Lowering springs - what features may cause issues?

[TIGERSHARK27]

After a long 10 month wait, I've finally received by Eibach sway bars and lowering springs. I'm hoping to get them installed soon, but I've heard it mentioned that all sorts of features may stop working properly. I've heard 360° camera, backup-sensor, cross-traffic sensor, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, auto-emergency braking etc. may stop functioning properly. In your guys' experience for those of you with lowered suspensions, how much of this is true?

I tried to do some research elsewhere but figured I'm likely to get the best help right here. A lot of folk say if it causes issues, address it, and if not, leave it alone.

If the consensus is to address it ahead of time, do any Kia dealerships recalibrate this stuff on lowered suspensions, or would I likely have to go elsewhere to get it done?

I've also read a headlight alignment might be necessary, but seeing as the car will only be lowered ≈ 1 inch, I'm thinking it's likely a non-issue, but if anyone here has experience otherwise, I'd be happy to hear it.

I appreciate all information and expertise/guidance related to this stuff, because you guys definitely know more than I do!

Thanks!

 

[Michael Hespe]

headlight alignment is easy. not sure about the other stuff but I wish I went with coilovers. Due to rubbing issues when getting wider tires and the adjustability.

 

[socalvn]

Only thing I needed was to realign my headlights simple enough to do yourself in the driveway. I do not have active X suspension control. so no cancelers required.
And I just had the oil changed at the dealer and it still fits on the rack so that was good. Getting in and out of driveways without draging the front spoiler challenging. Improved driving and handling hell yeah way more fun. My private parking spot at work.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Your "curb straddling" feature will be seriously compromised, seriously. One inch lower than stock, and I would have had a totaled car c. six months in (that would be coming up on four years ago).

 

[SRV]

OP, do yourself a favor and do a search on 'lowering springs', and read all the threads.

I did that and decided not to do lowering springs - even though the 4x4 ride height really bothers me.

 

[socalvn]

OP, do yourself a favor and do a search on 'lowering springs', and read all the threads.

I did that and decided not to do lowering springs - even though the 4x4 ride height really bothers me.

every time I drive it I'm so happy I did

 

[Ozstung]

You'll be fine none of the electronics will be effected. But word of warning your shocks won't last long. Mine have packed it in after 4 + years which is exactly the same time it happened on my WRX.

Think twice about lowering springs, on top of that after lowering my car it developed a mad pull to the left. (RHD) As far as sway bars go its all positive.

 

[SRV]

Think twice about lowering springs, on top of that after lowering my car it developed a mad pull to the left. (RHD) As far as sway bars go its all positive.

After reading all the threads, I agree, not one negative report on sway bars, and most, if not all, were very happy with them.

In my experience with my 2002 GT2, I feel the suspension is nearly perfect as is - no mods required. People complain the rear is too soft and rolls too much, but that is not my experience at all. And I definitely drive the GT car as spiritedly as one can on the street.

The car amazes me every time I drive it.

 

[TIGERSHARK27]

You'll be fine none of the electronics will be effected. But word of warning your shocks won't last long. Mine have packed it in after 4 + years which is exactly the same time it happened on my WRX.

Think twice about lowering springs, on top of that after lowering my car it developed a mad pull to the left. (RHD) As far as sway bars go its all positive.

I work from home now, so I only add around 2000-3000 kms/year. ODO is just under 23K right now, so hopefully I'll get slightly longer than that, but I guess we'll see. Thanks for the response!

 

[bfglitch]

I'll add to the list of the people happy with sway bars. Definitely has decreased the body roll quite a bit and makes the car feel more predictable in high speed sweeping turns. Doesn't help with rapid left/right movement, changing springs/etc would help with that but I really have no need.

 

[celwin]

I work from home now, so I only add around 2000-3000 kms/year. ODO is just under 23K right now, so hopefully I'll get slightly longer than that, but I guess we'll see. Thanks for the response!

You'll be fine none of the electronics will be effected. But word of warning your shocks won't last long. Mine have packed it in after 4 + years which is exactly the same time it happened on my WRX.

Think twice about lowering springs, on top of that after lowering my car it developed a mad pull to the left. (RHD) As far as sway bars go its all positive.

Or the OP can get a drop that is less than 1"+. There are springs that drop the car .75". That won't affect strut life that much compared to drops of 1" or more.

 

[I'm Tony Danza]

Headlight and wheel alignment and will be 100% necessary, but they are easy. I haven't experienced any odd issues, but you may pick up some extra road noise as a side effect. Shave your front upper bump stops a tad, no matter what brand springs you have.

I am in the camp that the risk to the struts will be minimal with a .75-1" drop. They are still operating within range and unless other factors are coming into play, you shouldn't be shaving years off the life of our struts.