Why compression?

[Sky Render]

Start here with part 1:
http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArtic...ion-and-Handling-Part-1-Wheels-and-Tires.aspx

Then part 2:
http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArtic...-handling-part-2-controlling-body-motion.aspx

Then read the rest of them (Part 3 is at the bottom):
http://www.motoiq.com/Tech/TheUltimateGuidetoSuspensionHandeling.aspx

 

[Sam Strano]

Good info! Now can anyone tell me where/how to adjust the rebound on the rear of the KW V3 coilovers? The fronts there is an adjustment on the top (compression) and the bottom of the strut (rebound). No adjustments on the bottom of the rear shocks!

Sorry to hijack the thread....

Well, first off I'd point out that this is why you should buy your parts from someone who knows what they doing, and make sure of that, and stay in contact with them with such questions, because........

The top adjustment is the REBOUND, the bottom is the compression. And there is an adjuster on the bottom of the rears too, it's just accessed laterally, on the side of the shock.

 

[Sam Strano]

Why compression damping? Simple. You want to damp movement. They slow the rate at which things happen.

Every follow an old work van and watch one of it's tires bounce like a ball, but the truck isn't bobbing all over? That has ok rebound, but the shock is trashed on compression.

Someone asked "doesn't the spring control unsprung weight?" No. It's *un*sprung weight. But even if it wasn't springs need damped, or either the car (rebound) or the wheel/tire/axle (compression side) will never calm down and be stable.

 

[kcbrown]

Why compression damping? Simple. You want to damp movement. They slow the rate at which things happen.

Every follow an old work van and watch one of it's tires bounce like a ball, but the truck isn't bobbing all over? That has ok rebound, but the shock is trashed on compression.

Someone asked "doesn't the spring control unsprung weight?" No. It's *un*sprung weight. But even if it wasn't springs need damped, or either the car (rebound) or the wheel/tire/axle (compression side) will never calm down and be stable.

I knew damping was required to eliminate oscillations, but figured that damping on one side only might be sufficient for that. But I can see how it's useful to have it on both.

Thanks, guys, this is much clearer to me now.

 

[c_reber]

Well, first off I'd point out that this is why you should buy your parts from someone who knows what they doing, and make sure of that, and stay in contact with them with such questions, because........

The top adjustment is the REBOUND, the bottom is the compression. And there is an adjuster on the bottom of the rears too, it's just accessed laterally, on the side of the shock.

Thank you for the correction. I will look at the rears tomorrow to try and find the compression adjustment on the bottom (on the side).