MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Performance Related => Topic started by: turbnics on January 7, 2020, 19:22

Title: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: turbnics on January 7, 2020, 19:22
Hi everyone,
I will be fitting Tein S tech springs this weekend to my 2.Do i need to shorten the bump stops?.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: s12vea on January 7, 2020, 20:23
No you won't need to shorten them
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: bilodeaujeremy on January 7, 2020, 20:32
i cut per the instructions removing about an inch
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: househead on January 7, 2020, 20:57
I was wondering about this ... Can someone give the ELI5 explanation as to why bump stops get trimmed when installing lowering springs and what it achieves?

I've got the Teins on my car currently but I'm going to switch to Eibachs as it's just a little too low. Not sure if the previous owner who installed them has trimmed the bump stops. I'll know when I install the Eibachs.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: Beachbum957 on January 7, 2020, 22:05
Quote from: turbnics on January  7, 2020, 19:22Hi everyone,
I will be fitting Tein S tech springs this weekend to my 2.Do i need to shorten the bump stops?.

Thanks.
I run Tein S springs and initially did not cut the bump stops.  The front suspension seemed a bit harsh, and later investigation showed why.  I measured the front wheel position sitting on the ground, and then removed the springs and set the suspension height to the same measurement.  The strut was just touching the OEM bump stop.  That means the front suspension was using the bump stop nearly all the time, which explains why it seemed so harsh.  I cut the bump stop about 1" to just under the boot groove, and the suspension works much better. There is at least an inch of travel before the bump stop comes into play. 

The rear did not have the same problem, and the rear bump stops were never cut
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: househead on January 7, 2020, 23:16
Thanks to the reply above, I think I understand this now
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: thetyrant on January 8, 2020, 12:56
As above if you want good ride cquality then trimming bumpstop with the Tein springs is essential especially on stock damper, the intstruction supplied with Springs used to show this but now dont for some reason (ive seen both) and i can only presume people complained springs were too soft so Tein  took the info about trimming the bumps off the instructions as using untrimmed ride is much firmer, all depends what you want but i trimmed mine and ride quality is very good couple with Koni Sport dampers.

Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: turbnics on January 8, 2020, 21:06
Thanks for the replies.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: cptspaulding on January 9, 2020, 09:03
Quote from: Beachbum957 on January  7, 2020, 22:05The front suspension seemed a bit harsh, and later investigation showed why.  I measured the front wheel position sitting on the ground, and then removed the springs and set the suspension height to the same measurement.  The strut was just touching the OEM bump stop.  That means the front suspension was using the bump stop nearly all the time, which explains why it seemed so harsh.  I cut the bump stop about 1" to just under the boot groove, and the suspension works much better. There is at least an inch of travel before the bump stop comes into play. 

Could this be the reason I didn't care for the Eibach springs? i.e. needing the same treatment to the bumpstops or are the Tein a different shape to the Eibach?
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: thetyrant on January 9, 2020, 09:13
Quote from: cptspaulding on January  9, 2020, 09:03
Quote from: Beachbum957 on January  7, 2020, 22:05The front suspension seemed a bit harsh, and later investigation showed why.  I measured the front wheel position sitting on the ground, and then removed the springs and set the suspension height to the same measurement.  The strut was just touching the OEM bump stop.  That means the front suspension was using the bump stop nearly all the time, which explains why it seemed so harsh.  I cut the bump stop about 1" to just under the boot groove, and the suspension works much better. There is at least an inch of travel before the bump stop comes into play. 

Could this be the reason I didn't care for the Eibach springs? i.e. needing the same treatment to the bumpstops or are the Tein a different shape to the Eibach?

Most likely as the Eibach (and most other spring kit) all pretty much have the same amount of drop so all will be affected in the same way, as in once fitted there is very little damper free travel left before it starts to ride on bumpstop giving a jarring ride on rougher roads, coil spring rate isnt much different either  on these kits which is the other factor keeping car supported.

 Many cars these days use the bumpstop as more than just a extreme travel lmit like the old days and they are usually coil spring assist so when lowering this needs to be taken into account if you want good ride quality.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: Beachbum957 on January 10, 2020, 11:34
The specifications for Eibach springs show they didn't lower quite as much as the Tein  (Front Eibach 1.1 inch, Tein 1.4 inch), and H&R is about the same as Tein, so all would need the bump stops cut to some extent. 

Even with the front bump stops cut, a larger bump could get well in to the stops, so we added a thicker spring isolator setup at the top of the spring to add about 3/8 inch (10mm), which raised the front about the same and gave a bit more travel.  It made a noticeable difference
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: steve447 on January 18, 2020, 00:48
If you add a small ty-rap to the shock shaft you can see how close it is to hitting the bump stop.  Depending on your set up you may need to poke the dust boot out the way.  People use this technique on mountain bike suspension to see how much travel is being used..
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: tricky1138 on June 22, 2020, 16:41
Sorry to drag up this thread, but has anyone got the definitive answer as to whether you need to cut the bump stops when installing Tein Springs?

