Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 00:07:03 -0700
Reply-To: "Steven X. Schwenk" <sxs@SCHWENK-LAW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: "Steven X. Schwenk" <sxs@SCHWENK-LAW.COM>
Subject: Re: spacers and sproings (Corrected)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Steven X. Schwenk wrote:
> Nat,
>
> Thanks for the support and insight. I was beginning to think that no one could understand a word I was saying...which would obviously suggest that I had better take a look in the mirror. I think one problem is my obvious misuse of termonology, which endlessly upset and confused the engineers out there :~), and understandably so. sorry.
>
> Still, my goal isn't/wasn't to write a correct disertation on the physics of springs, but to tune the suspension on my van, and hopefully improve it. That's where the bike experience is quite valuable. I may not be able to describe the physics involved, but I know how to apply them, and have many times...on a weekly basis for months on end during racing season. I find it interesting that you understand what I am trying to do and, like me, you have actual experinece tuning suspension. From what I see in there, this is possible. It will be a pain in the sas since we do not know what the optimal sag is on the syncro westfalia. I would guess that 30% is a good starting point, but we have to find it...which probably means pulling the springs numerous times to get it right...i.e., finding the optimal sag, and then adjusting each wheel to that sag. I hope to get it pretty precise...assuming I do not have to pull the springs 10 times. We'll see how it goes. Any tips on simplifying/speeding-up spring removal or best compressors to use?
> steve
>
> Nathaniel Merrill wrote:
>
> > Steve,
> > I have been watching this argucussion for a while as I am interested in suspension topics in general. What you have said here is clearly what needs to be said, however it also clearly elucidates what must be asked....
> > Your motorcycle description below is correct (I have extensive experience as well). You are increasing the springs Preload to accommodate a heavier rider---in order to achieve the proper SAG. This is important. You want to be able to control the sag for the ride quality you want. The sag must be within a specific range for suspension performance to be optimal. Preload adjustment works here because the resistance from the spring to compression is progressive (linear or not) so preloading alters the starting point. But you must have a spring with approximately the right rate in the first place because preload adjustment only goes so far either way. To much and the spring rate is so progressive that the ride is overly harsh (because the rate increase is exponential). <<<snip >>>
>
> > Feel free to post this IF it makes sense.
> >
> > Nat
> > Seattle
> >
| 
