools You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools to make the adjustments smoothly:
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Measuring tape
- Suspension adjustment tools (if applicable)
Step 1: Preparing Your BRZ
Start by parking your BRZ on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake and ensure the vehicle is secure before lifting it with a jack.
Step 2: Adjusting the Coil Springs
Coil springs affect the ride height and stiffness of your suspension. Adjusting these can help you achieve your desired balance between comfort and performance.
Measuring Ride Height
Use a measuring tape to determine the current ride height of your BRZ. Measure from the center of the wheel to the fender arch on all four corners.
Making Adjustments
If you need to raise or lower the ride height, adjust the coil spring perches accordingly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s specifications for maximum and minimum heights.
Step 3: Setting the Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers control the damping of your suspension. Adjusting them can help you fine-tune the ride quality.
Understanding Damping Settings
Most aftermarket shocks have adjustable settings for compression and rebound. Familiarize yourself with the settings on your specific shocks.
Adjusting Damping
Start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings. Make incremental adjustments based on your driving style and preferences, testing the vehicle after each change.
Step 4: Fine-tuning the Sway Bars
Sway bars help reduce body roll during cornering. Adjusting them can improve handling characteristics.
Adjusting Sway Bar End Links
Check the end links for your sway bars. Adjust them to change the stiffness of the sway bar. Stiffer settings will reduce body roll but may affect ride comfort.
Step 5: Aligning Your Suspension
After making adjustments, it’s essential to align your suspension to ensure optimal performance and tire wear.
Alignment Specifications
Refer to your vehicle’s manual for the recommended alignment specifications. Adjust the camber, caster, and toe settings as needed.
Step 6: Testing Your Adjustments
Once all adjustments are made, take your BRZ for a test drive. Pay attention to how the car feels during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Evaluating Ride Comfort and Performance
Assess whether the adjustments meet your expectations for comfort and performance. Make further adjustments if necessary, repeating the testing process.
Conclusion
Adjusting your BRZ’s suspension is a rewarding process that can significantly improve your driving experience. By following these steps, you can customize your ride to suit your preferences and driving style.