Side Skirts Too Low and Scraping: How to Adjust Ride Height Without Removing Them

Oya Carbon side skirts are a sleek addition to any car, but when the ride height is lowered, they can start scraping the ground or interfering with drivetrain components. In this article, we'll show you how to adjust the ride height without removing the side skirts, ensuring your vehicle looks and performs its best.

Introduction

A lowered car can lead to several issues when it comes to Oya Carbon side skirts. The most common problem is scraping, which can happen due to the close proximity of the skirts to the ground. This contact can cause wear and tear on the carbon fiber material, potentially leading to damage that's both visually unappealing and costly to repair.

Importance of Adjusting Ride Height

Adjusting the ride height of your car is crucial for several reasons:

1. Prevent Damage: Avoiding scraping and interference protects the carbon fiber side skirts and other critical components.
2. Maintain Aesthetics: Keep the side skirts in perfect condition, ensuring a clean and polished look.
3. Enhance Performance: Improper ride height can affect the vehicle's handling and overall performance, especially in lowered cars.
4. Longevity: Prevent premature wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your vehicle.

Tools and Supplies Needed

To adjust the ride height without removing the Oya Carbon side skirts, you will need the following tools and supplies:

These tools will help you achieve the necessary adjustments without compromising the integrity of the side skirts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Ride Height

Step 1: Preparation

Before making any adjustments, ensure the car is parked on a level, firm surface. Use tire wedges or stands to stabilize the car. Place the jack or hoist beneath the car and lift it to a secure height suitable for working underneath. Ensure the support is evenly distributed to prevent any potential imbalance.

Step 2: Identify the Points of Scrapping or Interference

With the car lifted, closely examine the lower parts of the vehicle, focusing on the areas where the side skirts are scraping or interfering with other components. This will help you pinpoint the exact areas that need adjustment.

Step 3: Loosen the Suspension and Adjust the Shims

Loosen the suspension components carefully. Use a torque wrench to remove the bolts that secure the suspension to the control arms. This will allow you to position the control arms for adjustment without having to remove the side skirts.

Step 4: Insert Shims Under the Control Arms

Take your shims or spacer washers and place them under the control arms. Use a sliding crane jack or lift blocks to lift the control arms incrementally, ensuring the shims are correctly positioned. Continue this process until the side skirts are at an appropriate height.

Step 5: Tighten the Bolts

Once the shims are in place, use the torque wrench or socket set to tighten the bolts back to the recommended torque specification. This will secure the control arms and ensure the shims hold the proper height.

Step 6: Reset the Car and Verify Adjustments

Lower the car safely using the jack or hoist. Take note of any areas that still show scraping or need further adjustment. Use a measuring tape or caliper to verify the height of the side skirts and ensure they are evenly spaced on both sides of the vehicle.

Step 7: Final Inspection and Testing

After making the adjustments, conduct a thorough inspection to confirm the side skirts are not scraping or interfering. Look for any additional areas that might need fine-tuning. Test drive the vehicle to ensure smooth performance and no unusual noises or vibrations.

Fine Tuning Tips

Incremental Adjustments

Make small adjustments (approximately 0.5mm increments) rather than large ones. This will help you fine-tune the height more precisely and avoid over-adjusting that could lead to an unbalanced setup.

Regular Checks

Even after initial adjustments, continue to monitor the ride height regularly. Lowering or any further modifications may require additional tweaks to maintain the optimal height.

Use of Replacement Shims

If initial adjustments are difficult, consider replacing old or worn shims with new ones. This will ensure a cleaner and more consistent setup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-tightening Bolts

Be careful not to over-tighten the bolts during the process. This can cause distortion in the suspension components and lead to uneven height adjustments.

Incorrect shim Placement

Ensure accurate placement of shims or spacer washers. Misalignment can create a false sense of adjustment and lead to uneven height settings.

Ignoring Suspension Components

Neglecting to inspect and adjust other suspension components can lead to an unbalanced setup. Regular checks on shocks, control arms, and sway bars are essential.

Improper Support

Failure to use proper support during adjustments can result in instability, making precise adjustments difficult and potentially causing damage.

Conclusion

If you notice any additional complications during the process, seek professional assistance to avoid any potential damage to your vehicle. Regular maintenance and monitoring will ensure a smooth and reliable setup, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of your car.

We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary steps and insights to adjust your ride height confidently. For more information and helpful tips, visit Oya Carbon's website or reach out to our customer support for further assistance.