I had the Teins installed on my old shocks and have just swapped them into new KYB shocks but still haven't cut my bump stops down.

Should I be cutting them?
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: shnazzle on June 22, 2020, 16:43
Quote from: tricky1138 on June 22, 2020, 16:41Sorry to drag up this thread, but has anyone got the definitive answer as to whether you need to cut the bump stops when installing Tein Springs?

I had the Twins installed on my old shocks and have just swapped them into new KYB shocks but still haven't cut my bump stops down.

Should I be cutting them?
The twins?  Teehee 

Sounds painful
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: Ardent on June 22, 2020, 16:59
Quote from: tricky1138 on June 22, 2020, 16:41Sorry to drag up this thread, but has anyone got the definitive answer as to whether you need to cut the bump stops when installing Tein Springs?

I had the Twins installed on my old shocks and have just swapped them into new KYB shocks but still haven't cut my bump stops down.

Should I be cutting them?
Are you happy with the ride?
Could be wrong. But I always viewed the teins as the same as the tte springs.
Were the bumps cut for those?
On gut feeling alone. I suspect not.
I had teins and kyb fitted same time.
No cut.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: tricky1138 on June 22, 2020, 17:50
Quote from: shnazzle on June 22, 2020, 16:43The twins?  Teehee

Sounds painful


Bl00dy auto correct!
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: tricky1138 on June 22, 2020, 17:54
Quote from: Ardent on June 22, 2020, 16:59
Quote from: tricky1138 on June 22, 2020, 16:41Sorry to drag up this thread, but has anyone got the definitive answer as to whether you need to cut the bump stops when installing Tein Springs?

I had the Twins installed on my old shocks and have just swapped them into new KYB shocks but still haven't cut my bump stops down.

Should I be cutting them?
Are you happy with the ride?
Could be wrong. But I always viewed the teins as the same as the tte springs.
Were the bumps cut for those?
On gut feeling alone. I suspect not.
I had teins and kyb fitted same time.
No cut.

Yes Jase I was ok with the ride, but that was old shocks with the Teins, although I'm pretty sure I have felt it hit the bump stops a few times.

As I'm replacing with new KYB, I just though I'd do it right this time!
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: Topdownman on June 22, 2020, 18:34
I am interested in this too and having been doing all the research I can.

I found references to cutting the original front bumpstops by 0.8" (20mm) and leaving the rear alone.

I found my previous teins/ kybs surprisingly stiff but I had not cut the front bumpstops and now think I know why!

You will want to cut anything you decide off the top, flat end so that you leave the progressive end of the bumpstop intact.

The teins are designed to lower the front in relation to the back and that 3mm more than other springs is a fair proportion of your available travel.

I will definitely be cutting down my front stops and feel tempted to go a bit more than the 20mm.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: shnazzle on June 22, 2020, 18:52
http://teinusa-blog.com/bump-stop-trimming/

Tein definitely seem to suggest it's something that must be done
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: Ardent on June 22, 2020, 20:11
This is a case of would really be nice to compare cut vs un cut side by side same road etc etc.

Accutually, I'm now seeing this as, there is no "right" or "wrong" only personal preference.
 I am happy with my setup. Could it be better if I cut the bumps, I don't know. But I am not going to cut them to find out.

Like wines and photographic equipment.
Our individual milage may vary.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: shnazzle on June 22, 2020, 20:27
Quote from: Ardent on June 22, 2020, 20:11This is a case of would really be nice to compare cut vs un cut side by side same road etc etc.
Teeehheeeehheeehheee
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: tricky1138 on June 22, 2020, 20:35
Quote from: shnazzle on June 22, 2020, 18:52http://teinusa-blog.com/bump-stop-trimming/

Tein definitely seem to suggest it's something that must be done

They used to advise it but now they don't. That's whats confusing.

Think they are going back on uncut and see what happens.

It's only the rear I'm doing currently so can always cut the front when I come to do them.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: thetyrant on June 23, 2020, 08:03
Shorten them for improved ride or leave them for a firmer ride, if your not sure leave them stock and see how you find the car rides it may be ok for you,  if its too firm/bouncy after fitting springs its not a big job to remove damper and shorten the bumpstop which will help improve this.

I did a lot of research and came to conclusion shortening them approx 25mm at top/fat end was what i needed, my car rides really well with them and Koni Sport dampers and doesnt feel too soft on road, its only on track where i see quite a bit of roll which longer bumps might of helped with a touch but ultimately stiffer springs are need for hard track use.

