coil over set screws?

[richtersand]

I messed up. I read some posts on the coil over set screws falling out so I over-tightened the set screw on at least one coil over shock. I went to adjust it to raise my ride height and couldn’t turn the collar. Looking in the set screw hole the aluminum threading is clearly distorted. The collar won’t budge by hand. Suggestions on the best way to fix this? I’m wondering if a suspension specialty shop might be able to fix it somehow. Or do I need to bite the bullet and buy a new sleeve/collar combo?

[egchewy79]

I think most recommend not using the set screw in the collar for this exact reason. you can try to turn the collar with a spanner wrench and that might be enough to "fix" the distortion of the thread on the shock.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The best thing to do with the setscrews is to throw them away. You found out why...

Remove the coilover then take off the snap ring on the shock body so that you can slide the collar and spring off. Once off you may be able to get enough grip on the collar and adjustment ring to get it to unscrew. If you're successful clean up the threads on both then deposit the setscrews in the trash.

Jeff

[RoadRacer]

Fascinating! I use the set screw and a drop of loctite but I am not tightening it much. But how else do you all stop the collar changing position over time? Perhaps that just doesn't happen?

I only ask because my spring will leave the collar while flying over big bumps :D

On previous cars/shocks there were two collars that you tightened together.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Fascinating! I use the set screw and a drop of loctite but I am not tightening it much. But how else do you all stop the collar changing position over time? Perhaps that just doesn't happen?

I only ask because my spring will leave the collar while flying over big bumps :D

On previous cars/shocks there were two collars that you tightened together.

FWIW Have almost 8 years of pretty constant use. No set screws, no adjustment after the initial settling to place. Have no airborne experience with the car. :D

[NC Cobra]

Odd that this topic has come up because the spring pre load collar on my drivers side rear shock just backed off this week. Relatively easy fix but with only 5 years and 3,000 miles I was a bit surprised.

[GoDadGo]

In a different direction, I put RTV Black on the threads below the collar to keep them from creeping loose.

Is it a good idea?

You be the judge but so far so good.

[lance corsi]

With a small (preferably leather) hammer, gently tap the spanner nut on its outer diameter while gently turning the nut with your free hand. This will help straighten out the damage done by the set screw. After the nut is moved far enough to expose the damaged thread, repair with a small file.

[txboiler]

This thread may have just save me some money (typically threads cost me money :cool:)

I was going to buy a couple set screw because atleast 1 backed out during karting stage. I wasn’t too concerned until I notice some movement of the collar. I put a couple witness Marks on the collar and shock body when i was setting ride height . They moved a couple degrees. To be honest I am not sure if they moved during carting or at some other point when the car was on jacks. I plan to check ride hide again but from the sounds of it there is no need to replace the set screws.

[Jim1855]

There are soft tip set screws that if used properly would or should stop unwanted rotation.
https://www.mcmaster.com/browse-fasteners/set-screws/nonmarring-set-screws/ There are flat tip and nylon soft-tip that should help.

The option most often seen with coil overs are the two locking collars and then corresponding and properly sized spanner wrenches. This system works well.

Jim

[richtersand]

Closing the loop on this... I took some advice I got to use a strap wrench to hold the collar. With my other hand I used a rubber glove on the thread and between the two I was able to turn it loose. Breaking it loose cleaned up the threads and I was good to go. :eek: whew!