By changing the springs to non-standard ones, motorists mainly try to increase or decrease the ground clearance or the stiffness of the springs. One of the simplest ways to lower the ride height is to shorten it, i.e. undercut several turns of the standard spring. Can you do it yourself?
Instructions
Step 1
Before you cut the springs on the VAZ, you need to think about the consequences. The spring rate is inversely proportional to the number of active turns. When trimming the coils, you will change not only the deformation of the spring, but also its length. When the spring is shortened by one turn, the length decreases by one turn pitch - 48, 22 mm, with two turns, respectively, by 96, 44 mm. With a free spring length of 434 mm, you will get a total length for a standard spring - 294, 427 mm, for a one-turn cut - 260, 164 mm, for two turns - 255, 901 mm. In this case, from a change in the number of turns, the rigidity of the system increases in proportion to their removal.
Step 2
By shortening the spring by two turns, you increase its stiffness by 33%, and also reduce its length under load by 13%. In this case, the ground clearance will decrease by 40%.
Step 3
When shortening the spring, do not rely on a comparable life to the standard spring due to the increased stresses on the remaining turns. Also, do not shorten used springs, but rather buy new ones.
Step 4
Support the cut end of the spring on the cup of the lower arm with the front suspension, the axle with the rear suspension, but under no circumstances support it in the cup of the body. If anything happens, changing the lever or digesting a cup is much easier than repairing the body.
Step 5
With standard shocks, calmly cut the rear spring one turn. Of course, there will be a slight preload, but the spring will not fall out when the wheel is fully suspended. If you cut more or put the springs shorter, then look for a shock absorber with a shorter stem, or move its mount below using the appropriate brackets.
Step 6
When cutting the spring, remember that the winding step decreases towards the end, forming a platform for support. By cutting off the turns, you will reduce this area and increase the stress on the cup. To ensure that the cut spring rests evenly against the cup, release the last coil. To do this, heat it to 600 degrees and cool in air. Follow this procedure with a gas burner to heat only one end of the spring. When doing this, be very careful, as there is a high probability of damage to the part.
