Adjusting Penske coilovers without losing your sanity
#1
Adjusting Penske coilovers without losing your sanity
When I first installed these, it seemed like making compression adjustments would be pretty simple.. After all, the adjuster is within reach, even with the wheel on & car sitting on the ground.. Well, it didn't take long to realize it can be quite a PITA to do with the traditional 5/32 hex key that comes with them. This is mainly because the hex key is a snug fit in the adjuster, so unless you've got the angle perfect, it's very difficult to get in there.. The fact that you can't actually see it makes it even worse.. Basically, you're working by feel only. That also makes it very difficult to keep the hex key correctly aligned with the adjuster when you're attempting turn it & count clicks.. I got so frustrated last time, I swore I'd just leave them as-is forever.
I bought this little 1/4 drive 5/32 ball end hex bit socket the other day.. When coupled with a finger ratchet, it makes a huge difference.. Once I figured out the best angle of approach, I was able to adjust by any number of clicks within seconds, all while the car was sitting flat on the garage floor.
-Mike
I bought this little 1/4 drive 5/32 ball end hex bit socket the other day.. When coupled with a finger ratchet, it makes a huge difference.. Once I figured out the best angle of approach, I was able to adjust by any number of clicks within seconds, all while the car was sitting flat on the garage floor.
-Mike
#2
Advanced
iTrader: (2)
So, did you make the ride better or worse?
Was this the front or the rears?
My previous Koni and Tokico adjustables on other cars had adapters that could be routed through the trunk and adjusted easily.
If there's ever a VA/MD meet, I want a ride in your car with the Penskes!
Was this the front or the rears?
My previous Koni and Tokico adjustables on other cars had adapters that could be routed through the trunk and adjusted easily.
If there's ever a VA/MD meet, I want a ride in your car with the Penskes!
#4
So, did you make the ride better or worse?
Was this the front or the rears?
My previous Koni and Tokico adjustables on other cars had adapters that could be routed through the trunk and adjusted easily.
If there's ever a VA/MD meet, I want a ride in your car with the Penskes!
Was this the front or the rears?
My previous Koni and Tokico adjustables on other cars had adapters that could be routed through the trunk and adjusted easily.
If there's ever a VA/MD meet, I want a ride in your car with the Penskes!
This is for both front and rear. Using a traditional hex key, the fronts are a bit easier to adjust, but still quite a hassle.. The rears are a complete PITA unless the car is lifted up in the air. For those not familiar with it, this pic shows the location of the front compression adjustment. My new set-up with the ball end hex socket is just the ticket, IMO
#5
Pole Position
I use the same hex bit without the finger ratchet for this very purpose. It works but I'm sure the finger ratchet makes it even easier to hold and adjust. Thanks for posting!
#7
Lexus Fanatic
This is my main concern with coils . All of a sudden I have to become the engineer and figure this all out . I would induce a problem then counter it and it would be back and fourth and all the while when I drive a stock car it actually felt better at the limit . I guess I'm just not patient enough. My car handles pretty neutral right now as long as the tires are in good shape . if she understeers I just apply more breaks and trail break . Gives me the rotation I need and allows me to load up the front tires
Trending Topics
#9
I haven't messed with the compression on mine either. Only rebound, still would like to have the elelectric motors to adjust from inside, not that it's a big deal to change but hey I like technology.
Mike what settings are you at for 'street comfort'?
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by tas02
Originally posted by I8ABMR:
"...just apply more breaks and trail break."
When will they come up with a spellcheck for context?
"...just apply more breaks and trail break."
When will they come up with a spellcheck for context?
#12
Thanks Mike, this is very helpful! I just got my new rear tires installed last week. Still need to dial in the Penske's on my car.
With th RR settings, it is quite a bit firmer than the factory shocks. Feels great on the twisty mountain roads though.
With th RR settings, it is quite a bit firmer than the factory shocks. Feels great on the twisty mountain roads though.
#13
Lead Lap
iTrader: (13)
just for reference what is everyone settings on the penske coilover, pretty much how many clicks for rebound and compression. I pretty much left mines with Rafi's setting but might change later in the future and want to test out other settings that people use either for street or track. so if you have a favorite street setting or track setting mention both. thanks for your input!
Last edited by Evil Teo; 08-12-16 at 01:29 PM.
#15
Intermediate
iTrader: (2)
As I learned the hard way last night (seized rusted collar set screws), here are three products that will make future adjustments *much* easier for you Penske owners. My installation of some pre-loved units is delayed accordingly until these arrive:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EYTBVWO
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UEOLO
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078RZRGY5/
Along with a link to a ball socket similar to the OP's suggestion:
https://smile.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-.../dp/B004QO9FYS
Love me some Triple R products and all they've done for the various Lexus platforms, but stainless hardware or at least a little anti-seize would have been prudent here. To be fair, my Penskes previously spent some time on the Nurburgring, thus also likely some cold German Ge-Freauzen weather and its corresponding road salt. Here's to hoping the PB Blaster does its magic after a few days' soak, as the set screws wouldn't budge after letting them sit soaked for 2 hours last night. I'm also very reluctant to apply heat on something thermally coupled via aluminum to a pricey aluminum shock body.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EYTBVWO
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UEOLO
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078RZRGY5/
Along with a link to a ball socket similar to the OP's suggestion:
https://smile.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-.../dp/B004QO9FYS
Love me some Triple R products and all they've done for the various Lexus platforms, but stainless hardware or at least a little anti-seize would have been prudent here. To be fair, my Penskes previously spent some time on the Nurburgring, thus also likely some cold German Ge-Freauzen weather and its corresponding road salt. Here's to hoping the PB Blaster does its magic after a few days' soak, as the set screws wouldn't budge after letting them sit soaked for 2 hours last night. I'm also very reluctant to apply heat on something thermally coupled via aluminum to a pricey aluminum shock body.
Last edited by Leander311; 04-25-18 at 11:11 AM.