[SlowAsHell]

I have my car lowered on KW V1s. What kind of stress/damage does lowering put on your car? A mechanic I took my car to told me lowering your car will cause stress/damage to chassis, control arms, etc and even steering pump and belts. Is there any truth to this?

[Route 16]

My car spun out the first time I lowered my car, picked me back up, and we made babies....
Nah you'll be alright, I have close to 40k on my suspension technique coilovers, same manufacturer as KW. They're the same actually just without the type of metal to avoid rust. Haven't had to change anything suspension wise since but will because it's just regular wear and tear parts.

[mike-y]

extreme lowering can cause issues with those things. Mostly due to bottoming out the suspension and hitting the front of the chassis on curbs, bumps dips etc. Not sure why it would cause wear to your belts though. though if you are very low, it can cause abnormal/extreme angles on the steering components and axles which might contribute to accelerated wear and poor handling traits.


If you aren't extremely low, you should be fine.

[ndq]

Originally Posted by SlowAsHell

I have my car lowered on KW V1s. What kind of stress/damage does lowering put on your car? A mechanic I took my car to told me lowering your car will cause stress/damage to chassis, control arms, etc and even steering pump and belts. Is there any truth to this?

Maybe if you're car is dumped to the ground...most likely the engine/mechanical aspects of the vehicle will die before your chassis.

If you want to feel better about it, you could always get upgraded bushings and some strut-tower re-enforcement plates.

[SSW]

I'm planning to lower my car now too -- mainly to improve handling, not for just for looks.

From what I've read so far, the greatest risk in lowering the car is failing to change the bump stops to shorter ones which will allow proper suspension movement after the car is lowered and changes in the suspension geometry which need to be corrected by realignment.

Other than that, driving your car over speed bumps, driveways, parking blocks and other road obstructions are the greatest risk to your car (mainly to the front bumper).

[SlowAsHell]

Originally Posted by ndq

Maybe if you're car is dumped to the ground...most likely the engine/mechanical aspects of the vehicle will die before your chassis.

If you want to feel better about it, you could always get upgraded bushings and some strut-tower re-enforcement plates.

My car is no way near dumped - I did it mainly for handling (the looks is secondary)

The reason why I ask is because my steering has been acting weird (sometimes when turning the wheel gets very heavy). I thought it was the rack and pinion, but the mechanic said it was fine (although I'm not confident with his assessment). I'm thinking of getting a second opinion.

Anyone have any ideas what it could be?

[ndq]

Originally Posted by SlowAsHell

My car is no way near dumped - I did it mainly for handling (the looks is secondary)

The reason why I ask is because my steering has been acting weird (sometimes when turning the wheel gets very heavy). I thought it was the rack and pinion, but the mechanic said it was fine (although I'm not confident with his assessment). I'm thinking of getting a second opinion.

Anyone have any ideas what it could be?

Sure it's not your power steering/fluid/belt? Tire pressure?

[SlowAsHell]

Originally Posted by ndq

Sure it's not your power steering/fluid/belt? Tire pressure?

I was thinking about this too. I wanted to do more research and get input from everyone before I start replacing parts.

[ndq]

Originally Posted by SlowAsHell

I was thinking about this too. I wanted to do more research and get input from everyone before I start replacing parts.

Try checking fluid first. It's quick/easy.

[sickem]

The problem is the driver