“Yeah, I’ve got a set of TEIN Coils”

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Paul P.

Whenever we hear that (blog title), we tend to understand that a customer has a set of our lowering springs. However, for some strange reason, people online or that call us are referring to our suspension kits as coils, whether it be a complete suspension kit like a STREET FLEX or STREET BASIS, even a SUPER RACING setup.

We must ask- WHY ARE YOU REFERRING TO THEM AS “COILS”?!

We’re just as guilty, using different terminology than what some people may understand. For example, saying “coilover” implies simply that- a coil over a damper. This is how most people know of our product since our height adjustable setups are typically coilover, but is this a coilover?:

STREET FLEX for 2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

As pictured above, this “coilover” kit uses our Height Adjust System (H.A.S.) for the rear, as pictured on the left. So it is in fact not a “coilover” with exception of the fronts (pictured on the right). We’re wrong for ever referring to such kits as a coilover package. Instead, this is a suspension kit. But, for simplicity’s sake, and in acknowledging what are customers know us for, we continue to call them coilovers. It’s easy, and it won’t confuse our customers.

There are other things/terminology we may use that may be either incorrect to some, or just named differently. For example, the name “Shock Absorber”. It is in fact a “Damper”. Shock Absorber is incorrect because it isn’t absorbing shock. What it is doing is turning kinetic energy (the up and down motion of the vehicle and unsprung mass) and converting it into thermal (heat) energy. Nothing is really being absorbed. It is a transfer of energy from one form to another. However, most people understand them to be Shock Absorbers, so we just roll with it.

And yes, it is “Damper” and not “Dampener”. They may share some similarities in meaning, but they’re in fact used differently. Dampener is typically used to describe a wet or moist condition. But it can also be used to describe a deadening or depressing. Damper, on the other hand, is mainly used to describe a reduction in oscillation or amplitude of force.

We also hear people ask for “Pillar Ball Mounts”, which is easily understood to be (how we know it) Pillowball Mounts. Not a big deal.

Another one that we hear is when people refer to our Seat Locks and Spring Seats (where you can adjust a spring’s setting and vehicle ride height) simply as “rings”. Sometimes we hear them being called “collars”. We use collars, but they are usually much smaller and are used as a spacer in our upper mount assemblies.

That’s another one- upper mounts being referred to as “top hats”. Not really a big deal, and some upper mounts kind of look like top hats. So, [top] hats off to you for using that description!

Willy Wonka wears a Top Hat. He can also be condescending sometimes.

There are some less obvious things that we cannot fault a person for. For example, our inverted dampers for strut type monotube setups, like our older MONO FLEX and our SUPER RACING. People will refer to the shiny part of the damper assembly as the piston or piston shaft. Again, although that is incorrect, we cannot fault the customer for that. Since the damper is inverted, the whole assembly is upside down. The piston shaft is now on the bottom side and inside of the threaded shell case.

MONO FLEX for 2002-2007 Subaru WRX

In the above picture, the shiny rod coming out of the threaded shell case (black) is in fact the damper body and not the piston shaft. The piston shaft is itself inside the threaded shell case and completely out of view.

There’s also the use of the name “Serration Bolts” which we use for the studs in our upper mounts (that secure the upper mount assembly into the strut or shock tower). We realize that confuses a lot of people when they need replacements of these components. Sorry!

The use of “Strut” may also be confusing for some. The above picture of the MONO FLEX for Subaru WRX shows struts, which this chassis of Subaru uses for front and rear. When we say strut, we’re referring to the MacPherson Strut design, which other than being a damper, also serves as a structural member of the suspension by supporting the knuckle assembly. The knuckle assembly comprises of the wheel and brake components. Struts have to be a bit larger in size and be able to handle large side forces/loads.

In comparison, a “SA” type of damper (short for “Shock Absorber”), which is used in Double Wishbone or Multi-link type suspensions, doesn’t have to support such side loads. They are used strictly to control vehicle motion. This is also why we don’t make camber adjustable upper mounts for our SA dampers. It’s position or angle will have no affect on wheel camber.

Can you see the difference between these two suspension designs?

For sure there are other things we hear from customers, but this covers a majority of terminology we hear.

