How to choose the right coil spring?

Everything You Need To Know About Coil Springs MTB

This is where the relationship between Rear Wheel Travel and Stroke Length comes into play. Leverage ratio is the ratio between how much Rear Wheel Travel your bike has per millimeter of Stroke Length

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On a full suspension bicycle, the rear shock is connected to a series of linkages that apply leverage to the rear shock. This leverage is applied to the amount of movement that the shock has (Stroke Length) and generates the amount of Rear Wheel Travel.

A good way to visualize this concept would be to think of a lever; you have a rigid bar that rests on a pivot point with one end where you apply force (your shock), and the opposite end is where the output force manifests (your rear wheel).

You can find your bike's average leverage ratio by dividing the Rear Wheel Travel by the Stroke Length. For instance, if your bike has 160mm rear wheel travel with a shock that has a 60mm stroke length, the calculation would be 160mm divided by 60mm, resulting in an average leverage ratio of 2.67. Thus, for every 1 mm of movement on your shock, your rear wheel will move 2.67mm (on average).

It is crucial to understand that the average leverage ratio is simply that, an average. The leverage ratio will change as the wheel moves through its travel. Plotting the different leverage ratios throughout this travel on a graph will reveal your bike's leverage ratio curve.

Rear suspension is designed to increase resistance as it nears the limit of Rear Wheel Travel to help prevent harsh bottom outs. This increase in resistance is also known as progression. Keep in mind that when discussing rear suspension, we mean the rear shock AND the bicycle together, as both components contribute to preventing bottom out.

Riding a full suspension bike without progressive rear suspension would not only be impractical, but also undesirable as the bike could bottom out on small bumps without providing any support on larger impacts. Imagine jumping into a pool filled with water versus one without water; without water, there is nothing to slow your momentum, leading to a harsh landing.

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When it comes to high-performance or race vehicles, choosing high-quality coil springs is a critical decision that directly affects the vehicle's suspension performance, handling, and overall driving experience. Coil springs play an essential role in providing support, stability, and control by absorbing road irregularities and maintaining the desired ride height. This guide will discuss the factors to consider when selecting coil springs, including their function, indicators of quality, types, and spring rates. We will also examine the right time to replace your coil springs and highlight top choices from reputable brands. Whether you're aiming to optimize your suspension for improved cornering or to enhance your vehicle's overall performance, this guide will help you navigate the coil spring landscape and make informed decisions for your high-performance or race vehicle's suspension system.

What Do Coil Springs Do?

High-quality suspension springs are a crucial component of a vehicle's suspension system. They function in conjunction with other suspension components to offer support, stability, and control. The primary function of coil springs is to absorb and distribute the impact from bumps, dips, and other road anomalies, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.

Coil springs are designed to support the vehicle's weight while preserving the desired ride height and preventing excessive body roll during cornering. They are vital for optimizing handling, traction, and overall vehicle performance.

What Makes a High-Quality Coil Spring?

When selecting coil springs for your high-performance or race vehicle, consider the following factors that contribute to their quality:

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1. Material: High-quality coil springs are generally made from premium-grade steel or specialized alloys. These materials provide excellent strength, durability, and resistance to sagging or deformation even under heavy loads and constant stress.
2. Manufacturing Process: Look for springs that have been manufactured using advanced methods such as hot or cold winding. These techniques ensure precise and consistent spring rates, optimal stress distribution, and increased fatigue resistance.
3. Coating and Protection: Quality coil springs often feature a protective finish to enhance corrosion resistance and prolong their lifespan. Powder coating, zinc plating, or other specialized coatings offer additional protection against harsh road conditions and environmental elements.
4. Spring Rate Accuracy: The spring rate determines how much force is needed to compress the coil spring. High-quality coil springs possess accurate and consistent spring rates, allowing for precise suspension tuning and predictable handling dynamics.
5. Manufacturer Reputation: Opt for coil springs from reputable manufacturers known for their expertise in suspension systems and commitment to quality. Brands with a history of supplying suspension components to high-performance and race vehicles are recommended.

