Mazda 6 Forums UK

Technical Section => Steering/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: DiscoDave on November 03, 2013, 03:21:27 pm

Title: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on November 03, 2013, 03:21:27 pm
I need some advice whether to lower my car on Genuine Mazda (Gen 2)  lowering springs or Eibach Pro-Kit springs. I understand that the Mazda springs are made by Eibach, but unsure what the differences are, are the Mazda springs progressive as I believe that the Eibach are.

I once purchased a set of Honda Accord A-Spec lowering springs for my Accord, but in reality found them to be way to hard, with very little drop and in the end fitted Tein Comfort Sport coil kit with an EDFC controller, but cannot justify that expense this time

So would love to know what have the effect of the spring
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: SM25T on November 04, 2013, 01:56:11 pm
I suspect the effect will be more damage to the front valance !!!!  :P
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on November 04, 2013, 05:20:57 pm
I doubt it, it is currently sitting as high as 4x4 lol

Has anyone fitted the Mazda lowering springs
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on November 19, 2013, 07:58:12 pm
Ok I have been in touch with Mazda UK and it seems that the Mazda (Eibach) Lowering springs are linear. The Eibach Pro-Kit is progressive.

After reading alot of information on this club would love to have a good idea which people would chose for a low mileage Mazda6.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Trek on December 27, 2013, 09:12:39 am
progressive should be the better option really , if you just want the car lowering ,yet retaining/improving handling.Both options are designed for the car so its really a personal choice
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on December 28, 2013, 08:01:39 am
Thanks for the reply, I have fitted the Mazda Eibach option following emailing Eibach and finding out that the Eibach supplied kit is linear. The Mazda kit is a lot cheaper at £150 compared to the Eibach kit at £190. They look identical to each other so maybe the same lowering kit as they are both supplied by Eibach.

The Mazda kit has been fitted for over a week now and I am very impressed with the handling and comfort. There does not seem much difference between the lowering springs and the standard in ways of comfort. The car now sits nice and low  ;D

If anyone has any questions please ask as I feel these are a great mod and should have been fitted as standard
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Trek on December 28, 2013, 03:34:16 pm
hi, no problems , have you any pics showing  before and after fitting the Mazda Eibach kit?
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on December 28, 2013, 04:40:58 pm
I will get some pics up soon, a few mods to fit  :D and I will then get some pics up  :D
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Knight on January 13, 2014, 11:34:40 am
tempted with these springs....but want to see how low they go!  :)

I got my 6 because i needed a sensible car.....my previous car was an Seat Ibiza....and that was low

(http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr149/lewis85_2008/P1080704.jpg) (http://s478.photobucket.com/user/lewis85_2008/media/P1080704.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on January 15, 2014, 10:25:54 pm
Here you go mate lowered on Mazda springs. Please note that the car is parked on a slope so not really showing correct drop.

(http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss330/discodave_UK/Mazda/20140114_085655_zpsilxfykjg.jpg) (http://s588.photobucket.com/user/discodave_UK/media/Mazda/20140114_085655_zpsilxfykjg.jpg.html)

If you are interested drop me a pm and I can tell you the supplier that I found and trust.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Knight on January 20, 2014, 10:51:52 am
looks spot on - how is it over speed bumps and kerbs etc...?

any noticable difference?

Would love to know the dealer you got them from
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on January 21, 2014, 06:10:19 pm
Mate the ride is excellent and not much different from standard. Speed humps are not an issue I have just reduced my speed going over them.

I purchased a lot of accessories from this Mazda dealer, speak to Andy Kitson he has been one of the most helpful parts advisor you could hope for and tell him David pointed you in his direction.

http://www.caraccessoriesplus.co.uk/ (http://www.caraccessoriesplus.co.uk/)

Or call him on 08433 087 870, they are a Mazda dealer and part of the Stoneacre group.

I paid about £150, but did order a lot of accessorise, it may have been a little more.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Arran on December 18, 2014, 08:45:20 pm
I'm glad I've come across this thread. I'm seriously considering getting the Mazda lowering springs for my estate, but didn't want t he ride to be terrible. They're not a bad price tbh, did you fit them yourself or get someone to.do it for you?
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on February 26, 2017, 07:54:07 pm
Any long term review on the eibach pro-kit? Most springs, in my experience settle a little further with use although I have never used eibach springs previously?

How are the original shocks/dampers holding up?

Any recent pictures (taken on the level and on tarmac/concrete)?

I really hate the ride height of my car, it sits far too high and looks ugly. I can't keep a car if I don't like how it looks and so need to lower it or sell it.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on February 27, 2017, 08:38:25 pm
(http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss330/discodave_UK/Mazda/20160507_080217_zpsqlq2iikg.jpg) (http://s588.photobucket.com/user/discodave_UK/media/Mazda/20160507_080217_zpsqlq2iikg.jpg.html)

(http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss330/discodave_UK/Mazda/20160507_080108_zpstqiuxe9f.jpg) (http://s588.photobucket.com/user/discodave_UK/media/Mazda/20160507_080108_zpstqiuxe9f.jpg.html)

(http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss330/discodave_UK/Mazda/20160507_080232_zpsfra6pctn.jpg) (http://s588.photobucket.com/user/discodave_UK/media/Mazda/20160507_080232_zpsfra6pctn.jpg.html)

The springs have been fitted over 3 years about 30k, yes they have settled and have not had any issues with the shocks.