Hopefully that helps break down some of our terminology for suspension components!

TEIN Has Two Manufacturing Plants?!

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Paul P.

That is correct!

Earlier in 2014, we posted about the new TEIN China manufacturing plant, which construction of the plant was completed before the end of the year. This new plant will be focusing on production of our upcoming line of performance replacement dampers. YES, we will finally be working on replacement dampers designed to work with factory springs, as well as our S.TECH & HIGH TECH lowering spring kits! We’ll blog more on this product later.

However, this will not be the first manufacturing project for TEIN China. We’re going to be receiving our new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z damper lines from the TEIN China plant.

If you had read our previous posts regarding the new “Z” line, you’ll notice that the other Z line of dampers, our FLEX Z coilovers, will be coming from TEIN Japan. Why is that?

TEIN Japan’s Yokohama plant. This new facility was opened in January 2014.

It’s a little difficult to explain. But, in short, TEIN is still a very proud Japanese brand. In fact, many of TEIN’s domestic customer base prefer a Japanese manufactured product, especially more of the high-end kits we offer. So TEIN Japan will still continue to produce some of our higher end product lines, such as the upcoming FLEX Z & FLEX A, MONO SPORT, SUPER DRIFT, HG, SUPER RACING, GROUP N., and several other product lines.

That is not to say there is a lack of pride for the TEIN products coming from the TEIN China plant. In fact, we have invested a lot of money into this new plant in an effort to maintain the same TEIN quality our customers know and expect out of every product. Even machinery and equipment used in TEIN Japan will be the same in the TEIN China plant. A few of TEIN Japan’s engineers and managers will also be making the move to China, not only to train new staff, but to also control all operations. To us, this is a necessary step in controlling and maintaining TEIN quality.

Maybe this would have been a much easier undertaking if we just outsourced manufacturing of these more affordable coilover kits through some other Chinese or Taiwanese manufacturer. Sure, but that isn’t the TEIN way. We’re proud of our technology. Again, we’re not claiming to have invented dampers. We’re just proud to make suspension better through our own engineering and through our own technology.

Still though, why the new factory in China?

Our new TEIN China manufacturing plant!

A very good question. For several years now, we’ve faced stiff competition in the market place, especially with a lot of these somewhat engineered suspension kits selling for well under $1000. We’re not trying to defame any particular brand. So in their best interests, we’ll leave that information out. Sorry! We’re not here to bash on anyone!

It hasn’t been easy for us. For years, most of the feedback from our authorized dealers and wholesalers is how TEIN suspension is overpriced, and no matter how we dissected our manufacturing process in trying to reduce cost, it still didn’t gain the appeal for a broader range of customers. We were essentially becoming a boutique brand. We’re hoping that opening a new overseas facility helps to address this matter. Of course, this exploits a certain factor about manufacturing in China- affordable labor. However, we’re not in China to simply abuse this factor and gain in profitability. It is just a simple fact about the country and its economic structure, and this is how other manufacturers are able to price their products well below ours. This new affordability in manufacturing translates directly into a more affordable product for our customers.

It wasn’t an easy decision. In fact, it was an idea that we never knew would come to fruition. We didn’t simply decide to open up a new plant. We’re talking about a problem that hadn’t been addressed since late 2008, during the dreaded global financial crisis. Again, we could have simply outsourced manufacturing. But, fortunately, we were able to hang on and maintain some profitability over the next few years in an uneasy industry. We had to outweigh every factor before we made this decision to grow. Now, it’s set in stone, and the TEIN China plant is just about fully operational.

Many of TEIN USA’s staff share the same regards as all other U.S. consumers when we hear “Made in China”. It clearly doesn’t have the appeal that “Made in Japan” does. Typically, we view Chinese manufactured goods as essentially NOT GOOD. That was just something most of us grew up hearing and reading about. It’s sad. Then again, think about how many other goods come from China… Why is it that China is commonly associated with terrible quality? I think this is something that TEIN plans to dispel. Being that we’re in control of all aspects of this manufacturing plant, we have the opportunity to change that “Made in China” label. We think that, naturally, Chinese manufacturing can improve.