Coil Spring Types & Spring Rates

Coil springs come in various types and spring rates, enabling fine-tuning of your vehicle's suspension to match specific performance needs. Here are some common types:

Linear Coil Springs: These provide a consistent spring rate throughout their compression range, making them suitable for a variety of applications and providing predictable handling.

Progressive Coil Springs: These feature a variable spring rate; resistance to compression increases the more they are compressed. This design offers a softer initial response for comfort while enhancing support and stability during aggressive driving or heavy loads.

Dual-Rate Coil Springs: Combining features of both linear and progressive springs, these have two sections with different spring rates, providing a softer response initially and a stiffer rate under heavy loads or during high-speed maneuvers.

The spring rate, measured in pounds per inch (lbs./in) or Newtons per millimeter (N/mm), indicates the coil spring’s stiffness. Choosing the correct spring rate hinges on factors like vehicle weight, suspension design, intended use (street, track, or off-road), and personal preferences.

Knowing When to Replace

Regular checks of your coil springs are essential for maintaining optimal performance and safety. Here are some indicators that it might be necessary to replace your coil springs:

1. Sagging or Uneven Ride Height: A noticeable drop in ride height or an uneven suspension stance may signal worn-out or sagging coil springs, negatively affecting handling and stability.
2. Excessive Bouncing or Bottoming Out: If your vehicle experiences excessive bouncing after encountering bumps or dips or bottoms out easily on moderate road irregularities, worn-out coil springs that are no longer providing adequate support might be the problem.
3. Unusual Noise or Clunking: Strange noises from the suspension while driving over bumps or turning may suggest worn or damaged coil springs requiring replacement.
4. Uneven Tire Wear: Worn or sagging coil springs can lead to uneven tire wear, resulting in decreased traction, handling difficulties, and premature tire replacements.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to inspect and replace coil springs as needed.

How To Choose A Spring

When contemplating how to choose a spring for automotive suspension systems, several factors come into play. Initially, determining the vehicle's weight and intended use is crucial, as heavier vehicles or those utilized for towing may need sturdier springs for effective load support. Additionally, recognizing the desired ride height and handling characteristics will guide the selection process, as different spring rates and lengths can heavily affect the vehicle's dynamics. Seeking advice from knowledgeable suspension specialists, like a JEGS tech, can assist in pinpointing the right springs for your vehicle and preferences. Conducting extensive research and considering elements like spring material, design, and manufacturer reputation will ensure a successful suspension upgrade or replacement. Ultimately, identifying the appropriate springs tailored to your vehicle's specifications and desired performance traits is critical for achieving optimal handling, comfort, and satisfaction while driving.

Our Top Picks

When it comes to selecting the proper coil springs for your high-performance or race vehicle, several reputable brands provide quality options. Some top picks in the industry include:

1. JEGS Brand Coil Springs: Renowned for their precision engineering and performance-oriented designs, JEGS presents a broad range of coil springs for various applications.
2. Eibach Suspension Springs: With a longstanding reputation in the automotive sector, Eibach produces high-quality suspension springs engineered for superior handling and durability.
3. QA1 Racing Coil Springs: Tailored specifically for race vehicles, QA1 Racing Coil Springs deliver outstanding performance, precise spring rates, and dependable suspension control.

Before finalizing your decision, consider consulting with suspension experts such as a JEGS Tech Specialist, or peers with experience in coil springs for personalized recommendations based on your vehicle's needs and intended use.

Selecting the right coil springs for your high-performance or race vehicle is crucial for achieving optimal suspension performance, handling, and control. By understanding the function of coil springs, evaluating their quality factors, considering various types and spring rates, and recognizing the signs for replacement, you can make informed decisions to elevate your driving experience.

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