General Information

• The dampers are charged with nitrogen gas. The front and rear dampers are factory charged to 12 bar (175psi). It is important that these pressures are set / checked with a proper shock inflation tool, the shock fully extended and in cooled off condition. The minimum pressure to be used in the MCS dampers is 6 bar (85psi) and the maximum pressure is 18 bar (260psi).

• When installing dampers using a Quick Disconnect, release the pressure before opening the dry-break coupling. Failure to depressurize the system WILL result in damage to the connector. After installation of the damper and reservoir to your car, re-connect the dry-break coupling and re-pressurize the reservoir to 12 bar (175psi).
• Pressure gauges for filling and checking pressures are available for purchase through your MCS dealer.

• Do not use impact tools to install pin mount top nuts.

• The 8 mm brass hex nut at the top of the damper is the rebound adjuster. Do not attempt to use this to hold the shaft from turning while installing the first top nut. Install the first top nut onto your mount and snug with a wrench or socket, cinch with a quick jerking motion or hitting with a plastic hammer. This is more than sufficient to secure the shaft to the top mount. Install the second nut and tighten against the first top nut. The use of a tappet wrench (thin wrench) to hold the first top nut will aid in this process. When Installing the rebound adjuster knob onto the 8 mm brass hex nut, make sure that it has clearance from any body component.

Adjustment

The MCS 3-way adjustable dampers are independently adjustable in rebound (extension)  high speed, low speed and bump (compression) forces

Compression Adjustment

The Low Speed Compression (LSC) adjuster and High Speed Compression (HSC) adjuster  are located on top of the remote reservoir. Low speed compression is adjusted using the smaller top knob on the reservoir. LSC has a range of 10 positions (9 clicks).

High speed compression is adjusted with the larger ring below.  HSC has a range of 19 positions (18 clicks). On top of the smaller LSC knob, there are arrows pointing indicating firmer and softer settings. LSC Softest position = 0, Stiffest position = 10. HSC Softest position = 0, Stiffest position = 18.

Turning the compression adjusters in the clockwise direction ( – ) will soften the damper forces in compression. Turning the compression adjusters in the counter-clockwise direction ( + ) will stiffen the damper forces in compression. When installing the shock or strut on the car for the first time, the LSC adjuster should be set at 5 clicks from “0” and the HSC adjuster should be set at 6 clicks from “0”. To do this, turn the LSC adjuster knob clockwise until it stops, then back slightly if needed until it settles into a detent. Repeat for the HSC adjustment. This is the “0” position. (Caution: once it stops turning DO NOT force it any further) From this position turn the LSC knob counter clockwise 5 clicks and the HSC counter clockwise 6 clicks. Note that the LSC knob will turn when the HSC adjuster is being moved. This is normal and does not change the LSC setting. You do not need to hold the LSC knob in position while turning the HSC knob. The high and low speed compression is now adjusted.

Rebound Adjustment

The rebound adjuster is located at the top of the piston-rod. On the top of the strut or pin mount damper it has an 8mm brass hex nut. The aluminum dampers with a top-eye do have the rebound adjuster wheel inside the top-eye. After installation of the strut or pin mount damper the separate supplied rebound adjuster knob can be attached to the brass hex nut.

The rebound has a range of 19 positions (18 clicks). On top of the surface of the adjuster knob, there are arrows pointing for firmer ( + ) and softer ( – ) settings. Softest position = 0, Stiffest position = 18. Turning the rebound adjuster in the clockwise direction ( – ) will soften the damper forces in rebound (extension)Turning the rebound adjuster in the counter-clockwise direction ( + )will stiffen the damper forces in rebound (extension).

When installing the shock or strut on the car for the first time, the rebound adjuster should be set at 8 clicks from “0”. To do this, turn the adjuster knob clockwise until it stops, then back slightly if needed until it settles into a detent. (Caution: once it stops turning DO NOT force it any further) This is the “0” position. From this position turn the knob counter clockwise 8 clicks. The rebound is now adjusted.

Initial Recommended Setting

Due to custom valving for each customers’ application, please consult your MCS dealer for baseline settings.