Wear problem adjusting front height-loaded?
 

Is there any problem if the front suspension height adjusters are tweaked while the car's weight is on the wheels ??

Unusual wear? .... other issues?

...being a bit anal perhaps...just asking....

Wil
1985 Carrera

Not recommended. It takes considerable torque to turn those adjusters with weight on them. Potentially enough to damage the adjusters, especially if the threads are dirty/corroded and resist turning themselves.

The alignment shop does it the way I do and just about everyone else for that matter, with the car on the ground with the full weight on the suspension. The only thing I do different is squirt some WD-40 on the threads to make it easier.

Cheers,

Joe

I'd make sure the adjusters have antiseize or other lube on the threads before rotating them with weight load. With the car on stands and the control arm supported, you can remove the adjusters to clean and lube the threads. After that, you're good to go. Just remember to record the height setting so you can get the car back to the same ride height.

Sherwood

Joe, perhaps you deal with sharper alignment shops than I. I don't defer to the ones I've delt with as authorities on 911 maintenance.

This is experience talking, I destroyed a height adjuster doing exactly this. I now always take the weight off the wheels prior to adjusting.

You might do fine lowering the car, but just try raising it. The difference in torque required is considerable.

Probably makes a big difference by just how old and corroded the adjuster is. When I put mine together and it was nice and clean, I could raise and lower my front with a short 3/8 ratchet and it moved quite easy. No way would the torque required strip the threads. If it was corroded, rusty and old, could be a huge difference though. YMMV

Uggh, I did it, never occured to me that it was not designed to adjust with the weight on it. I think I got lucky, I had to pull on them pretty hard a few times going up. Bummer, it sure is alot easier to do it with the weigt on!

Chuck, I can relate to your past bad experience and agree with you if there is any question as to the condition of your adjusters that you should unweight the suspension. My adjusters were in very good condtion without corrosion and did not require unusual force to turn clockwise.

If I had noticed a problem, I problably would have jacked up the front to be on the safe side.

Joe