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How do I lower my car suspension?
I want a lower step-in height in my vehicle so it’s easier for my elderly mother to sit in. How do I lower my car suspension?
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Very thoughtful of you! Lowering your car’s suspension is a rather large, albeit straightforward, process. If you aren’t comfortable
modifying
vehicles, it may be best for you to visit a professional to have the job done. But, if you feel comfortable doing the work yourself, read on. Most cars use a coil-spring suspension system, meaning you can switch the coils out for a decreased ride height. If you have a leaf-spring suspension, you should purchase a universal lowering kit and use the instructions provided. For other types of suspension, here is the process for lowering:
- Jack up the front of your vehicle. Use the parking brake and block the back wheels to prevent your car from rolling away.
- Remove the lugs from the wheel. You can use a socket wrench with the correct socket attachment to remove the lugs and take the wheel off.
- Remove the existing strut by taking out the bolts that secure it to your car’s body. There is usually a set of five bolts holding the strut assembly in place. Once these are loose, you can free the assembly.
- Release pressure from the strut spring by compressing with a strut spring compressor. Once compressed, remove it.
- Install the new coil spring, making sure to insert it properly into its seating.
- Reinstall the strut mounting and assembly by replacing the bolts you removed to free the assembly from the vehicle. You may need to compress the new coil shock to reinstall the bolts. Repeat this process for all four wheels.
Just like that, your vehicle will have a lower ride height! Hopefully, that helps with accessibility for your mother.
While you’re making improvements to your car, see if you can do anything to help out your wallet. Download the
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app to get personalized insurance quotes delivered to your phone in minutes. It’s free to get quotes from over 50 of the nation’s leading providers!MORE: How to put a car on jack stands
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- Gregory R.
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