Hey guys! If you're rolling a Forester and thinking about upping your suspension game, you've probably stumbled upon the TEIN Street Advance Z4 coilovers. These bad boys are a popular choice, and for good reason! They offer a sweet blend of performance and comfort, making them a fantastic upgrade for daily drivers and weekend warriors alike. This article is your ultimate guide. We'll dive deep into everything you need to know about the TEIN Street Advance Z4 for your Forester, from what makes them special to how to install and maintain them. Buckle up, let's get started!

What Makes the TEIN Street Advance Z4 Special?

So, what's the buzz around the TEIN Street Advance Z4? Well, first off, they're designed specifically for the Forester, meaning they're engineered to fit perfectly and work in harmony with your vehicle's existing components. This precision engineering translates to a hassle-free installation and optimal performance. But it's not just about a perfect fit; it's about what these coilovers do. The Street Advance Z4 is all about finding that sweet spot between sporty handling and everyday comfort. TEIN achieves this with a few key features. One of the primary features includes the advanced damping force adjustment. This allows you to fine-tune the ride quality to your liking. Whether you prefer a firm, responsive feel for spirited driving or a more comfortable setup for long road trips, you can easily adjust the dampers to suit your needs. The Street Advance Z4 also boasts a durable construction, built to withstand the rigors of daily driving and various road conditions. The use of high-quality materials and manufacturing processes ensures longevity, so you can enjoy your upgraded suspension for years to come. Finally, the Street Advance Z4 often offers a noticeable improvement in handling characteristics. Expect reduced body roll, improved cornering stability, and enhanced responsiveness, all contributing to a more engaging and confident driving experience. In essence, these coilovers are designed to elevate your Forester's performance and ride quality without sacrificing comfort. They represent a significant upgrade over the stock suspension, offering a more dynamic and enjoyable driving experience.

Another key aspect of the TEIN Street Advance Z4 is its focus on ease of adjustment and maintenance. TEIN understands that you want a suspension system that's easy to live with. Therefore, these coilovers often feature user-friendly adjustment mechanisms, allowing you to quickly and easily dial in your desired ride height and damping settings. This level of adjustability allows you to tailor the suspension to your specific preferences and driving style, further enhancing your overall driving experience. Moreover, TEIN generally provides comprehensive documentation and support, making it easier for you to install, adjust, and maintain your coilovers. This support includes detailed installation instructions, setup guides, and access to technical assistance if needed. With the TEIN Street Advance Z4, you're not just getting a high-quality suspension upgrade; you're also getting a system designed to be accessible and user-friendly, ensuring a positive ownership experience. The adjustability aspect can be beneficial for various scenarios. For instance, if you frequently carry heavy loads or tow a trailer, you can adjust the ride height to prevent sagging and maintain optimal handling. If you prefer a sportier ride for track days or spirited driving, you can stiffen the damping to reduce body roll and improve responsiveness. Conversely, if you want a more comfortable ride for daily commuting, you can soften the damping to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road. This versatility makes the TEIN Street Advance Z4 a truly adaptable suspension upgrade.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Forester Suspension

Upgrading your Forester's suspension with the TEIN Street Advance Z4 offers a multitude of benefits, transforming the way your SUV handles and performs. The most immediate impact you'll notice is a significant improvement in handling. The coilovers help to reduce body roll during cornering, making your Forester feel more planted and stable, especially during quick maneuvers or on winding roads. This enhanced stability gives you greater confidence and control, making the driving experience more engaging and enjoyable. In addition to handling improvements, the Street Advance Z4 often provides a more responsive and direct steering feel. The coilovers help to minimize the delay between steering input and vehicle response, resulting in sharper handling characteristics. This responsiveness allows you to make precise adjustments and react quickly to changes in road conditions, further enhancing your driving control. Furthermore, a well-tuned suspension system can contribute to improved ride comfort. While the Street Advance Z4 is designed for performance, it also prioritizes comfort. The adjustable damping force allows you to fine-tune the ride quality to your liking, from a firm and sporty feel to a more compliant and comfortable ride. This versatility means you can customize the suspension to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Beyond handling and comfort, upgrading your suspension can also positively impact your vehicle's overall appearance. The Street Advance Z4 allows you to lower your Forester, giving it a more aggressive and sporty stance. This visual upgrade can significantly enhance the aesthetics of your vehicle, making it look more appealing and customized. Lowering your Forester also has the potential to improve aerodynamics, reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency. However, it's essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Lowering your vehicle excessively can negatively impact ride quality and ground clearance, potentially leading to damage to the undercarriage. With the TEIN Street Advance Z4, you can achieve a balanced setup that enhances both the appearance and the performance of your Forester. The suspension upgrade also contributes to improved safety. By reducing body roll and improving handling, the coilovers help to minimize the risk of losing control, especially in emergency situations. The enhanced stability and responsiveness provide you with greater confidence and control, allowing you to react quickly to avoid accidents. This safety aspect is particularly important when driving in adverse weather conditions or on challenging road surfaces. In summary, upgrading your Forester's suspension with the TEIN Street Advance Z4 is an investment in enhanced performance, comfort, and safety, resulting in a more enjoyable and confident driving experience.

