B14 Bilsteins instal question

[chexmixa]

So,

I'm getting ready to install the B14's. I'm in the process of doing a little research to make sure I actually improve my handling and not make it worse. I have been talking to a few guys in the local car groups I'm in and one of them mentioned something I have never heard of. I was told, after installing the B14s, I need to not only get an alignment, but also get them level/balanced.

Is that even a thing with the B14's? do I really need to find someone capable of completing that task for me?

If not, I'm assuming the install is pretty straight forward and I just need to bolt in, set my ride height, and than get an alignment.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Yes to all points. Any coil over requires adjustment to have the ride height and comfort (stiffness is adjustable is some). The height and stiffness you should be able the easily handle yourself and most time the stiffness is set to when the MFG feels its optimum out of the box. The instructions on adjustments should be on the MFG website or in the instructions. The B14 are multi vehicle support so it may not be tuned to the ST. THe point is adjusting it to your liking and driving style.

Now if you are lowering the car (including lowering springs) you should get a 4 wheel alignment done after a few weeks of use which allows everything to settle. This will provide the best comfort and allow the tyres to have proper contact and angle to the road. Some have skipped this step and been okay but that depends on how much of a change to the height and if the car had proper alignment to start with. For the cost and time it takes to get the alignment I recommend it, just for peice of mind and better control on the car at all speeds.

Hope this helps.

 

[chexmixa]

Yes to all points. Any coil over requires adjustment to have the ride height and comfort (stiffness is adjustable is some). The height and stiffness you should be able the easily handle yourself and most time the stiffness is set to when the MFG feels its optimum out of the box. The instructions on adjustments should be on the MFG website or in the instructions. The B14 are multi vehicle support so it may not be tuned to the ST. THe point is adjusting it to your liking and driving style.

Now if you are lowering the car (including lowering springs) you should get a 4 wheel alignment done after a few weeks of use which allows everything to settle. This will provide the best comfort and allow the tyres to have proper contact and angle to the road. Some have skipped this step and been okay but that depends on how much of a change to the height and if the car had proper alignment to start with. For the cost and time it takes to get the alignment I recommend it, just for peice of mind and better control on the car at all speeds.

Hope this helps.

Thank you!

So from what I'm gathering, I definitely need to get an alignment. But... I need to wait 3 weeks for the B14 Coilovers to settle before the alignment?
What about this levels/balancing thing?

 

[CanadianGuy]

The level balancing is as I stated. You need to set up the car to have the height you want (level) and the stiffness you want (balance). Some with get it professionally done to have the best turn in or best road course etc. Is this required? No. But you should make sure the left and right height is the same and that the back have the same stiffness to each other and have the front with its own stiffnes matching each other. All this is diy capable and your butt will be your gauge to see it is correct.

 

[chexmixa]

The level balancing is as I stated. You need to set up the car to have the height you want (level) and the stiffness you want (balance). Some with get it professionally done to have the best turn in or best road course etc. Is this required? No. But you should make sure the left and right height is the same and that the back have the same stiffness to each other and have the front with its own stiffnes matching each other. All this is diy capable and your butt will be your gauge to see it is correct.

aaaaaaahhhhhh... now I understand. Thank you!

 

[ridinVINTAGE]

4 wheel alignment, I thought the rear wasn't adjustable


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[chexmixa]

4 wheel alignment, I thought the rear wasn't adjustable


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From looking at the parts it doesn't seem to be. But I haven't read the instructions

 

[eleven]

My opinion is the exact opposite but to each their own

 

[chexmixa]

My opinion is the exact opposite but to each their own

What do you mean?

 

[ridinVINTAGE]

From looking at the parts it doesn't seem to be. But I haven't read the instructions

I don't think there is any adjustment for camber or caster but I could be and probably am wrong.


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[chexmixa]

I don't think there is any adjustment for camber or caster but I could be and probably am wrong.


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I'm 90% sure no camber or caster can be adjusted. The more I look at them the more it just seems like an upgrade of the stock hardware with the ability to raise or lower the fronts

 

[Jesse]

You absolutely need to align it... But you can level it yourself pretty easily

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