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Author Topic: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?  (Read 618 times)

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SJKOO01

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-40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« on: 10 April 2009, 16:46:15 »

Hi.

Got a broken rear spring on my 2.2 auto face lift saloon.

Decided to get a -40mm Apex set of springs on it all round as the standard set make it too much like a boat anyhow !.

I know I need to re-adjust the brake balance valve at the rear, which isn't too much of a problem, as I've done a similar conversion on an Astra.

However, not realising until when I bought a Haynes manual for the car, that the Xenon headlights are attached to the front suspension to keep the beam level correct did I think Ahh... problem ?.

In the book it says (though not literally), that the car needs to be taken to the steelers to get the headlights re-adjusted if work on suspension is done, or the bulbs get changed ??.

Anyone out there done this kind of conversion, and if the headlights can be adjusted correctly at any reputable garage ?. Or if it can be done DIY ?. As I know the dealers will charge a wad for what is probably a 10min job each side ?.

Thanks.

M
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RobG

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #1 on: 10 April 2009, 16:54:50 »

Being a CD spec, have you got HID lights or projectors. On the main lightswitch do you have an adjuster wheel on the left for the headlights :question If no adjuster PLUS headlamp washers you will have HID
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Andy B

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #2 on: 10 April 2009, 16:55:22 »

Quote
.....that the Xenon headlights are attached to the front suspension to keep the beam level correct did I think Ahh... problem ? .....

No idea t. your question  :-/, but HIDs have two sensors, one on the front wishbone and another on the rear nearside radius arm.  :y
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Richard A

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #3 on: 10 April 2009, 17:04:46 »

2001, 2.2 petrol, CD model did not have Xenon Headlights as standard. ie adjust for inside car only.

regards
richarda
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SJKOO01

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #4 on: 10 April 2009, 20:11:46 »

In answer to: Rob G
Don’t think there HID, as I’ve had a look at the back of the lights, and I can’t see what seems to be any wires from the H/lights to a module, then to the fuse box. Next to the main light-switch there’s an adjuster wheel on the left for the headlights, but as I don’t have headlamp washers fitted, I’m assuming that there Projector H/lamps.

In answer to: Andy B
Had a look as best as I can, and can’t see any sensors either on the front wishbone anywhere, or the rear of the nearside radius arm, so as above assuming Projector H/lamps.

Thanks all for answering.

Maybe I’m being thick here, but thing is, would the Projector H/lights still have some sort of mechanical linkage, as I’ve seen somewhere on the OOF that mentions about linkages between the headlights and suspension to keep the beam level when you go over bumps / speed humps.

Can the Projector lamps be adjusted DIY or is it still a dealer job ?.
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Andy B

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #5 on: 10 April 2009, 20:25:28 »

Quote
......
Maybe I’m being thick here, but thing is, would the Projector H/lights still have some sort of mechanical linkage, as I’ve seen somewhere on the OOF that mentions about linkages between the headlights and suspension to keep the beam level when you go over bumps / speed humps.

Can the Projector lamps be adjusted DIY or is it still a dealer job ?.

Projector lights don't have the auto adjust, just the thumb wheel as you described on the main light switch. The can be manually DIY adjusted.  :y
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SJKOO01

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #6 on: 10 April 2009, 20:36:07 »

Thanks Andy B.

Save me a whole lot of hassle, knowing I can just get the springs changed, and re-adjust the brake balance valve.

Thanks  :y
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HerefordElite

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #7 on: 10 April 2009, 20:41:38 »

the wheel to adjust the headlights is so you can adjust the beam down while towing (i.e rear loaded down making headlights point up).

To be honest if you've got -40mm all round then i wouldn't think there would be any adjustment needed :-/
« Last Edit: 10 April 2009, 20:42:28 by herefordelite »
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TheBoy

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #8 on: 10 April 2009, 23:00:07 »

If front and back are lowered equally, why would headlights need adjusting  :-?
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SJKOO01

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #9 on: 11 April 2009, 20:24:18 »

Hi chaps.

Basically my line of thought, was;-

If there was some form of H/light beam leveling via an attachment between the headlights and a suspension, if it was changed from standard set-up, would it mess the the auto leveling system up, because of the spring length being different, therefore the leveling geometry would have to be re-adjusted?.

Same as the tracking and toe in/out may need adjustment because the suspension geometry has changed, no matter how little the change is.

Does it make sense now, if you understand why I asked about the light & leveling system ?.

M
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Marks DTM Calib

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #10 on: 11 April 2009, 20:25:59 »

Just remember that the standrad shocks will only support a 25-30mm max drop....

Headlight adjustment will be fine

You dont have auto headlights so no issue.

In reality and equal drop front to rear would not impact auo levelingand the lights could be re-adjusted if there was.
« Last Edit: 11 April 2009, 20:26:54 by Mark »
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SJKOO01

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Re: -40mm suspension drop - headlight problem ?
« Reply #11 on: 11 April 2009, 20:35:11 »

Hi Marks.

Thanks for the advise, will bear that in mind.
Though doesn't seam to be a lot of choice of aftermarket parts for the Omega.
Even in the specialist mags, lists are normally only up to the Vectra model's ?.
Can't understand why in the UK specialist have been shy about modifying Omegas, lot of stuff on the German market though.

M
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