KW V2 coilovers rear adjustment issue

[Leafsrule531]

I noticed the other day that the rear left hand side (drivers side rear) was much lower than the right rear of my 2002 e46 m3. I have the KW v2 coilovers so my assumption was that when they were put on they weren't adjusted properly to have the exact height. I went back in slowly adjusted the height of the rear lefts to increase them. They looked fine when I measured both sides after I took the car off the jack, however, after taking it for a test drive, I noticed that the rear left went back to it's original position which is pretty low. Am I not adjusting them properly? I just use the tool to turn counter clockwise. Is there some other locking mechanism that needs to take place which is why it's going back to the lowered incorrect height? Or did the rear left become faulty?

Any advice will be appreciated

[oceansize]

Typically the drivers side sits higher than the passenger with nobody in the car and no added weight but you have the reverse. How much we talking in difference? You can measure from the middle of the center cap straight up, as perpendicular to the ground as possible, to the quarter panel lip.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...ilover-install

[Leafsrule531]

Typically the drivers side sits higher than the passenger with nobody in the car and no added weight but you have the reverse. How much we talking in difference? You can measure from the middle of the center cap straight up, as perpendicular to the ground as possible, to the quarter panel lip.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...ilover-install

it's about a bit more than 1 inch difference which imo is significant. Main issue is why does it go back to that low after raising? could the coilovers be faulty?

[oceansize]

it's about a bit more than 1 inch difference which imo is significant. Main issue is why does it go back to that low after raising? could the coilovers be faulty?

I'm assuming that at some point it was level so if it was me I'd pull the shock off the rear then inspect and do a simple compression test on the table to see if there are any dead spots, leaks, and to verify it decompresses smoothly. I realize springs control ride height but blown shock will cause some sag. 1” is big though. Check everything back there.

[Halftim3]

Right when you remove the jack after the adjustment you have to roll the car a little to have it all settle. When I lift the rear and lower back down to the ground it looks like it sits higher even when I didn't adjust the coilovers.

You said you turned the adjuster counterclockwise, doesn't that mean the adjuster moves downward and instead lowers the car instead? I'm not sure if the adjuster should move up/turned clockwise to raise the car. Maybe someone can confirm.

[oceansize]

Good to double check but assuming OP didn’t actually lower the car OP should give the drivers side rear suspension a good visual inspection to verify nothing is “broke”or bent. One inch difference is big and assuming was once level something has given way. Broken or weakened spring maybe. Rare but happens.

[Tbonem3]

You have to drive the car around after suspension work, to have everything settle. Or, at least, take the e-brake off and roll the car back and forth a bit, push down on the trunk threshold (trunk open), and/or the engine bay crossbrace.

[fattycharged]

remove the rear perch to adjust it, there should be no confusion on if you're raising or lowering at that point. The spring perch in the rear should be ON TOP of the spring, so if it is in the correct position, so you may be lowering it by turning counterclockwise

[toy4to]

To further clarify, I've added a pic of the height adjuster. Turn to the left and it will raise the height. Turn to the right and it will lower the height.

[fattycharged]

If mounted on the vehicle in this orientation shown, above the spring, yes.

[Leafsrule531]

Just to clarify, the issue that I am having is that the height is not staying when I do adjust it. I am able to adjust the left side with the tool and raise the car higher. But when I actually take the car off the jack and go for a ride, the coilover only on the left rear goes back to the lowest setting. Could it be damaged or am I doing something wrong? I was going to try and take off the coilover tomorrow and see if it's damaged and adjust the height while it's out.

[Leafsrule531]

Also sorry my original post was confusing. I did move it clockwise ie to the left to raise the car. It does raise but then when I take it off the jacks and put pressure on the trunk, it comes back down all the way. Then when I go to drive the car it's fully lowered. Faulty coilover?

[cobra]

it sounds like the threads on your ride height adjusting collar might be stripped out and slipping down when you put weight on the car.

Take it out and inspect it

[trinity_m3]

Following this as I own a set myself but havent come across this issue. Intersting

[toy4to]

Also sorry my original post was confusing. I did move it clockwise ie to the left to raise the car. It does raise but then when I take it off the jacks and put pressure on the trunk, it comes back down all the way. Then when I go to drive the car it's fully lowered. Faulty coilover?

How old are these dampers? Sounds like a damper issue and not a height adjuster collar issue.