1. What is Spring Rate?

The spring rate (K) is a measure of how stiff a spring is. It represents the amount of force required to compress or extend a spring by a certain distance. In automotive applications, it's typically measured in kg/mm or N/mm.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the spring rate formula:

Where:

• \( K \) — Spring rate (kg/mm)
• \( Load \) — Applied force (kg)
• \( Deflection \) — Spring compression/extension (mm)
• \( 9.81 \) — Conversion factor (m/s², acceleration due to gravity)

Explanation: The formula calculates how many kilograms of force are needed to compress the spring by 1 millimeter.

3. Importance of Spring Rate Calculation

Details: Proper spring rate is crucial for vehicle handling, ride comfort, and suspension performance. It affects how the car responds to bumps, corners, and weight transfer.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the exact weight applied to the spring and the resulting deflection. All values must be positive numbers (load > 0, deflection > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical spring rate for street cars?
A: Most street cars have spring rates between 2-10 kg/mm, depending on vehicle weight and intended use.

Q2: How does spring rate affect ride quality?
A: Higher rates give firmer ride but better handling, while lower rates provide more comfort but more body roll.

Q3: Should front and rear springs have the same rate?
A: Typically no - front/rear rates are balanced for proper weight distribution and handling characteristics.

Q4: How does spring rate relate to wheel rate?
A: Wheel rate is spring rate modified by suspension geometry (motion ratio). They're not the same.

Q5: When should I change my spring rates?
A: When modifying vehicle weight, performance goals, or when experiencing bottoming out/overly stiff ride.