350 se adjusting the shocks

[mike various]

How do you adjust the shocks on a 350 SE ?
The ride to the mot test station was nice for the engine noise !!!
but the ride was bloomin terrible, if i tried to use this to go to work in
i would need to book an appointment with the chiropractor !!!

Any help would be appreciated.

Mike

[KKson]

All depends upon which shocks you've got? Konis need to be removed to adjust them but most others can be adjusted on the car. Bradderztvr has just set his up after a complete suspension overall. Check his recent posts as he states the approx set-up on his front and back shocks. Cheers.

[MethylatedSpirit]

Whip the wheels off and have a look at what's there. Normally there's a knob that you can fiddle with (steady on!) or something else.

[bradderztvr]

Mike, it depends on what you've got fitted. I only have knowledge of AVO and Gaz, which are similar with a small round adjusting knob which should be easily accessible even without jacking up on the rear, but the fronts can be difficult (well on my series 1)as the adjusting knob can be out of sight up within the wishbone. From memory turn clockwise (they should be about 20 or so clicks)for harder and anti for softer ride. Depending how ling they have been on there, they may be seized.
it's personal taste, but from a practical point, I experimented and run the front harder, due to engine weight and stops any nose diving on braking, and softer on rear for a more comfortable ride.
Cheers

[Rockettvr]

I've got Avos on mine. Found that my front was over damped (dampers set to max)and found it a bit harsh. Tried a half way setting and much improved but may reset again once I've done a few miles. As said the damper adjuster is obscured by the wishbone so need to be removed to gain access

[mike various]

Thanks for that
I'll have a look underneath when i replace the fuel pump at the test station.

Mike

[bradderztvr]

Rockettvr said:

I've got Avos on mine. Found that my front was over damped (dampers set to max)and found it a bit harsh. Tried a half way setting and much improved but may reset again once I've done a few miles. As said the damper adjuster is obscured by the wishbone so need to be removed to gain access

The rears are obviously placed with the adjuster facing inwards, and you're right if the fronts are installed the same you cannot get to it as it's tight up in the wishbone. However I have reversed the fronts so the adjuster faces outwards and you can access it without removal albeit it's tight, and requires strong long fingers or long nosed pliers.

[Campbell]

If you have the Koni shock the only way to change the settings is to remove the shock, remove the foam bump stop, compress the shock fully and turn at this make the adjustment inside and you can feel the clicks.
As for Gaz or Avo there will be a knob to make changes with.

Cambelt

[mike various]

Hi i had a look and they look like Koni's.
There is no sign of any little round adjusters on the body of the shock so i will have to take them off hopefully this weekend.

Mot don't ask !!!

MIke