Installation Guide: Step-by-Step

Alright, let's get down to business! Installing the TEIN Street Advance Z4 on your Forester is totally doable, even for those with moderate wrenching experience. Here's a simplified step-by-step guide to get you started.

1. Preparation is Key

• Gather your tools: You'll need basic hand tools like wrenches, sockets, a jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench. A spring compressor might also be needed, depending on your experience and tools. Safety glasses and gloves are a must! Do not forget to get the right size tools and torque wrench. Safety first!
• Read the instructions: Carefully read the TEIN installation manual that comes with your coilovers. This will provide specific instructions tailored to your Forester model. TEIN provides specific instructions for each car, so make sure you follow them.
• Safety first: Always work on a level surface and use jack stands to support your vehicle securely. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack!

2. Removing the Old Suspension

• Raise and secure the vehicle: Jack up your Forester and secure it with jack stands. Make sure it's stable!
• Remove the wheels: Take off both front and rear wheels to access the suspension components.
• Disconnect the brake lines and ABS sensors: Carefully detach the brake lines and ABS sensor wires from the stock struts. Take your time and be gentle to avoid damaging anything.
• Loosen the top hats: Loosen (but don't remove) the nuts securing the top hats (the top of the strut) to the chassis. This will make removing the struts easier later.
• Remove the stock struts: Depending on your Forester, you might need to disconnect other components, like sway bar links. Then, unbolt the stock struts from the knuckle (the part that holds the wheel hub) and the top hat mounts. The stock struts should then come right out.

3. Installing the TEIN Coilovers

• Assemble the new coilovers: If the TEIN coilovers require any assembly (like attaching the top hats), do this now, following the instructions provided.
• Install the coilovers: Carefully align the TEIN coilovers with the mounting points and bolt them into place. Make sure everything is snug but not fully tightened yet.
• Reconnect the brake lines and ABS sensors: Reattach the brake lines and ABS sensor wires, ensuring they're securely fastened.
• Torque everything: Now, tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Use your torque wrench to ensure accuracy. This is super important for safety and performance.

4. Setting the Ride Height

• Rough adjustment: Before putting the wheels back on, make a rough adjustment to the ride height using the adjustable perches on the coilovers. The TEIN coilovers have a specific design that allows you to easily adjust the height.
• Reinstall the wheels: Put your wheels back on and lower the vehicle.
• Fine-tune: After the initial install and a bit of driving, you'll want to fine-tune the ride height to your liking. This is usually done by adjusting the perches again, after the car has been driven around and the suspension has settled. This process might take a couple of attempts to get it just right.

5. Alignment is Essential

• Get an alignment: After installing coilovers and adjusting the ride height, it's absolutely critical to get a professional wheel alignment. This ensures your tires wear evenly and your car handles properly.

Maintaining Your TEIN Street Advance Z4

Guys, maintaining your TEIN Street Advance Z4 is key to keeping them performing their best and extending their lifespan. Here's a quick rundown of what you need to do.

