How to Measure Ride Height | Steeda Tech Tip

Summary

In this video, Brian from Steeda.com explains how to properly measure the ride height of your vehicle. He covers essential steps, such as ensuring tire pressure is correct, and accurately measuring from the center of the wheel’s cap to the top of the fender arch. He also highlights factors affecting ride height, including the correct installation of springs, struts, and shocks, as well as the potential for variances due to manufacturing tolerances. Brian emphasizes the importance of proper setup for performance and handling, and explains why ride height is crucial both statically and dynamically for vehicle stability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure all four tires are properly inflated before measuring ride height.
• 😀 Measure from the center of the wheel's center cap to the top of the fender arch for accurate ride height.
• 😀 Ride height measurement can be influenced by recent spring installations, whether lowering or lifting the vehicle.
• 😀 Inconsistencies in ride height may indicate issues like improper spring installation or pre-loaded control arm bushings.
• 😀 Check that springs are installed correctly, including ensuring they are on the correct ends of the vehicle and oriented properly.
• 😀 Make sure control arm bolts are loosened before setting the car back to static ride height to avoid pre-loaded bushings.
• 😀 Sway bars and adjustable end links should be disconnected or properly adjusted to avoid affecting ride height.
• 😀 Strut and shock type (monotube vs. twin-tube) can influence ride height by small increments due to pressure differences.
• 😀 Acceptable ride height differences are typically up to 1/4 inch for cars and 1/2 inch for trucks, allowing for manufacturing tolerance.
• 😀 Static ride height is measured while the car is not in motion, as dynamic ride height can fluctuate while driving over uneven terrain.
• 😀 Ride height is crucial for vehicle performance, as it impacts handling, suspension travel, and comfort, and should be set within manufacturer specifications.

Q & A

What is the first step to measuring the ride height of your vehicle?

The first step is to air up all four tires and make sure the tire pressure is set according to your vehicle's specifications.

How do you determine the center of the center cap for measuring ride height?

To determine the center of the center cap, locate the center of the wheel’s center cap. This is the point from which you will measure to the top of the fender arch.

What is the significance of measuring from the center of the center cap to the fender arch?

This measurement helps determine the ride height of your vehicle. It ensures that the height matches the specifications provided by the manufacturer, especially after installing new springs or lift kits.

Why is it important to check the ride height after installing new springs?

It’s important to check the ride height to confirm that the vehicle is sitting at the correct height as specified by the spring manufacturer, whether it's a lift or lowering kit.

What is one common mistake when installing springs on a vehicle?

A common mistake is either installing the wrong springs on the wrong end of the vehicle or mounting them upside down, which can affect the ride height.

What role do control arm bushings play in ride height measurement?

If the bolts at the pivot points of the control arms aren't loosened during installation, the bushings might be pre-loaded, potentially causing artificial ride height differences from side to side or corner to corner.

How do sway bars impact the vehicle’s ride height?

Sway bars, particularly with adjustable end links, can create tension against the springs. If not disconnected, they can affect the ride height by causing an uneven level of suspension compression across the vehicle.

How do struts and shocks affect ride height?

Struts and shocks can influence ride height based on their design. Monotube high-pressure designs can cause a slight increase in ride height, while twin-tube low-pressure designs typically do not impact ride height as much.

What is the acceptable tolerance for ride height differences according to auto manufacturers?

Auto manufacturers generally allow a variance in ride height of up to 1/4 inch for cars and up to 1/2 inch for trucks, accounting for variances in the manufacturing process.

What should you do if you notice ride height discrepancies after installing new components?

Before contacting the manufacturer of your aftermarket springs or shocks, try measuring the ride height before the installation and compare it to the post-installation measurement to understand any changes.