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Upgrading your Miata’s suspension with lowering springs can significantly enhance its handling and overall performance. This article will guide you through the process of installing and adjusting lowering springs on your Miata, ensuring you achieve the best possible results.
Understanding Lowering Springs
Lowering springs are designed to reduce the ride height of a vehicle, which can lead to improved handling characteristics. Here are some benefits of installing lowering springs:
- Improved cornering stability
- Reduced body roll
- Enhanced aesthetics
- Lower center of gravity
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you start the installation, gather the following tools and materials:
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket set
- Wrench set
- Spring compressors
- Torque wrench
- Lowering springs specific to your Miata model
Step-by-Step Installation Process
1. Prepare Your Miata
Begin by parking your Miata on a flat surface and engaging the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels but do not remove them yet.
2. Lift the Vehicle
Using a jack, lift the front or rear of the vehicle, depending on which springs you are replacing first. Secure the vehicle with jack stands for safety.
3. Remove the Wheels
Now, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheels to access the suspension components.
4. Remove the Old Springs
Locate the strut assembly and remove the necessary bolts to detach it from the vehicle. Use spring compressors to safely compress the old springs before removing them from the strut.
5. Install the New Lowering Springs
With the old springs removed, carefully install the new lowering springs onto the strut assembly. Ensure they are seated correctly before decompressing the springs.
6. Reattach the Strut Assembly
Reattach the strut assembly to the vehicle, tightening all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench.
7. Repeat for the Other Side
Repeat the above steps for the other side of the vehicle, ensuring that both front and rear lowering springs are installed correctly.
8. Reinstall the Wheels
Once both sides are complete, reinstall the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle back to the ground.
9. Lower the Vehicle
Remove the jack stands and gently lower the vehicle. Once on the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure.
Adjusting Your Lowering Springs
After installation, you may want to adjust the ride height to achieve your desired stance. Here’s how to do it:
1. Check Ride Height
Measure the ride height from the ground to the wheel arch to determine how much adjustment is needed.
2. Adjust Spring Preload
Using the appropriate tools, adjust the spring preload by turning the adjustment collars on the coilovers or lowering springs. Make small adjustments and recheck the ride height.
3. Test Drive
After making adjustments, take your Miata for a test drive. Pay attention to the handling and ride comfort, making further adjustments as necessary.
Conclusion
Installing and adjusting lowering springs on your Miata can transform your driving experience. By following these steps, you can enhance your vehicle’s handling and aesthetics, making it more enjoyable on both the road and the track. Always remember to prioritize safety during installation and adjustments.