I love the ride hight now, suits the car.

The wife loves driving it, but not a passenger as it goes around corners very well...lol
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on February 28, 2017, 09:49:54 am
Thanks a million for the update, your car looks brilliant! I don't suppose you have a square on side view of the car. I'm nearly there with regards fitting Eibachs (theyre available on eBay for £150 delivered) but just want to be absolutely sure that they'll leave the car sitting how I want it. I have googled pictures and come across many from Russian and US forums and some of them appear to leave the front of the car ever so slightly higher than the rear which would not be something I could tolerate, so if you have a full side view picture, i'd very much appreciate it.

Were the pictures above taken recently or around the time you fitted the springs?
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on February 28, 2017, 12:20:02 pm
Pic of side view, picso taken about 2.5 years after fitment.

(http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss330/discodave_UK/Mazda/20160507_080042_zpsdyoqkwla.jpg) (http://s588.photobucket.com/user/discodave_UK/media/Mazda/20160507_080042_zpsdyoqkwla.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on February 28, 2017, 01:28:52 pm
Thank you so much mate...it sits perfectly. Mind made up, eibach's it is.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on February 28, 2017, 02:46:54 pm
No problem mate, it's nice to see another 6 lowered, you will be very impressed with the handling. My last Honda Accord was lowered on Tein CS and had a EDFC unit, in all honestly the 6 rides just as good  :)

Are you fitting them, I fitted my own and it was very easy
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on February 28, 2017, 09:39:03 pm
Yeah will do it myself. Have a 2 post lift and do all my own work, have fitted coilovers to numerous previous cars (all Hondas) so have plenty of experience fitting/changing suspension.

Did you cut the bump stops when fitting yours?
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on February 28, 2017, 09:49:25 pm
I did read the American forum about cutting them, but they probably have a slightly different setup, so I decided try with them on to see if they needed removing, the car has never bottomed out so decided to leave them. Plus the car seems to drive so much better loaded (passengers) and still have not bottomed out. Perhaps I am not pushing the car hard enough...lol

The issue you may have is removing the drop links.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on February 28, 2017, 10:00:08 pm
I see you have a 2.0 litre, so ride height may differ. Are they different Eibach springs for the 2 litre as I see the genuine Mazda ones are
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on March 01, 2017, 02:04:04 pm
Yes there are different Eibach part numbers for the petrol car springs compared to the diesel models...I'm assuming the petrol model springs have a slightly less weight loading as the engine is slightly lighter. Fitting diesel springs to a petrol car would possibly leave the front of the car sitting slightly higher as they're designed to take a slightly heavier weight and so wouldn't compress as much.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on March 14, 2017, 08:42:46 am
I'm planning on fitting the springs this evening but still a little concerned that ride comfort will be compromised as I have two children (6yrs and 4yrs) and some of the country roads I travel on from time to time are quite poor in places (uneven surface, broken up in places) and I don't want them and my wife shook to hell by a rough ride. How is the ride comfort in yours on uneven surfaces, is it just a case of having to slow down?

Eibach quote the springs being approximately 15% stiffer than standard, would you say that's about right or is it more?
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: apav on March 14, 2017, 09:10:01 am
I have a stock car but are you sure that the ground clearance will be enough for the roads you do? That car looks pretty low.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on March 14, 2017, 10:15:17 am
I'm not sure if that question is aimed at me or Dave but I have no concerns over road clearance, I have previously had cars lowered on coilovers and much lower than what the Pro-kit will lower by and had no problems, my main concern is passenger/children's comfort on poorer road surfaces.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on March 14, 2017, 12:20:38 pm
No problem with ride height, I just slow down to go over speed humps ;)
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on March 14, 2017, 01:19:41 pm
Any harshness on uneven road surfaces Dave? I don't want a crashy ride as like I said above I have two children and the wife to consider too.

I've read loads of reviews on the pro-kit and I'm a little worried that theyre not what I want, the appear (from the reviews) to lower the car more than they state and there are questions raised on many mazda forums on whether theyre progressive springs or not with many saying theyre not. I just had a look at mine and they certainly don't look progressive with evenly spaced coils from top to bottom making them linear in nature (which I really don't want as theyre harsher than progressive springs) Eibach market them as progressive but I'm having my doubts....
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on March 14, 2017, 02:13:35 pm
I don't find the car harsh or my family, but we have always had lowered cars.

I believe that the Eibach are linear, as 4 years ago I emailed them and phoned them to be informed that are linear. Also from the pics of the springs they look linear.

