How to Adjust Koni Shocks and Struts
KONI adjustment procedures vary by damper mechanism. Identify the exact series before turning an adjuster: button-operated, collapse-to-adjust, and independently adjustable designs use different engagement methods and can even use different directions for increasing damping.
Button-operated adjustment
Remove the dust cover to expose the button and support the body by hand near the rod exit. Depress the button only by hand, then turn the rod gently counterclockwise to the zero stop without force. Turn clockwise to increase rebound by the required clicks. Release the button fully before further rod rotation. The illustrated arrangement has zero plus three clicks; series 26 is limited to two clicks, while 28 and 30 have three.
Collapse-to-adjust mechanism
Remove the damper and secure only its lower eye or pin with protective clamp plates. Remove any concealed bump rubber required by the design. Fully collapse it while slowly turning counterclockwise to engage the mechanism. Count half-turns gently back to minimum, then turn clockwise to the desired setting. The adjustment range is about five half-turns. Extend at least one centimeter without rotating to disengage.
Separate rebound and compression controls
For the illustrated independently adjustable design, insert a pin into the slotted top-eye rebound adjuster. Counterclockwise movement increases rebound, with 12 quarter-turn sweeps from minimum. The lower compression screw increases force clockwise and has 12 clicks. These directions are mechanism-specific, so do not transfer the button-style clockwise rebound instruction to this design.
Protect the damper while tuning
Never clamp the shock body or damage the piston rod, and never force an adjustment stop. Sport Yellow, Classic Red/Black, RV, coilover, and race products do not all share one procedure or adjustment range. Some permit external adjustment while installed; others require removal. Follow the exact part instructions and record settings before testing a change.
Identify the series before choosing a procedure
Identify the complete damper number, not just its color. The button-adjusted group includes 26, 28 and 30 series. Other adjustment groups include 76, 80, 82, 86, 87, 88, 90, 8040 and 8240; external-adjuster references include 8041, 8042, 8241, 8610, 8641 and 8742. Independent-control references include 8010, 8042, 8210, 8211, 8216, 8242 and 8742. Some identifiers appear in more than one group, so match the actual mechanism and complete part instructions before applying a direction or setting.
Specifications and instructions
Adjustment Direction: Clockwise: Firmer Counter Clockwise: Softer |
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Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle and hold it vertically with the lower eye or pin attached in a vise. Use clamp plates to prevent damage. Fully collapse the shock absorber, at the same time turning the dust cap or piston rod slowly to the left (counterclockwise), until it is felt that the cams of the adjustment nut engage in the recesses of the foot valve assembly. Some shock absorbers include a bump rubber concealed under the dust cover and it must be removed prior to adjusting. The damper may have already been adjusted. Therefore check whether the shock absorber is in the adjustment position or not by keeping it collapsed and gently turning it further to the left counting at the same time the half turns until a stop is felt. Stop turning then and do not use force. Keeping the shock absorber collapsed, make 1 half turn (180 degrees) to the right (clockwise). In case of prior adjustment add the number of half the turns previously found. The total range is about 5 half turns. Pull the shock absorber out vertically without turning for at least 1 cm to disengage the adjusting mechanism. The dust cap or piston rod may now be turned freely. ADJUSTING DIRECTION Clockwise = Firmer Counter Clockwise = Softer |
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Frequently asked questions
Are all KONI shocks compression-adjustable?
No. Many adjustments concern rebound only; separate compression control applies only to designs equipped for it.
Can I use color alone to choose the procedure?
No. Identify the part and mechanism because products within broad KONI families can differ.
