Did I mess up the preload on my Meisterr coilovers?

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
1

Hey folks,

Installed some new Meisterr Sport-Z coilovers on my NC over the past couple of days. I fear I’ve messed things up a bit, need some advice!

The fronts I got on easily and decided not to touch the adjustments at all for now.

However, in the process of installing the rears, I started to research how to adjust ride height, noticing that the rear coilovers were set much higher ‘stock’ than the fronts.

Stupidly I didn’t look hard enough for Meisterr specific instructions, instead using a few YouTube guides, in particular this one: https://youtu.be/IMMcA0IPv9o?si=QJJSwKwHr0UwZpzO

Which lead me to loosening the lower collar, then adjusting the top and middle collars in order to adjust the heights (in the directions noted in the video). I did this on both sides to get them lower and as close as possible.

BUT - I’ve since finally dug out a Meisterr instruction manual online that suggests I shouldn’t have messed with the top two collars at all, instead… um… twisting the actual damper body, maybe by hand?

It seems I may have messed with the preload rather than just the ride height, but honestly I’m still unsure…

Any help would be appreciated. In terms of function, seems these new Sport-Zs are basically the same as the ZetaCRDs everyone seems to have.

Here’s the Meisterr instructions page for reference:

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2

I read somewhere that the std preload on the spring should be 2mm.
IE - from the point where the top collar touches the spring at full shock extension - it should be turned to compress the spring another 2mm.

If you have undone the top collar to lower the car - I would guess the spring will now be loose when the wheels are off the floor. ( This would be an MOT fail )

3

Hi, What CBRDeano said is correct. You will find that you are going to have to do adjustments to your coilovers anyhow to get them to do what you want for your application. Coilovers on first install is not really a fit and forget system. Believe me I know. I installed CRD’s a month ago and had to play around with adjustments for a while until I got them almost to how I wanted them to perform. I do believe they are close to where they need to be straight out of the box though, as far as the geometry is concerned ie shock body length and preload. MeisterR told me 2mm preload is the starting point but up to 15mm is doable.