Bilstein PSS9 Rear Spring
10-22-2003, 09:44 AM
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Bilstein PSS9 Rear Spring
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/56159/figure_1.t.jpg"></center><p>
The rear spring used in the Bilstein kits HE5-8041-H0 and GM5-8042-H0 is a "mini-block" type, meaning the coils at each end of the spring are smaller in diameter that those in the center. This design is employed to achieve the required travel and load characteristics in the restricted space available in the vehicle. It is a fully functional design, and common in the coil spring industry.
In this design, the middle coils are of lower rate (by virtue of their larger diameter) and therefore compress sooner than the coils at the end. When installed in the vehicle and under load, the outer coils rest on each other, giving the appearance that the spring is fully compressed. However, the spring is NOT fully compressed: the (smaller) end coils are still free to move (even inside the outer coils), and provide the spring function to the vehicle. In effect, the outer coils provide the same function as a "tender" or "helper" spring in dual-coil arrangements.
This is best illustrated by the two pictures below. In Figure 1, the spring is installed, and the vehicle loaded as indicated. Notice that the smaller coil at the bottom of the spring is still visible. In Figure 2, the suspension has been forced to its fully compressed position. Notice that now the smaller coil at the bottom of the spring is no longer visible; it has traveled inside the larger middle coils.
The springs used in the kits HE5-8041-H0 and GM5-8042-H0 were developed to allow lowering of the vehicle and improved handling, while still meeting the strict requirements of the German TÜV. They are fully functional throughout the range of the vehicle's suspension travel .
Coil spring designs used by some other manufacturers in this application may yield a different appearance, but do not meet the functional criteria specified by the German TÜV. They also may not allow the full range of vehicle lowering, and are not recommended for use with the Bilstein kits.<ul><li><a href="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/56159/figure_2.t.jpg">http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/56159/figure_2.t.jpg</a</li></ul>
The rear spring used in the Bilstein kits HE5-8041-H0 and GM5-8042-H0 is a "mini-block" type, meaning the coils at each end of the spring are smaller in diameter that those in the center. This design is employed to achieve the required travel and load characteristics in the restricted space available in the vehicle. It is a fully functional design, and common in the coil spring industry.
In this design, the middle coils are of lower rate (by virtue of their larger diameter) and therefore compress sooner than the coils at the end. When installed in the vehicle and under load, the outer coils rest on each other, giving the appearance that the spring is fully compressed. However, the spring is NOT fully compressed: the (smaller) end coils are still free to move (even inside the outer coils), and provide the spring function to the vehicle. In effect, the outer coils provide the same function as a "tender" or "helper" spring in dual-coil arrangements.
This is best illustrated by the two pictures below. In Figure 1, the spring is installed, and the vehicle loaded as indicated. Notice that the smaller coil at the bottom of the spring is still visible. In Figure 2, the suspension has been forced to its fully compressed position. Notice that now the smaller coil at the bottom of the spring is no longer visible; it has traveled inside the larger middle coils.
The springs used in the kits HE5-8041-H0 and GM5-8042-H0 were developed to allow lowering of the vehicle and improved handling, while still meeting the strict requirements of the German TÜV. They are fully functional throughout the range of the vehicle's suspension travel .
Coil spring designs used by some other manufacturers in this application may yield a different appearance, but do not meet the functional criteria specified by the German TÜV. They also may not allow the full range of vehicle lowering, and are not recommended for use with the Bilstein kits.<ul><li><a href="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/56159/figure_2.t.jpg">http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/56159/figure_2.t.jpg</a</li></ul>
10-22-2003, 10:05 AM
#2
The Bistein PSS9 Rear Spring almost seems too restrictive or stacked up...
at least in my coilovers, the rear springs especially stacks up way too much...to the point that it looks totally compressed with no or very little spring rate left.
how about anyone else with PSS's. same? i hadn't noticed until someone pointed it out to me when i had the car in for the FMIC installation.
how about anyone else with PSS's. same? i hadn't noticed until someone pointed it out to me when i had the car in for the FMIC installation.
10-22-2003, 01:08 PM
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I would believe this if both of mine looked the same but...
my driverside looks really "smashed" and has dropped over an inch more after install. Achtuning has had to compensate for this by adjusting the height. Now that same side has dropped some more and I will have to bring it back again to get the height adjusted again. I feel that the adjusting is just "bandaging" the problem while the spring gets more compressed. The passenger side looks fairly normal and hasn't dropped any since install. I took pics of both sides. First pic is driverside(bad?), second is passenger side. What do you guys think?
Thanks.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30122/reardriverside.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30122/rearpassengerside.jpg">
Thanks.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30122/reardriverside.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30122/rearpassengerside.jpg">
10-22-2003, 01:30 PM
#7
looks like mine...i'm having the same issues...and think its a Bilstein issue..
which is why a lot of folks don't like the Bilsteins. also, i'm thinking about leaning towards the KWs...and see if that will be better. anyone else have the KWs care to comment?
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10-22-2003, 02:06 PM
#9
don't mind at all...but would like to know what the Bilstein guy says...
and besides, maybe this is the way its supposed to be? yes, the car rides alittle rough...maybe going to KW v.2, it might help.
let me know what the answer is with Bilstein. thx.
let me know what the answer is with Bilstein. thx.