Suspension is always a compromise somewhere and everyone is different in there opinion of what is nice ride and what is too firm etc.. im mega fussy and prefer a car a touch softer these days, i can live with a bit of body roll as long as car handles well and keeps its tyres pushed in the ground haha
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: Topdownman on June 23, 2020, 08:12
Would it be possible to jack the car up, take the wheel off and cut the bumpstops with them on the car?
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: tricky1138 on June 23, 2020, 08:19
Quote from: Topdownman on June 23, 2020, 08:12Would it be possible to jack the car up, take the wheel off and cut the bumpstops with them on the car?

I'd say they would be too far up the inner wheel well to do them on the car.

Think it would be possible to cut them without disassembling them, but would have to have it off the car.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: thetyrant on June 23, 2020, 08:28
Quote from: Topdownman on June 23, 2020, 08:12Would it be possible to jack the car up, take the wheel off and cut the bumpstops with them on the car?

Yes probably, bit of a fiddle and you would need to be careful not to mark the damper rod but possible im sure.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: panderoo on June 23, 2020, 10:39
On the instructions included with my Tein springs i just fitted it advised to cut the bump stops, i seem to remember it also had a table to show how much to cut off.

I proceeded to ignore that and just cut about 30mm.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: tricky1138 on June 23, 2020, 10:43
Quote from: panderoo on June 23, 2020, 10:39On the instructions included with my Tein springs i just fitted it advised to cut the bump stops, i seem to remember it also had a table to show how much to cut off.

I proceeded to ignore that and just cut about 30mm.

Have you still got the instructions? Can you post a picture of them, or PM me them if you dont want to post on here.

I've seen instructions which say dont cut so just wondering why one says cut and the other says not.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: Topdownman on June 23, 2020, 10:44
Interesting that are now advising cutting them again?

I will certainly cut my fronts before they go on the car. So hopefully wont have to see if they can be cut whilst still on the car!

I havent actually got my springs yet (4-5 week delay apparently) but will be interested to see what my instructions say!
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: panderoo on June 23, 2020, 11:34
I'll have a look to see if they are still in the workshop tonight and post a photo of both sides of the instructions.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: panderoo on June 23, 2020, 17:24
Looks like maybe I should have read the instructions, table shows no cutting for the ZZW30 MR2. 😂

However, if your car is visibly sitting on them.. get them cut down.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: shnazzle on June 23, 2020, 17:53
If someone already has some on without cutting, can we not do a little test? Put a piece of string or zip tie around the strut and go for a hard drive. See where the piece of string or ziptie is afterwards. 
If it's nowhere near the bump stop, got your answer. 
If it's against the bump stop... Cut dat shizzle
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: tricky1138 on June 23, 2020, 20:32
Quote from: shnazzle on June 23, 2020, 17:53If someone already has some on without cutting, can we not do a little test? Put a piece of string or zip tie around the strut and go for a hard drive. See where the piece of string or ziptie is afterwards.
If it's nowhere near the bump stop, got your answer.
If it's against the bump stop... Cut dat shizzle

Well my fronts are on and no plans to removeand my tears are assembled ready to go on so guess I could rig something up prior to Northumberland Camping then see after that.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: Beachbum957 on June 24, 2020, 16:02
Quote from: shnazzle on June 23, 2020, 17:53If someone already has some on without cutting, can we not do a little test? Put a piece of string or zip tie around the strut and go for a hard drive. See where the piece of string or ziptie is afterwards.
If it's nowhere near the bump stop, got your answer.
If it's against the bump stop... Cut dat shizzle
I tested the position by measuring from the center of the front hub to the fender edge with the car on the ground.  This was on a car than had stock bump stops and Teins and Konis that had been on for a few thousand miles.

I pulled the struts, removed the springs and boots (for access), and reinstalled.  When I raised the front hub to the same measurement as on the ground, the strut was very nearly touching the bump stops.  The rear was checked but not nearly as close.

If you don't cut the front stops, you will be riding on them most of the time.  My instructions indicated to cut 25 mm (1 inch) using the Type "A" method as the boot fits into a groove at the top on the bump stop.

Even after cutting, many hard bumps would get into the bump stops pretty hard, so I added a roughly 10 mm spacer (3/8 in) above the spring.  That increased the preload slightly, and raised the front a similar amount, and now it almost never hits the stops.

I never cut the rear and that seems just fine.
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: shnazzle on June 24, 2020, 16:10
Well... That seems pretty conclusive then right?
Title: Re: Tein springs & bump stops.
Post by: tricky1138 on July 8, 2020, 07:07
So just for reference I emailed Tein and just had an email back from them stating that "there is no need to cut the bump rubber"