At Xcel Ride we want to make Suspensions as simple, and hassle free as possible. Below are some frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t listed below, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service team on 0733-800-386
Common Fitting Tips on Xcel Ride Suspensions
SHOCK ABSORBERS
- Don’t hold the piston rod with any tools (mole grips etc), as this will damage the surface of the piston rod and cause the oil seals to leak.
- Don’t put any water, oil or other liquid inside the strut housing as this may damage the cartridge. KYB cartridges are designed to be used without liquid at both high and low temperatures.
- Don’t use an impact wrench to tighten a nut onto a piston rod. This can make the torque higher than the recommended limit.
- Use any fitting parts (nuts, spacers, washers etc) supplied with the KYB shock absorber, rather than the OE parts, as sometimes they may be a different size.
- If the shock absorber being replaced is not the original one, but an aftermarket part from another brand, any ancillary parts (dust cover, bump stop, bushing etc) can not be re-used for KYB shock absorbers. You may need to order OE parts.
- Shock absorbers should always be fitted in pairs.
- Always prime shock absorbers before fitting – fully extend and compress the unit 3 times to remove air pockets inside the shock.
- Always ensure the vehicle is back on all 4 wheels before tightening upper mountings.
COIL SPRINGS
- Use an appropriate spring compressor tool when replacing coil springs.
- Coil springs should always be fitted in pairs, to ensure an even ride height and to ensure the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side when braking.
- Take care when compressing springs, they could cause serious injury if they come loose during installation.
- Check spring seats, and top mountings for damage before replacing broken or worn springs.
- After installation, check that the springs are seated correctly.
- Check wheel alignment after installation.
- Worn or broken spring can damage shock absorbers and other suspension components, KYB recommends replacing shock absorbers at the same time as springs.
What do I have to do to keep my car or truck’s warranty in effect?
Make sure your vehicle is serviced at the intervals specified in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet and keep clear records of your vehicle’s maintenance. Be sure to include the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number, and mileage recorded on the invoice. Keep your receipts in a safe place. If you have a service log in your owner’s manual or warranty booklet, we highly recommend that you use it.
My car is a leased vehicle. Am I responsible for maintenance?
Even if you lease a vehicle, you are responsible for all maintenance and repairs required to keep the vehicle in good working order as outlined in the owner’s manual.
What parts should be replaced and at what intervals should these services be performed?
Check your owner’s manual. It will give you all of the information you need regarding specific parts and service intervals. Make sure to read it thoroughly and note any exceptions or severe service notations. Warranties are there to protect the consumer, but you must follow the requirements.
What if my new car needs repairs other than regularly scheduled maintenance such as a brake job or other repairs? Do I have to return to the dealer for these repairs? What if these repairs are covered under my warranty?
The choice of where to have your car serviced and repaired is yours. However, you will probably have to take the car back to the dealer for any repairs covered under warranty. Thoroughly check your warranty to be certain which repairs are covered.
How does the quality of aftermarket parts compare with original equipment parts?
Some are manufactured by the same supplier and may even be warrantied longer than original equipment parts. Aftermarket parts supplied by CARQUEST meet or exceed manufacturers’ specifications.
What is a timing belt and how do I know when mine needs replacing?
A timing belt, is a part of an internal combustion engine that controls the timing of the engine’s valves. Your timing belt should be changed every 50,000-70,000 miles, however every manufacturer is different. You should consult your owner’s manual to determine the correct replacement interval.
Does brake fluid really need to be changed?
The average driver uses their brakes 75,000 times per year and takes for granted that they’ll work every time. Today’s brake systems are hydraulic and use brake fluid which is hydrophilic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. Once the hydraulic system has moisture in it, corrosion takes place and brake components fail. Brake fluid should be flushed periodically to keep corrosion under control. This procedure is not expensive and is included in many preventative maintenance schedules. Brake fluid should be handled with care. It will melt plastics and remove paint.
How often should antifreeze be replaced?
Antifreeze should be replaced every two years due to oxidation and deterioration of important additives. These additives lubricate the water pump and protect metal parts from rust and oxidation. They also help keep coolant hoses soft and flexible. Today we can recycle and clean old antifreeze, replacing the additives. Antifreeze is very toxic and not environmentally friendly so recycling makes good sense. The engine’s thermostat should also be replaced every 2 years to keep the engine operating temperatures in the proper range.