2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

stock suspension question

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Old Jun 27, 2007 | 03:59 PM
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stock suspension question

I've got a GXL with the A.A.S....which doesn't work... I pulled the actuators off and I would like to know which way I turn the valve to put the suspension in it's firmest setting? I would think it'd be to the right...that just makes sense.. But I think I'd rather not be wrong
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Old Jun 27, 2007 | 04:44 PM
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Someone's gotta know for sure...
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Old Jun 27, 2007 | 05:12 PM
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So wait, you're tightening the suspension by turning the bolts on top right?
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Old Jun 27, 2007 | 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by pimpdaddy7835
So wait, you're tightening the suspension by turning the bolts on top right?

No. I removed the actuators (The little electric motors) over top each of my shock absorbers and used needle nosed pliers to spin the valve that would normally be turned by the actuators, 20 half turns of the pliers...which is 10 full turns. I didn't want to go farther than that...and there was still no more resistance of the valve than when I started...I didn't want to test the theory that eventually, after so many turns, the valve would resist and stop tightening. Regardless, the effect of doing this dramatically improved the handling. Though the ride is much more jarring...I don't care.

I screwed on the actuators but left them unplugged.

If anyone wants to chime in on whether or not the valve will eventually hit it's end, please do so. 'Cuz if I still haven't got it in it's firmest setting, I sure would like to have that.
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Old Jun 27, 2007 | 07:50 PM
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Damn thats cool, I never thought about that. I'll take those off my sale thread then lol.
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Old Jun 27, 2007 | 11:06 PM
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more than likely thats a waste of time unless theyre in perfect shape. i tried that on mine and couldnt tell a bit of difference. then again what do i know.
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Old Jun 28, 2007 | 12:06 AM
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Anyone who knows for sure on this one- I'd also like to know, having the same car with the same issue.
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Old Jun 28, 2007 | 12:15 AM
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why dont you hook up an actuator and see how many rotations it does. if it were still attached to the shock
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Old Jun 28, 2007 | 12:34 AM
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clockwise stiffens the shock.
counterclock softens the shock.
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Old Jun 28, 2007 | 02:39 AM
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Originally Posted by rotorpower27
why dont you hook up an actuator and see how many rotations it does. if it were still attached to the shock
just strap a midget to the strut tower and go for a drive? it might be hard to watch the actuator move since you have to drive the car to make it work though.
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Old Jun 28, 2007 | 12:39 PM
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The switch is dead...that or the computer itself. For whatever reason, the actuators just don't work. I really don't care though, because I just spun them 'round at equal amounts and the difference is noticeable. Even if your A.A.S. shocks are completely blown, forcing it to remain in it's most firm setting is going to be noticed somewhat... I noticed a huge difference on mine. But now I have to go over train tracks really slowly or else my spine will vibrate apart! Just kidding, it isn't THAT firm...but I can tell a pretty damn big difference and now I'm just a lil bit happier with my BOOHB.

If your A.A.S. does still work right, then make sure you disconnect the actuators so it doesn't revert.
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Old Jun 28, 2007 | 09:28 PM
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LOL... i actually did the same thing to my AAS before i upgraded to my Silkroad coilovers. It actually stiffened up the rear quite a bit, you just have to make a lot of rotations when tightening them.

I still have the stock AAS setup with the actuators if anyone is interested.
They only have ~50k miles on them and are in really good condition.
If you want them, PM me, I'll hook you up for cheap!
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Old Jun 30, 2007 | 08:12 AM
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I still want to know from someone else who has done this if the valve will eventually stop tightening like a screw would, or if it'll just keep spinning?????
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Old Jun 30, 2007 | 08:19 AM
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Keep tightening it, then let us know if it snaps or something. Worst come to worst you can replace it all with a better setup cheap!! I paid 180 for my springs and 300 for the shocks plus installation. Money well spent!!
Chris
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Old Jun 30, 2007 | 08:22 AM
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Uh? Let's try and not snap the valve on my suspension, thanks...that's what I'm trying to avoid for the moment. Hence why I haven't kept tightening it. But I'm SURE someone here has done this before and actually didn't care enough to just keep tightening it.
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Old Jun 30, 2007 | 09:32 AM
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there probably similar to kyb or tokicos where it doesn't matter how many times you turn it, it matters what position its in
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Old Jun 30, 2007 | 09:37 AM
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Couldn't be, because when I was turning it counter clockwise to see how soft it'd go, some fluid came out.
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Old Jun 30, 2007 | 12:22 PM
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Just Removed Them, You Wont Notice A difference...!
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Old Jul 1, 2007 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by RX729
Just Removed Them, You Wont Notice A difference...!
What are you talking about?? Remove the actuators and disconnect them from their wiring harness...turn the valve clockwise to stiffen and count how many turns you make so you can make everything equal and then bolt the actuators back on, but leave them disconnected. It sounds pretty simple to me. How could you not notice a difference? The only way you might not notice a difference is if your shocks are so blown that the car bounces like an old Buick!
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 02:49 PM
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Has anyone come up with an answer or what...?
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 04:46 PM
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Other threads said counterclockwise stiffens, and playing with my used AAS struts on my car, I agree with that analysis. I'll be tweaking them more this weekend at the autocross, though.

-=Russ=-
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 07:54 PM
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I don't think so.... did 15 turns on my front and 10.5 on my rear. tightened up the suspension nicely, imho.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 08:00 PM
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turn them to the right... clockwise and it stiffens them i've done it. If you do continue to stiffen them eventually you will blow them out while driving because i'm assuming you have the soft *** stock springs.
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Old Jul 6, 2007 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Jizneremie33
If you do continue to stiffen them eventually you will blow them out while driving because i'm assuming you have the soft *** stock springs.
that would not be fun... so have you seen this happen? because I just wonder if the screws would stop once they're adjusted 'far enough'.
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by SpeedOfLife
that would not be fun... so have you seen this happen? because I just wonder if the screws would stop once they're adjusted 'far enough'.
That's the question I'm trying to get answered, but all in all, I'm happy with how stiff they are now over what they were. I've got decent feedback from the suspension now.

Whoever has A.A.S. shocks that they care nothing about, like if they're getting new suspension soon, keep spinning that valve 'till the cows come home!
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