All TEIN suspension products, whether made in China or made in Japan, will be covered with our manufacturer’s warranty. That won’t change. In fact, we’ll continue to offer after-sales service, such as replacement parts and dampers, as well as overhaul service, to all of our customers so that they can continue to use their TEIN suspension for years and years.

The New, More Affordable STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z Coilovers!!!

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Paul P.

As we had already mentioned, development has started on our FLEX Z coilovers, a more affordable offering of our popular STREET FLEX coilovers. But, we haven’t stopped there with new products for 2015!

At around the same time we start bringing in our FLEX Z coilovers (mid-Spring), we should also have a few applications of our STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z coilovers! However, we’re not too sure the timing, as the new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z will be coming from our newly established TEIN China plant.

The difference between current STREET BASIS and STREET ADVANCE coilovers from the new “Z” line is that the Z line are non-rebuildable coilovers. Again, this follows in suit to the STREET FLEX -> FLEX Z changes. All other features of the two entry-level coilover lines are the same.

STREET BASIS Z is strictly a ride height adjustable kit. This makes it a perfect setup for the daily driver looking for an increase in handling performance without compromising comfort for everyday use. For many of you considering a lowering spring + performance shock absorber combination, the STREET BASIS Z makes even more sense as we select appropriate spring rates and valve our dampers to match. No guesswork on the end-users part in trying to match one brand of springs to another brand of shock absorbers. The added height adjustment feature allows the end-user the ability to adjust ride height to their preference, something that lowering springs lack. Being that most vehicles are slightly unbalanced from left to right sides, that means you can easily adjust the ride height so that each corner is even from their opposing sides.

STREET ADVANCE Z takes the ride height adjustability of the STREET BASIS Z line and adds 16-way damping adjustment. So, not only do you get a matched spring and damper setting, you now have the ability to tune the dampers to meet your driving conditions. Roads seem a bit rough? Soften up the damping. Glass smooth highways? Crank the damping to a stiffer setting. You get all that and everything in between. STREET ADVANCE Z is also compatible with our EDFC systems (some STREET ADVANCE Z coilover kits may require extension kits for compatibility), giving you a completely adaptable suspension kit based on your driving conditions/characteristics! That’s a feature that not even all sports luxury cars have, and our setup is at a much more affordable price!!!

Like the FLEX Z line, these new STREET BASIS Z & STREET ADVANCE Z coilovers have a very appealing starting price! STREET BASIS Z comes in at $400 while STREET ADVANCE Z comes in at $500!!! Those are unheard of starting prices for a TEIN coilover!

And, just like the FLEX Z coilovers, replacement parts will be made readily available! If your STREET BASIS Z or STREET ADVANCE Z dampers start feeling worn, you can purchase replacement dampers! No need to send them into us for a rebuild since these are fully sealed, non-rebuildable dampers! That will save you some money, and most importantly, extended downtime! We’ll help to get your car back on the road as quickly as possible!

Again, the only major difference is that the new “Z” line of dampers are non-rebuildable.

Internally, we continue to use our ADVANCE NEEDLE for increased per-click damping adjustment. This translates into greater damping change for each click of the 16-way adjuster, making it easier to find the perfect damping setting. Our high performance damper oil, the same kind we use in our race dampers (Gr.N, Super Racing, N1) provides excellent anti-foaming and viscosity characteristics under heavy cyclic rate, giving you repeatable damping feel and performance for the life of the damper.

ADVANCE NEEDLE provides wide-range damping force change per click.

Proprietary damper oil exhibits excellent anti-foaming and viscosity characteristics for stable damping force under extended use.

We will still retain our exclusive damper coatings, too. Our shot blasted, zinc plated high strength STKM13C steel damper bodies are treated to our patented 2-layer/1-bake powdercoating procedure. This gives our dampers excellent protection against corrosion in harsh environments, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. Our patented ZT coating is applied to our threaded adjustment tubes (inside and out), and contribute to smooth height adjustment, and outstanding adhesion to the steel threads. This ZT coating will not peel or flake off even after repeated adjustment. This is due to the ZT coatings’ low friction coefficient. Essentially, it acts as a dry lubricant. That makes every external component of the steel bodied damper completely protected from the unforgiving environments we subject them to, and we expect our dampers to perform at their very best year after year after year…

the bare surface of our dampers are treated to a double shot peening adding surface strength and also prepares it for zinc coating.