Go for some Tein CS and a EDFC ;)
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on March 14, 2017, 02:25:27 pm
Yeah I believe they are linear also, are the Mazda lowering springs the same? I think I'll go ahead and fit them and if they turn out not to be what I wanted I can refit the original springs again in a few weeks time.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: DiscoDave on March 14, 2017, 04:27:21 pm
Yes Mazda lower springs are linear
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: apav on March 14, 2017, 05:24:26 pm
I have the TS2 car and I think it is marginal in a lot of the countryside lanes once you get some speed. I have already a bolt off from a park ramp at the dealer, one scratch on another occassion in a housing development, and once I got a touch with the road with no warning. Maybe my car with 100K miles needs new shocks and springs but I am not sure whether the original shocks will fit with the lowered springs, performance wise. I think you have to fit them as a kit to get the right balance of performance.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on March 15, 2017, 08:42:47 am
No, eibach and mazda lowering springs are designed to work with the standard suspension. Naturally they'll also work (and possibly better) with sports shocks (koni/bilstein) but theyre not necessary.

Anyway to update this, I didn't fit the springs, I was away yesterday evening and on one particulary poor stretch of road and the car and noted to myself how comfortable the car is on poorer/uneven surfaces and I didn't want to lose that so decided not to fit them after all. Now to try and sell them as its not cost effective to send them back to Germany...
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on September 27, 2017, 11:32:03 am
Just to update this. Curiosity got the better of me and I fitted the eibach springs a few months ago with the intention of removing them again if I or my family found them too harsh but in actuality no one has noticed that I fitted them since.

They lowered the car bang on 30mm all round and leave it sitting perfectly level unlike the factory springs which left the front of the car higher (bigger tyre gap) than the rear. It looks absolutely perfect now.

I am convinced that Mazda cheaped out and fitted the same shocks/springs to both petrol and diesel cars from 2010 onwards. A mate of mine has a 2011 2.2 (180ps) Sport and parked beside mine, his front was 11mm lower than mine on factory springs and his had similar low mileage to mine and so his shocks/springs were in good order.

I'm also convinced that pre face lift cars had different springs/shocks as they all appear to sit slightly lower in the front than mine did. I hated the way mine looked and it was really spoiling the car for me.

Since fitting the eibach springs (which are specific to petrol models (the front springs are rated for 140kg less than the diesel version, rear springs are the same for both models)) it seems as if the eibach springs are better matched to the shocks than the factory springs. The car is so much smoother now, the front doesn't dip and rise on braking/acceleration and doesn't get unsettled on humps/bumps on the road as it done previously.

Comfort wise there is no difference, on poorer surfaces there is obviously less suspension travel but it hasn't compromised comfort and there are no issues with clearance.

It handles very well, even the simple things like on roundabouts the car is more stable with less roll.

I fitted mine myself along with a mate, it took less than 2hrs. Earlier that day, I sprayed all links/bolts with WD40 and so they all came off relatively easy. The rears took less than 20 minutes to do both. I just dropped the roll bar (removed the bushings not the links) and removed the large front bolt and swung the whole arm down, the springs pops out easily. The fronts were also easy to do just took a little longer.

Overall very impressed with them and would recommend them to anyone looking to get rid of the ridiculously large wheel gap on the Gen2 mazda 6 without compromising comfort or clearance.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: apav on September 29, 2017, 12:57:27 pm
Well done doing it all and liking the result.

Are you sure that your car had no other hidden problem from the previous owner? I think all 6s sit low in the front. I have the diesel pre facelift version and it is lower in the front than in the back and overall the car sits very low to the extend that make me wonder how that extra 30mm will suit the car. Do you have any photos of yours before and after?

What is the mileage you have done? I have 102K now and I am guessing that changing springs and shocks will not harm but so far it goes well. I do not think that the lower end comes with the mileage but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: Cee-Jay-Cee on September 29, 2017, 01:28:25 pm
No there were no issues with the car and its something that I have noticed with all Takuya petrol models that I looked at. I was actually parked right next to a 2011 petrol Takuya a few months ago and it was identical to mine with the front end sitting a tad higher than the front as I had always wondered why mine appeared to sit so high compared to diesel models (which are very common over here in Ireland)

My car only has 79k kms (50k miles) on it and the shocks are in good order and the springs were the original genuine items.

The more I drive the car, the more I wish I'd done it sooner. There is a stretch of road that I take to get to my workplace, the road has been dug up and across several times by various water/telephone service companies and is a complete mess. On the original springs the car constantly unsettled while driving on it, ie there were that many humps and bumps that the suspension never had time to settle before it hit another bump/hollow in the road whereas now it glides over each of them with absolutely no ill effects. This alone leads me to believe that the original springs were not matched to the car and were too high a spring rate hence they sat high as there wasn't enough weight on them. Now with springs which are matched to the weight of the front of the car, the shocks do their job properly and are not restricted by too high a spring weight.
Title: Re: Genuine Mazda or Eibach Lowering Springs
Post by: apav on October 08, 2017, 09:41:42 am
That is interesting. I would be surprised if Mazda has missed the petrol/diesel specifications but now that you have the evidence that the car works better and you have seen others with the same problem, you wonder how this happened.