Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

[witchcraftz]

I got a set of lightly used FK Highsport coilovers locally to go to the next step in lowering the car a bit. One of the front is blown but I've contacted FK and the replacement insert is on it's way.

However they are currently covered in grease, grime and dirt! I'd like to clean them up and re-lubricate them before installing them.

I was originally thinking of hitting the car wash and spraying them down. But I'm not sure it's such a good idea on second thought.

I googled and I've read about simple green, soaking in coca cola, wire brushes, brake cleaner and for greasing I've heard white grease, lanox and silicone spray.

What do you guys recommend?

[tirerub]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Degreaser and a wire brush works great.
Then a light coat of anti seize on the rings

[Kane]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Degreaser and a wire brush works great.
Then a light coat of anti seize on the rings

Couldn't agree more. I like to really cake on the anti seize and move the adjusted ring down and up through it a few times. I do that maintenance when summer/ winter wheels get changed out.

[P Arkus]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Couldn't agree more. I like to really cake on the anti seize and move the adjusted ring down and up through it a few times. I do that maintenance when summer/ winter wheels get changed out.

This. Everyone said Koni Coilovers wouldnt last past the first winter without seizing. With good preventative maintenance, I havent even come close to having a problem with them.

[Stonewall]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

What do you guys use for an anti seize? I need to give the cabby's coils a coat this spring.

[nismodrifter]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

[witchcraftz]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Yeah, that's the stuff I was going to use too

[P Arkus]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Yep thats the stuff I use too. Spread it around, spin the collars down. Spread it around again, spin the collars to desired height, spread final coat and let it dry.

[MechEngg]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Antiseize definitely works well, however it tends to pick up a lot of rocks and grit during the winter and needs to be removed before you spin the coils down in the spring. I would recommend using electrical tape and taping over the threads (after the antiseize) to keep the dirt and crap out of the threads

[CGY_GTI]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Antiseize definitely works well, however it tends to pick up a lot of rocks and grit during the winter and needs to be removed before you spin the coils down in the spring. I would recommend using electrical tape and taping over the threads (after the antiseize) to keep the dirt and crap out of the threads

I'll have to try the electrical tape in the spring! My rears were damn stiff last time I tried to adjust them, so I might have to pull the collars out to clean them in the spring

Pat, where do you get that anti-seize from?

[witchcraftz]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

I got that same anti-seize at Partsource.

And I'll also be trying that electrical tape idea.

Anyone tried this?

http://www.pdm-racing.com/products/motuloil.html

A silicone based spray that restores the beautiful lustre of plastics, paints and varnish while laying down a dry film of protection. Once applied, the film prevents dirt and dust from sticking on surfaces. EXCELLENT race car and bike cleaner and protector without the greasiness of WD40. Repeated use on suspension arms, shocks, wheels and other underbody components make for less dirt build up, and very easy effort required to clean the vehicle. If you have coil overs, this spray is a must, as it helps to clean, lubricate and prevent damaging sand and dirt buildup on your expensive threaded collars and camber plates. Pleasant citrous aroma.

[Natty54]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

I like that tape idea!

I have the permatex and liquimoly stuff if you cant find it

[btimbit]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Damn, never thought of the tape, I always brushed the hell out of them.

[Danaldson]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

i put anti seize on my fronts when i installed them back in the spring (didnt have any when i put my rears in) i had no problem adjusting them to go lower in december. as for the backs, they were a bit tougher but were fine when i sprayed them with wd40 then wiped em a bit. i bet the electrical tape works good too though.

[Stonewall]

Re: Cleaning and lubricating Coilovers?

Antiseize definitely works well, however it tends to pick up a lot of rocks and grit during the winter and needs to be removed before you spin the coils down in the spring. I would recommend using electrical tape and taping over the threads (after the antiseize) to keep the dirt and crap out of the threads

Good call I was thinking the paste stuff picked up too much dirt. I have some copper based stuff will have to get the other. Guess I am pulling the cabby coils again lol.