We’ve also updated our spring seats and seat locks for increased durability under heavy vehicle loads and smooth height adjustment. Instead of using a rubber spring seat, we’ve added a Delrin thrust washer atop the new, wider spring seats.

Coilover springs will continue to be made from cold-wound SAE 9254 Vanadium alloy. After cold winding and setting, we heat treat the springs prior to grinding end coils to proper dimensions. Before powdercoating, we subject every spring to double shot-peening which aids in increased spring life and fatigue strength. Some coilover applications may have application-specific spring windings and shapes, such as our barrel springs or taper springs.

We will also continue to provide our 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Even at this new starting price, we will stand behind our products!

So now you’ve got the highest available quality and performance at an extremely low price, and backed with a manufacturers warranty. Unfortunately, we still haven’t made it easier for you to decide with TEIN suspension system you want. So we ask you to please give our sales staff a call at 562-861-9161 for assistance in getting you into the proper TEIN suspension kit for your needs!

New Products from TEIN USA

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Paul P.

It’s not uncommon for us to get calls from both dealers and customers regarding new products for specific vehicles. Typically, we make a new product guide every time we receive some new items from Japan. However, this information usually only goes direct to the dealers, and some dealers don’t necessarily release this information to their customers.

But, we still try to make new product announcements for the public to see right on our homepage at www.tein.com!

At the bottom left of this picture is our “New Announcements”, which we update with any new information we have. Whether it is TEIN product related or even Defi or Carbing, we post it right here, and we also link the information to the appropriate product page so that you can get more information on it.

Again, we update this whenever we get new product in with our shipments from Japan. As much as possible, we try to update this information well before we receive it, but we get 2 shipments per month and sometimes we just try to consolidate all new items for that month into one announcement. It’s kept us pretty busy, especially with multiple vehicle-specific applications being released for the new Street Flex and Mono Sport damper kits.

We certainly hope that helps you look for the product you need for your specific vehicle. That’s not to say that we don’t appreciate your calls. As always, you are definitely free to do so!!!

TEIN USA’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday Specials!!!

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Paul P.

Yes, it’s that time of year where you’re debating whether to spend money on some great after-Thanksgiving deals or just wait until Christmas.

Well, unlike so many other Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, we have some items at substantial savings over retail! Not just an extra 10% off. We’re talking 37% and up to 86% off MSRP!!!! How’s that for a savings?!

Although the list is somewhat limited, we have some great deals on some very popular applications. We’ll be posting these items on our eBay account (seller name: tein-usa). Sale starts at midnight November 29 and we’ll continue through December 2nd. Also, free shipping within the 48 contiguous states (please contact us for shipping to HI and AK)!

Link to our Facebook page for part numbers/applications

TEIN USA, Inc. Facebook

Or just take a look below!

…

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Testing Wrap Up.

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Omar A.

Our R&D department has wrapped up testing on the 2013 Genesis Coupe last month. We are glad to announce that our product line for the Genesis Coupe is compatible from 2010-2013 (see part numbers below). However, 2013 owners will need to purchase the end links for the 2010 model for our coil-over kit for proper function of the factory sway bar.

Below are pictures of the Genesis Coupe. A shout out to Robert from Magnaflow for lending us his vehicle for testing. His Genesis coupe is currently being built for display at the 2013 SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. as well as local events.

Please reference the part numbers listed below when placing your order. As a reminder always purchase through TEIN authorized dealers ONLY! Also listed below is a link to assist you with locating the nearest Dealer to you.

Part# : GSF12-1UAS2 (Street Basis)

Part# : SKF12-AUB00 (S.Techs)

http://www.tein.com/dealer_list/index.html

2014 Acura RLX Sema Car

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Sergio M.

