Tried searching the forums for a quick solution to this question. How do I access the rear shocks to adjust the dampening?

 

The Koni yellows must be fully compressed (which means removed from the vehicle) to adjust the internal cam-lock valving:
* http://www.koni-na.com/comp.cfm

- Erik

 

Those are the instructions for adjusting Koni Red shocks (not made for MINI cars).
These are the instructions for adjusting Koni Yellow shocks - you need to unbolt the
top mount and drop the shocks enough to get to the adjusting **** on top.
http://www.koni-na.com/****.cfm

 

The newer ones don't have to be compressed or so I was told. I adjusted my fronts no problem.

 

All depends on the model / kit number. Most Koni's need compression to adjusting the valving.
But again, need to know the kit number to verify adjustment.
But you're at least looking at dropping the struts away from the body.

- Erik

 

The Koni Sports (Yellows) used on MINIs do not need compressed to adjust. The rears do need unbolted to drop them off the car and access the adjusters.

Jason

 

Thank you. The rears are staying the way they are. Not worth the work to change it from street to autocross stiffness.

 

iporkgoats, that is what i decided. I only adjust the rears when I am going to the track. Real PITA.

However, some people have dropped the shocks and then used a holesaw or large drill bit and made a hole up through the metal to allow access to the adjuster without dropping the shock. Extreme care must be exercised while drilling to avoid nicking the bundle of wires above the shock mounting are. This area is accessed through the cubby holes on either side of the boot compartment of an R53. I do believe that the rear inside trim panels have to be removed to access this area in an R56. So I am not sure how practical this might be.

 

One thing to consider about making a hole to access the top adjuster is that it may change your classification in competition. For example, in SCCA autocross, it will move you out of stock class. Check the rules you are running under. Just mentioning this as an FYI.

 

Good call. Do you know if this is allowed in Street Prepared?

 

You would think Koni would change the design to be easily adjustable without removal. I'm still getting them, but once they're set, that's it. Do they have an adjustment guide for street, track etc?

 

Dude it would seriously take you like 30 minutes to adjust them. It is freaking super simple. 6 bolts and you are done.

 

The actual rule prohibiting this in stock class in in section 13.5

F. A hole may be added to an interior body panel to provide access
to the adjustment mechanism on an allowed adjustable shock ab-
sorber. The hole may serve no other purpose, and may not be added
through either the exterior bodywork or a strut bar. Interior panels
are defined to be those pieces which cover the interior of the vehicle
(including the trunk area) and are accessible from inside the vehicle.
They do not include structural panels, such as wheel wells or inner
fenders, which may also be accessible from inside the car but which
actually form part of the body of the vehicle.

It is interesting that in the paragraph prior to this, it says:

E. A hole may be added through the bodywork to route the reservoir
and hose to a remote mounting location. Such holes may serve no
other purpose.

So you can add hole for a shock with a remote reservoir, but you can't add a hole for an adjustment on the shock. Hmmm

Anyway, I though that making a hole to access the shock adjustment put you in SM. I can't find where that would be inferred in the rules. I say "inferred" since it is probably not something spelled out with regards to just shocks.

 

Jason what your take on this for R50 and R53's?

 

To me this rule allows you to make a hole to adjust the rear shocks. You are, after all, inside the interior of the car when doing the adjusting.