Coilover
An integrated suspension component that wraps a coil spring directly around a shock absorber, often allowing for adjustable ride height and damping.
A coilover (short for "coil-over-shock") is a suspension assembly that integrates a coil spring directly around the body of a shock absorber. This design is highly compact and is standard on many modern vehicles. In performance and aftermarket tuning applications, "coilovers" typically refer to adjustable systems that allow the driver to customize ride height and damping characteristics.
In an adjustable coilover, the shock absorber body is threaded, featuring adjustable spring perches (collars) that can be raised or lowered using a spanner wrench. Adjusting these collars compresses or decompresses the coil spring, altering the vehicle's ride height and corner weight distribution. High-end coilovers also feature dials to adjust compression and rebound damping, allowing drivers to tune the suspension for track performance or street comfort.
Like traditional struts and shocks, coilovers wear out over time. The internal seals of the shock absorber can fail, causing hydraulic fluid leaks and a loss of damping power. The coil springs can also sag or rust over time, affecting ride quality and safety.
Replacing or adjusting coilovers requires a wheel alignment afterward, as changing the vehicle's ride height directly alters camber, toe, and caster angles. When installing aftermarket coilovers, setting the correct spring preload and ride height is essential to prevent suspension bottoming and tire rubbing.