Speaking as a big fanatic of coilovers, I might even sound biased for some. But, for me, there’s nothing better than a coilover suspension that can last as long as your car does.
However, that’s only possible if you understand how coilovers work and how to use them as best as you can.
Along the way, you will surely encounter some minor problems and question yourself how long do they last?
Properly maintained coilover lasts somewhere from 100.000 to 150.000 miles. Do not take this for granted, as it can vary from the quality of your coilovers, driving habits, places you drive your car, and more.
But, don’t worry, I will also provide you with some practical maintenance tips as well.
If you are currently rockin’ a set of coilovers, I suggest you take a moment to read through!
What are Coilovers and How Do They Work?
Commonly used as part of factory stiffer suspensions in many new vehicles, coilovers are a big part of today’s stock suspension systems.
They can be used in double-wishbone suspension and are also part of MacPherson struts.
These usually monotube dampers with springs allow you to handle your car better and absorb impacts from potholes.
Also, you can adjust coilovers to increase or lower your ride height.
The adjustability goes for the shock absorber and springs (spring load), thanks to the various parts of the coilovers.
Today’s coilovers come with threaded sleeves, bump stops, lower and upper mounts, collars, and all kinds of washers and nuts.
All these other suspension components make coilovers a versatile and popular option on the market nowadays.
How Long do Coilovers Last?
Usually, coilovers last anywhere between 5-8 years or 100.000-150.000 miles.
But this can vary greatly depending on your driving habits and where you drive your car the most.
However, If you’re going into sharp turns without letting the foot off the gas or doing so very little, expect your coilovers not to last that long.
In case you keep your coilovers in good shape, they can outlast the above-expected period.
Not only that, they will work well, too, without you having to replace any of their suspension components.
So it’s not how good your coil overs are but how well you treat them.
If you bought used coilovers you can’t estimate their lifespan.
Also read: Best Coilovers for Subaru WRX/STI
Common Coilover Suspension Problems & Fixes
A coilover often works without problems, and you never have bouncing suspension, loudness, clunk, or squeaking.
However, when one of these problems occurs, a customer’s first thought is that they are blown.
Worry not, as there is a solution to each of these problems without spending money on a new coilover.
Coilover Suspension Leaking Fluid
Of course, nothing is foolproof, and the same goes for coilovers.
You might encounter specific issues at some point, and a fluid leak is quite common.
This fluid is the oil that absorbs potholes and other road imperfections.
If there is a leak from your coilovers, the seals inside them are worn out.
This is a simple fix; all you need to do is replace those seals.
Squeaking Coilover Suspension
Squeaks and all kinds of noises can signify so many issues. But when they occur on a flat road, it has something to do with the coilovers.
Well, not precisely the coilovers themselves but rather the bolts that keep them in place.
Just tighten these bolts once you locate where the squeaking noise is coming from, and the issue should be resolved.
Knocking Sound When Going Over Bumps
But what if a knocking noise happens when you go over a bump? In that case, you should check the springs.
Especially if you’ve installed your coilover suspension recently.
The thump you get when going over a bump is usually because of a weak spring.
This is why you should replace the springs since they cannot bear your car’s weight.
This can be dangerous if you don’t replace the springs on time.
Clunking Coilovers
When you’ve used your coilovers for quite some time, a clunking noise can start to appear.
This is quite common as coilover suspension is made of metal parts.
The clunking noise is generated when two metal surfaces are in contact.
When two metal objects grind against one another, they also wear out much quicker.
But this is also why coilovers come with bump stops and bushings – to help delay the grinding as much as possible.
The fix? It’s pretty easy as you just need to replace the rubber bushings.
Weird Noise from the Suspension
Noises are a common matter with coilovers, and a weird yet understandable one is when the suspension system starts popping.
This popping sound usually happens when you steer.
However, if this noise occurs right after installing coilovers, it happens because of the strut plating.
In this case, you definitely have to deal with this component which is not part of a coilover.
If the issue is with the plate, you’ll need to replace it and go for an alignment afterward.
Coilover Suspension Maintenace Tips
Protect Coilovers from Corrosion
An essential yet often undermined factor that can affect the integrity of coillvers is corrosion.
Although it doesn’t occur immediately, corrosion can be fatal for your coilovers.
This is why you should apply to lubricate some oil or grease so that there is additional protection against external factors like water and salt.
Check and Tighten the Screws and Bolts
External factors aren’t the only thing that can make your coilovers go bad. Sometimes the screws and bolts holding them in place can be the main culprit.
Because of all the vibrations your coilovers will be subdued to, you need to re-tighten their fasteners.
This is relatively easy to do since all you need is to use the correct tools, and that’s it.
Keep Your Coilover Suspension Clean
In the same way, you keep the body and interior of your car clean, you should also maintain coilovers clean.
Since coilovers are near the wheels can get dirty from all that road grime.
Because of this, you should use a pressurized air gun to blow any dust, debris, and moisture away.
If you don’t maintain your coilovers, they can also lead to the formation of rust.
Yet again, the maintenance duty when coilovers are compared to air suspension is way less than you can imagine.
Coilover Suspension Covers
A great way to avoid getting all that dust and road debris on your coilovers is to use coilover covers.
They will not only keep your coilovers clean, but they will also prevent them from getting damaged from lighter impacts.
In addition, coilover covers are easy to install and can save you from spending money on more significant issues.
Coilovers Warranty
Like any vehicle component, coilovers come with a warranty.
Although the type of warranty depends on where you’ve gotten your coilovers, they usually come with a lifetime warranty.
Again, that is not the case with every manufacturer, so check this information thoroughly before making any purchases.
How Long do Coilovers Last FAQs
Are coilovers good for daily driving?
If you’re in the market for a set of coilovers, you must know that they’re also very convenient for daily driving.
However, they are better on track and performance usage.
Also not that cheap to get and can make your car scrape when going over speed bumps.
Do coilover springs wear out?
Although coil springs will not break that quickly, they will also not wear out easily.
But they are known to wear out over time; the more you drive, the quicker your springs will wear out.
How much does it cost to replace coilovers?
While coilover replacement depends on the brand of coilovers you go for, installation costs usually go anywhere between 300$ and 500$.
But remember to go for coilover suspension system that fits, not the most expensive ones.
What are the best brands for coilovers?
Many brands produce coilovers, but the most reputable ones are KW, Bilstein, BLOX, Ksport, maXpeedingRods, Godspeed, BC Racing coilovers etc.
Do coilovers make your car lower?
Yes, coilovers make your car sit lower. Still, as mentioned above, you can adjust your vehicle’s ride height with coilover suspension system.
Just make sure you get ones with enough adjustment for your car.
Do coilovers ruin ride quality?
This depends on where you ride the most.
For example, if the road you drive on is full of potholes and bumps, coilover suspension will ruin your ride quality.
But if it’s smooth surfaces all around, you have nothing to worry about.
Do coilovers make your car faster?
Since your car sits lower, your center of gravity is lower, making your vehicle accelerate faster.
In fact, install coilovers to make your car faster and improve its handling abilities.
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