KW v3 bump and rebound settings

[paulcrake]

Currently I have the bump set at 1 turn open front and back (0.75 turns is the recommended) and the car holds the road better than when it was previously at 0.5 turns open. At higher speeds going over expansion joints the 0.5 settings didn't allow the bumps to be absorbed. There is more confidence in the car with the softer bump settings.

Rebound settings are still in question, front and back at set slightly harder than standard (is contrary to the bump settings which are softer than recommended) but otherwise the car does have a habbit of being a bit boat like in its handling (even with the hochkis bars). Have the intention of making an inspection hole in the rears so adjustment can be made without removal of the shock. The fronts already have an access hole drilled to make for easy adjustment. Has anyone attempted an access hole for the rebound on the rears?

[el_ringo]

Someone on rs6.com did a flap on the side but I'd be cautious about doing that. Not sure where else you could get access from. Shame there is no sort of remote cable that can be connected.

[HeadsShot]

So installed the new suspension today - with a buddy of mine . He had some excellent ideas on how to do the install so i could adjust all the shocks without ever taking a tire off my car.
We cut the tops of the front shock mounts with a 1 3/8 hole saw then removed the guide bit.. test fitted the mounts and use them as a guide for the saw to cut through carefully into the engine compartment.
In the rear i measure where the allen would need to be to adjust the shock when fitted then cut a slot in the housing (vechile) Covered with rubber and self tapping screws. Jacked the car back up and with the wheels hanging could get to the allen no problem - removing the wheel would help but is not nesessary.
Fitted the front sway bar from HotCkixs but the rear is the wrong one - straight across with just a single bend at each end - totally unlike the factory one. There was just no way we could get bolts in - will contact HotCkixs ASAP on this. New tires on to / Michi PS2s.. THANKYOU SANTA.

Hope the pics explain the mods better - why have a fully adjustable set up you just can't set up?? Hope this gives the brave hope and some ideas on a good KW saver.

[HeadsShot]

more pics

[mrmule]

Guys,

Interesting read, but I am still a little unclear about how easy/hard it is to make the ridiculously concrete ride in my 6 any less punishing with the KWv3s.

To begin, I'd like to raise the rear about 10mm (if possible). Do I need to remove the entire coilover to do this, or is there an easier way? Do I need any special tools? None came with the car...

Second, it seems to rock back and forth (forwards and backwards) at speed when going over a slight hump in the road, almost as if the front is completely disconnected from the rear. Its pretty annoying, not to mention the fact that the ride itself is far too hard for the UK roads around my area.

Can anyone offer a course on these two issues please?

[micdee]

This is what I found on the KW site:

How to install:
http://docs.kwsuspension.de/eah68610053.pdf

How to setup:

http://docs.kwsuspension.de/eah68610053.pdf

Faster lesson how to setup.. I can not give....

Yes the first part is in German, but scroll down and you will see the English version.
On page 4 you'll find the recommended settings for the shocks...
I have not touched the set and for me at this moment the settings are fine not too hard and just enough rebound.

[el_ringo]

Did you have them fitted or were they on the car? They might need not be set correctly.

[mrmule]

Unit 20 installed them a couple of years ago.

Those links above dont really help to explain whether they need to come off or not to change ride height. Also, just too damn hard, so is that damping which needs adjusting, or is there something else?

[el_ringo]

They are probably on the +2 setting then and they are pretty firm on that rebound. I had them wound back to default and it made it a bit better. It is a PITA unless you have done something similar to HeadsShot.

[micdee]

adjusting the ride height can be done while the shocks are on the car remove the wheels and you have enough access to adjust them. (beware of the set screw)
Like El_ringo mentioned for the dampening and rebound they need to come of unless some cutting has been done.....

[mrmule]

adjusting the ride height can be done while the shocks are on the car remove the wheels and you have enough access to adjust them. (beware of the set screw)
Like El_ringo mentioned for the dampening and rebound they need to come of unless some cutting has been done.....

Is there a special tool? If there is I dont have one. Is the adjustment at the top or the bottom of the shock, and will I need to compress the spring?

[micdee]

Yes there is a special tool to adjust. It comes with the kit, but I think in your case previous owner left it in his garage....
I do not know how good you are with metal crafting. but I think you could make your own tool.

I think a picie explains a lot faster than a hundred words of me.

[album]658[/album]

So yes the (purple) nut is on the lower part of the shock and the spring will initially not be compressed more as it is now.
Only after you get to the end of the extension of the shock, but I do not think you will get to that point.

When you like I can take a snap of the tool an PM it to you, so you have an idea how the tool looks like.

[mrmule]

So yes the (purple) nut is on the lower part of the shock and the spring will initially not be compressed more as it is now.
Only after you get to the end of the extension of the shock, but I do not think you will get to that point.

When you like I can take a snap of the tool an PM it to you, so you have an idea how the tool looks like.

The purple nut looks like you can get a large pair of mole grips around it? A pic of the tool would be helpful yes please

[sonny]

mrmule, If you can wait until the 1st June I can lend you the correct tool ( 2 different sizes came with the kit) as I have the KWv3s and im only up the road from you.

PM if you decide you want to.

[mrmule]

Went to AMD today and they raised the rear quick quick. Also softened the rebound and shock. Apparently it was on the middle setting and is now on the softest but one. Much much better on the road = happy bunny.

Now for some 5mm hub-centric spacers on the rear...