Regular Inspections

• Check for leaks: Regularly inspect the coilovers for any signs of oil leaks. Leaks can indicate damage to the seals, which can affect performance.
• Inspect for damage: Look for any physical damage, such as dents, scratches, or corrosion. These could compromise the integrity of the coilovers. Pay attention to any signs of wear and tear, and address any issues promptly.
• Check the hardware: Make sure all bolts and nuts are properly tightened. Vibration can cause them to loosen over time. Use a torque wrench and verify the torque specifications as mentioned in the manual.

Cleaning and Lubrication

• Keep them clean: Regularly clean your coilovers, especially if you drive in harsh conditions (salt, snow, etc.). Remove any dirt, grime, or debris that might accumulate. A mild soap and water solution works well. This will prevent build up of corrosive elements and rust.
• Lubricate threads: Periodically lubricate the threads of the adjustment perches with a suitable lubricant (like a silicone-based spray) to prevent them from seizing. This will help you adjust your ride height smoothly, as well. This prevents seizing, making adjustments easier.

Damping Adjustments

• Adjust as needed: Periodically adjust the damping force to match your driving style and road conditions. This helps maintain optimal performance and ride comfort.
• Follow manufacturer's guidelines: Refer to the TEIN manual for specific adjustment instructions and recommendations. They usually have a chart that will help you select the damping setting.

Professional Service

• Get them serviced: Consider having your coilovers professionally inspected and serviced periodically, especially if you notice any issues or if you drive your Forester hard. This might involve inspecting the seals, replacing any worn components, or revalving the dampers.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your TEIN Street Advance Z4 coilovers continue to provide top-notch performance and ride quality for years to come. Remember, regular maintenance is essential for preserving the lifespan and functionality of your suspension system.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best coilovers, sometimes things go wrong. Here's a quick look at common issues you might encounter with your TEIN Street Advance Z4 and how to troubleshoot them.

1. Excessive Noise

• Clunking sounds: Clunking noises can indicate loose bolts, worn bushings, or a failing top hat bearing. Check all the mounting hardware and suspension components for any play. Ensure everything is torqued to the correct specifications. If the noise persists, it may be a sign of worn components needing replacement.
• Squeaking sounds: Squeaking noises often come from the rubber bushings. Lubricating the bushings or replacing them may solve the issue. Inspect the bushings and lubricate them with a silicone-based spray or a suitable bushing lubricant. If the squeaking continues, consider replacing the bushings.

2. Ride Height Issues

• Uneven ride height: Ensure that the coilovers are adjusted evenly on both sides of the vehicle. Measure the distance from the wheel center to the fender to ensure an even ride height. Adjust the coilovers accordingly. Also, double-check that the springs are seated correctly in the perches.
• Difficulty adjusting ride height: If the adjustment perches are seized, lubricate the threads with a penetrating oil or a specialized thread lubricant. If this does not work, it might require taking the coilovers apart to clean and lubricate them. Try to prevent this by performing regular maintenance.

3. Damping Issues

• Ride too harsh: Adjust the damping force to a softer setting. If the ride remains harsh, consider checking your tire pressures and tire type. Softer damping settings can help absorb bumps and improve ride comfort.
• Ride too bouncy: Increase the damping force to a firmer setting. If the bouncing persists, inspect the shock absorbers for any signs of damage or leaks. Firmer damping settings can help control body roll and improve handling.

4. Leakage

• Oil leaks: If you find oil leaks on your coilovers, it's important to inspect the seals for damage. Leaks can reduce damping performance and compromise the coilovers' effectiveness. Have a professional inspect and repair the damaged seals to prevent further issues.

If you're unsure about diagnosing or fixing any of these issues, it's always best to consult a qualified mechanic or suspension specialist. They can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solutions. Remember, safety first, guys!

Conclusion: Is the TEIN Street Advance Z4 Right for You?

Alright, so should you get the TEIN Street Advance Z4 for your Forester? If you're looking for a suspension upgrade that balances performance and comfort, and you're ready to do some DIY work or have a mechanic install it for you, then absolutely. These coilovers are a solid choice for those wanting to improve handling, enhance the look of their ride, and enjoy a more engaging driving experience. Just remember the importance of proper installation, regular maintenance, and getting an alignment. Happy driving! Have fun modifying and enjoy the new driving experience.