- Measure the spring wire diameter, preferably to 3 decimal places for accuracy using calipers.
- Measure the outside diameter of the coils. ...
- Measure the length in its free condition (uncompressed).
- Count the number of coils. ...
- Note the winding direction of the coils.
How do you calculate the length of a spring?
Extension Springs: multiply the length of the spring wire per coil by the total number of coils . Then add two coils to the active number of coils to get the total length. Torsion springs: multiply the length of the spring wire per coil by the total number of coils. Then add the leg lengths to get the total.
How do I know what size coil spring I need?
- Measure the spring wire diameter, preferably to 3 decimal places for accuracy using calipers.
- Measure the outside diameter of the coils. ...
- Measure the length in its free condition (uncompressed).
- Count the number of coils. ...
- Note the winding direction of the coils.
What do spring rate numbers mean?
Spring rate refers to the amount of weight that is needed to compress a spring one inch . If the rate of the spring is linear, its rate is not affected by the load that is put on the spring. For example, say you have a 200 lb. per inch spring – it will compress 1” when a 200 lb. load is placed onto the spring.
How do you calculate coil spring rate?
To calculate the amount of spring rate you will need on order to meet your working loads, simply divide the load you will be applying on your spring by the distance you expect your spring to travel or compress under that load . The equivalent to that formula will be your compression spring rate as shown below.
What is a good spring rate?
Springs should typically be compressed 25-30% of the free length when supporting the weight of the vehicle. Drag race cars will normally use a lighter rate spring (about 30%) to promote weight transfer while a street car will use a firmer rate spring (about 25%).
What is the equation for spring force?
The spring force formula is expressed through the equation: F = – kx.
Is spring force constant?
The force exerted by a spring on objects attached to its ends is proportional to the spring's change in length away from its equilibrium length and is always directed towards its equilibrium position. ... The proportional constant k is called the spring constant.
What is coil spring free length?
The free length of a spring is the actual length of a spring when no force is being applied to it (it is not being deflected). ... To get the free length of a torsion spring, you multiply the length of the spring wire per coil by the total number of coils and add the lengths of the legs.
How do you read a spring rate?
Most commonly seen is a spring rate given in KG/mm or LBS/in . This means the weighted force / the space traveled. For example, 700LB/in would mean 700 pounds will compress that spring 1”. This can also be read as 12.5K/mm (12.5kg to compress spring 25mm).
Is higher spring rate better?
See all 13 photos Your springs' rate—the amount of weight required to compress themselves a single inch—should be settled upon before getting too far into suspension upgrades. Get it right and you've just improved handling and grip. ... The bigger the number, the stiffer the spring.
What does a lower spring rate mean?
With a lower spring rate, the force pressing the tire down remains higher longer relative to the amount of travel it has , so it contacts the ground much sooner.
Do lowering springs ruin ride quality?
Lowering springs will make my ride feel more harsh . False. Most lowering spring sets are designed to maintain most of your car's factory suspension travel distance and are about 15% higher in spring rate design to preserve ride quality. You will have a harsher ride from stiffer shocks, otherwise known as HD models.
How does spring rate affect ride quality?
The advantage of a progressive spring is that it can provide a variable ride quality-softer when the suspension is at a normal ride height, and stiffer as the spring is compressed , such as when the suspension is being pushed hard through a corner.
How do I choose the right spring?
When designing and manufacturing a spring, it's important to consider both the inner and the outer diameter of the spring , its free length and its solid height. You also want to consider the spring materials, as that will influence the size of your spring as well.
What is spring force with example?
The spring force is the force exerted by a compressed or stretched spring upon any object that is attached to it . An object that compresses or stretches a spring is always acted upon by a force that restores the object to its rest or equilibrium position.