This application had actually come as a shock to me and a few other staff, as we first though that the testing was for mass-production. However, this will end up being a SEMA car to be displayed in the Acura booth. This particular application was to be considered for testing but at a later time and it was, in a sense, placed on the back burner for a bit. Inquiries did come in from customers and dealers, but not so much to push forward the testing period for the vehicle. This testing and prototyping will apply to future product releases, should product development still be considered.

SEMA 2011 002 (Small)

Unfortunately, at this time I don’t have a clear release date nor do I have information of the product to be released for this vehicle. The prototype kit is also being deemed as classified for the time being, which I hope to later provide the details as to which product was used. One thing for sure is that it will utilize a completely different kit than the previous models. If you are heading out to SEMA this year, stop by the Acura booth and check out this RLX. Also, if you are looking to get a kit for this application, keep sending the inquiries and the testing can be pushed up on our list.

2013 HONDA ACCORD PRODUCT NOW IN DEVELOPMENT

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Sergio M.

To all 2013 Honda Accord owners waiting for TEIN Suspension…

We are in the final stages of development for both the Springs and Coil-over applications for the 2013 Accord.

These suspension components will be available by August of this year. I know it’s still about 5 months away, but you know what they say- “the best things in life are worth waiting for.”

We will update you with part numbers and pricing as we get closer to the release date.

Spring Seat and Seat Lock Evolution

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Sergio M.

Since the beginning, spring seats and seat locks have been a necessity for the systems ranging from our Type NA coilovers systems utilizing a three position adjustable perch on the shock body with locking snap ring to maintain the seat position, similar in design as the Koni and Ground Control set ups, all the way to the Street Advance coilovers which utilize a spring seat lock with a delrin thrust washer and seat lock to maintain the ride height position on a removable threaded sleeve which is ZT coated.

The photos below detail the different changes made to the spring seats and seats locks over the years.

The Image above is of the spring seats for the Type NA damper which, as mentioned, used a c-ring that would be placed in the desired ride height setting.

This style which utilized a spring seat, seat lock, and aluminum thrust washer as shown in the photo above was the second design released for multiple coilover kits ranging from the older style Type H2, Type HA, Basic, and Super Street, all the way up N1 coilvers as shown in the photo.

This third design which is still used with some of our coilovers today utilizes two seat locks and 1 rubber spring seat.

This photos show the newest type of spring seats and delrin thrust washer in conjunction with the previous style seat lock which are found on the Street Basis, Street Advance, and other coilover kits both currently available and future release.

Although the material and coating has changed over the years, it would still be recommended to periodically clean and lubricate the locks, threads, and locking rings, depending on the model type. This will ensure years of trouble-free height adjustment for your TEIN coilovers.

Applying Suspension Preload

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Omar A.

What’s up, people? Here I go again with some helpful tips when installing lowering springs and coilover kits.

I have to honestly say that we hear the following questions countless times during the work week.

“Why is one corner of my car higher than the other?” Or, “Why is my ride height uneven?”……………..(AHHH..here we go again)..lol.

The solution is actually quite simple. The first things to check are for worn-out suspension components. We advise to check all components carefully and thoroughly. Anything can contribute to the issue previously mentioned. Worn out bushing, incorrect spring, blown damper, spring perches are not even, missing or mis-installed components, etc. If everything checks out fine, then the only candidate that would contribute to uneven ride height would be suspension pre-load. This issue is commonly encountered when installing lowering springs and/or dampers on vehicles with double wishbone or multi-link suspensions.

In some cases the lowering spring or coilover kit is installed while the suspension is in a full droop. This means that the bolts on the lower control arm were tightened while the arm was hanging down. In other words, there is no load on the suspension when tightening all components. When the vehicle is brought back down the bushings twist causing the suspension to not settle correctly thus resulting in a uneven ride height.

The first thing you want to do is lift the car back up. Them loosen the bolts on the control arm and shock absorber. Once in the air use a second jack to apply load on the control arm. This simulates as if the car was on the ground and the control arm is back to its original position. Then re- tighten all the bolts loosen in the previous step. Follow this process with all four corners, then bring the vehicle back down. If you follow these instructions, this should help get the vehicle to the correct ride height. Plus,
you will have learned another method on how to correct uneven ride heights, if you ever run into a similar situation in the future!

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Tag Archives: Coilovers