The Truth About Lowering Springs on a McLaren 720S: Do They Ruin the Factory Hydraulics?

Talking about lowering the springs is something that may change your car forever. It does look good and makes it look more in line and wider. But there is still a thing: the 720S is made with a conventional suspension system, which may raise a question: would it damage the factory hydraulic suspension?

And the answer is no. Well-built lowering springs don’t spoil the 720S hydraulic suspension by default. The real concerns are too low, wrong spring characteristics, decreased suspension travel, changed geometry, bad setup, and wrong alignment.

For that reason, lowering a 720S should be treated as a complete suspension modification—not simply an appearance upgrade.

How Does the McLaren 720S Suspension Work?

Well, it is designed to balance out the very good-performing handling with roads in going comfort. It helps in controlling the car when it is on the road and moving all over. 

That helps the 720S balance cornering performance, braking stability, and everyday use.

The system is so interwoven that a change in ride height could potentially alter other suspension characteristics. All the spring rates, suspension travel, dampers, all the alignment and geometry.

That is why it is not enough to just question whether a lowering spring "fits". 

Are There Lowering Springs for McLaren 720S?

Yes, but it has to fit the model.

Owners should not expect that a lowering spring made for another McLaren vehicle will immediately work correctly. Varied models can have varied suspension specs, spring characteristics, and ride height needs.

Check before buying a lowering kit:

• Year, make, and model of vehicle
• Spring compatibility
• Expected ride-height reduction
• Spring rate
• Travel of Suspension
• Damper compatibility
• Wheel and tyre clearance
• Installation requirements
• Alignment requirements

A quality suspension component should be selected based on engineering and vehicle compatibility—not simply price or how much it lowers the car.

Can Lowering Springs Damage Factory Hydraulics?

Lowering springs don't harm the stock hydraulic suspension. But changing the ride height of the car modifies the function of the suspension.

Spring features are important, too. An incorrect spring rate will alter the damper's responsiveness and negatively influence ride quality and handling.

Spring characteristics also matter. An inappropriate spring rate can change damper response and negatively affect ride quality and handling.

Lowering can also change suspension geometry, including camber and toe.

Therefore, the real concern isn't simply whether the spring interacts with the hydraulic system. It's whether the entire suspension continues operating within a sensible range after the modification.

What Happens If You Lower a 720S Too Much?

Lower isn't automatically better.

Less Suspension Travel

Suspension needs enough room to move through its travel. Excessive lowering reduces that available movement and can make the car less capable of absorbing bumps.

Increased Bottoming

You need to see the space and comfort of your car as well, because if you make it lower, it’ll create a problem while in speed bumps, the entrance sittings, or you may face damage down there. 

Altered Shape

When you lower a car, you modify the interaction between suspension components and the chassis. This can alter camber, toe and other geometrical aspects.

Uneven tyre wear

If the alignment isn’t rectified after lowering, camber or toe variations can cause uneven tyre wear.

Does Lowering Improve McLaren 720S Handling?

It can change handling, but lower does not necessarily indicate better.

A small drop in ride height can give a more aggressive posture and also modify body movement through a corner. But over-travel can restrict suspension travel and alter suspension geometry.

The factory suspension was designed as a package. You need to see if your new changes are not impacting the car, or else it’ll be a problem for you.

Will the Ride be Harsher if I Drop the Springs?

They can do that.

Ride quality is a function of spring rate, ride height, suspension travel, damper characteristics, wheels, tyres and road conditions.

You need to get into the understanding that if you keep this at normal and try to make it work for you, you need to do it the right way, or if you fail, your car may face a problem later. 

The concern is for all, but especially for the people driving it on roads every day. You probably wouldn’t get the same sensation on regular streets with a track-focused setup.

Lowered and Need an Alignment?

Yes, very suggested to do an alignment check

The suspension geometry can change with ride height and hence camber and toe.

After installing lowering springs, a professional should check:

• Front camber
• Rear camber
• Front toe
• Rear toe
• Steering position
• Tires and wheel clearance

Proper alignment will also assist keep handling predictable, and the risk of uneven tyre wear to a minimum.

What can be the Biggest Risk?

There are a number of dangers with lowering a McLaren 720S, namely:

• You are talking about lowering the height of your car; it can be a subjective opinion that it will not go badly.
• The springs: If, in any case, you did not put the right springs, your car is gone.
• Geometry changes: Can change camber and toe by lowering.
• Bad Installation: You know the problem it will cause you if you don't get it right; it may be noisy, bad handling, or way more.
• Bad alignment: Bad alignment can cause handling problems and faster tyre wear.
• Unproven components: Components without obvious engineering particular to the 720S could add unwarranted risk.

What to See When Installing Lowering Springs?

Before you even think about it, see if your car is ready.

Check:

• Exact 720S model and year
• Vehicle-specific spring compatibility
• Expected ride-height reduction
• Spring specifications
• Travel of suspension
• Damper compatibility
• Existing suspension condition
• Wheel/tyre ground clearance
• Installation procedure
• Alignment requirements

Is Lowering a McLaren 720S Worth It?

Yes, but you need to keep it right.

If the height goes down, the car will look good for sure, but the driving experience might change. But the goal shouldn’t be to make the car as low as feasible.

The better way is to get the desired stance while keeping proper suspension travel, geometry, clearance and drivability.

Expert Verdict

The McLaren 720S’s factory hydraulic suspension can’t be killed just by dropping the springs.

The question is how good and suitable the whole alteration is. Problems might be caused by excessive lowering, incompatible components, inadequate spring characteristics, limited suspension travel, and inappropriate alignment.

It’s a lot less sensible to just grab a spring that drops the most than it is to have a well-picked 720S-specific lowering solution fitted by a certified technician.

The 720S is a well-constructed supercar; therefore, the suspension mods should keep that combination of looks, performance and drivability.

FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions )

Lowering McLaren 720s – Is it Safe?

Yes, with 720S specialised lowering parts and professional fitting. Suspension travel, geometry, clearance, and alignment must be considered.

Can lowering springs damage the McLaren 720S hydraulic suspension?

Not automatically, but excessive lowering or incompatible springs can affect suspension travel and overall suspension performance.

How much can you safely lower a McLaren 720S?

There is no universal amount. It depends on the spring kit, suspension setup, wheel and tyre combination, and intended use.

Do lowering springs affect McLaren 720S handling?

Yes. Lowering can change suspension geometry, body movement and steering response, so the setup needs to be carefully matched to the vehicle.

Doesn’t it need an alignment after being lowered?

Yep. Lowering can vary these settings, which can affect handling and tyre wear; thus, a camber and toe alignment check is recommended.

Are aftermarket lowering springs safe for McLaren 720S?

They can, if they’re purpose-engineered for the 720S and installed by a professional with correct ride height and suspension specs.

Final Takeaway

It’s overly naive to think that simply lowering springs will ruin a McLaren 720S’s hydraulic suspension. The essential question is whether the change is for the car and keeps the suspension travel, geometry, clearance, and handling in check.

If you are looking for McLaren Aftermarket Parts, you should make sure that the parts are suitable for your specific automobile and of good quality, and not just go with the cheapest or most aggressive parts. Exotic Auto Parts is a wonderful resource for McLaren owners who desire information on aftermarket parts and performance mods.

The greatest modification for the 720S is one that offers you the angle you're seeking while keeping up with the exotic suspension engineering that helps make the car special.