Monroe | How to Measure Vehicle Ride Height

Summary

In this video, Joe Barella from Taco Garage explains how to measure ride height when inspecting a vehicle’s suspension system. He covers key points like static vs. dynamic ride height, how to measure from different points on the vehicle, and how the condition of the springs can affect alignment, stability, and durability. Joe also discusses how to identify issues with coil springs and provides tips for inspecting vehicles with no available ride height specifications. With a focus on common mistakes and troubleshooting techniques, this guide is essential for anyone looking to accurately assess ride height and suspension health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ride height is a critical factor in suspension system performance, affecting alignment, stability, stopping distances, and tire and shock durability.
• 😀 Measuring ride height can be tricky, as there is no universal standard across vehicles, and many manufacturers don’t provide ride height specifications.
• 😀 The two key steps in ride height inspection are measuring static ride height and checking for dynamic ride height issues while the vehicle is in motion.
• 😀 Common points for measuring ride height include the bottom of the rocker panel, the bumper, the center of the wheel, and the bottom of the fender lip.
• 😀 Static ride height refers to the vehicle when it's stationary, while dynamic ride height relates to the vehicle while it's in motion, under load, and possibly bottoming out.
• 😀 A key sign of dynamic ride height issues is damage to the jounce bumper, such as cracking, crushing, or missing pieces.
• 😀 When diagnosing ride height concerns, comparing the front and rear height can help identify whether the issue is with the front or rear suspension.
• 😀 To isolate ride height issues, lift the front of the vehicle and observe if the rear ride height changes; this helps determine if the problem is front or rear-related.
• 😀 Coil spring inspection includes checking for rust or damage to the coating, as well as ensuring the coil’s ramp angle is consistent across all coils.
• 😀 If no specific ride height specifications are available, use general reference points like measuring from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender lip, aiming for less than half an inch of difference across passenger vehicles.

Q & A

Why is measuring ride height so important when inspecting suspension systems?

Measuring ride height is crucial as it impacts alignment, directional stability, stopping distances, and steering. It also helps determine the durability of suspension components like shock struts and tires and whether any springs need to be replaced.

What are the two main steps to determine if the springs are doing their job?

The two main steps are measuring the static ride height and inspecting for dynamic ride height concerns.

What is the difference between static and dynamic ride height?

Static ride height refers to the vehicle’s height when it is stationary, often called curb height. Dynamic ride height occurs when the vehicle is moving and experiencing more force, which may cause issues like bottoming out.

What are some common points used for measuring ride height?

Common points include measuring from the rocker panel, the bumper, the fender lip opening, and the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender. For full-frame vehicles, measuring from the bottom of the ball joint to the suspension pivot point is also used.

How do you know if there’s a dynamic ride height issue?

A dynamic ride height issue can be identified by checking for signs of a damaged or missing jounce bumper, or if the vehicle sags dramatically when passengers enter, despite sitting correctly when empty.

How can you determine if the ride height issue is related to the front or rear suspension?

To determine the source of the issue, lift the front of the vehicle by the frame. If the rear height remains uneven, the issue is likely with the rear springs. If the rear height becomes level, the problem is with the front springs.

What should you check for when inspecting coil springs?

Check for any coating damage, such as rust or compromise, which may weaken the spring. Also, inspect the coil ramp angle for kinks, which indicate potential damage. Springs that have been damaged due to missing jounce bumpers or poor servicing need to be replaced.

What could happen if a technician compresses only a few coils of a spring during service?

Compressing only a few coils in the middle without supporting others could cause the spring to kink or be damaged, leading to improper function or failure.

What can you do if there are no available ride height specifications for a vehicle?

In the absence of ride height specifications, measure from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender lip on all four corners of the vehicle. For passenger cars, the height should be within ½ inch side-to-side and front-to-rear. For SUVs and trucks, it should be within ¾ inch.

What are some alternative checks if ride height specifications are unavailable?

If specifications are unavailable, check the rocker panel, window sill, or truck bed. These should be level or slightly higher in the rear. This will give a general indication of whether the vehicle's ride height is correct.