Noise over bumps/road depressions - FINAL Review

[parkstr8r]

Ok - so everyone knows I'm on my 3rd set of 20's. And now running 255/40-20 - so the diameter is only .7 inches lager than the 245/45-19's that came with it.

Here's the wierdness. In the mornings (or when car is cold) when I go over speed bumps of even road depressions (where the wheel travels down and not up) i get a scraping sound. I've check the wheel wells and the tires - and no sign of rubbing anywhere. My installation shop did the same thing and nada.

I've been racking my brains - and now i'm thinking it may be the upgraded Hotchkis sway bar that rubbing slightly when moving or I thought I might be loose. They checked it once and said it's secure. Could it be struts? No issue in the rear.

I have the GTSPec front strut brace, and front and rear Hotchkiss sways.

Once the car has been driven for a bit - no noise on anything?!?!?!

Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm actually taking it to dealer next week.

[EX-KAT-35]

Hey there Parkstr8r do u have the smaller wheel/tire combo to try troubleshooting with?
Just an idea...
Dont think that that is the source of ur problem but who knows?
Its a process of elimination at this point unless someone else on here has had the same issue b4.
Was everything torqued according to spec OR was it just tightened on there?

[parkstr8r]

Hey Kat - nope - I sold the 19's a while back.

I'm going to start down the road of elimination. What is wierd is that once I've driven the car for a bit and its warm - there is no noise or scrapping sound.

When it's at the dealer Thursday - I'm going to have the put the stock front sway bar on and see if that's the problem.

Thx!

[parkstr8r]

Over on G37 a few guys have the same problem after installing the Hotchkis front sway bar! Woo hoo I love forums.

Now - grease it or go back to stock??

[XIS]

start with the grease and hope it works. If not, well....you know.

[EX-KAT-35]

If thats the cause my boyfriend uses the synthetic grease from Harbor Freight on his Hotchkis swaybar bushings.
If you have one where you live.
Not sure of name but its the only one they have there and it comes in a grey toothpaste style tube.

[parkstr8r]

I'm just having the front sway bar removed and the stock put back on. I don't want to have to deal with greasing it every few months. Of course...if it turns out that is not the issue...then...who knows.

[parkstr8r]

Ok - so the issue was 100% the Hotchkis sway bars. They did not come with the correct bushings - and are too thick for the EX.. Also - the dealer stated there were a few missing mount clamps (??!?!??!) - so i'm not 100% certain what my installer did.

But it's nice to know it's NOT the 20's. Plus - I actually prefer the ride on the crappy LA roads better without the additional sways.

Lesson learned. altho - totalled out it was a $500 dollar lesson. Time to head over the 370 forum and sell the sways along with my other two sets of 20's.

-s-

[ddean0612]

am looking to pout 20's on my ex, what is your reccomentation seen you had his issues?

[parkstr8r]

Funny - I have two sets of 20's for sale!!!

20's are fine with either a 255/40-20 or 245/45-20 tire. No rubbing of anykind. Just skip the upgraded sway bars. My ride is so good now that they are off...and I'm running 255/40 -20's.

You can go a full inch taller - which is the 245/45 - but any larger and you risk rubbing.

Buy my wheels!

[EX-KAT-35]

Sorry to hear your installer jerry-rigged ur swaybar install.
All he had to do was follow instructions or say it doesn't fit.
Good to hear ur rollin strong again.

What is wrong with people these days?
Or EXs are not beaters taking half-measure fixes.

To set the record straight for anyone wishing to do the swaybar install properly with the correct parts MAYBE??? Here is the lube my boyfriend uses.
He says one application should last for 3years minimum. He hasn't touched his in 2 years and says they're still perfectly lubed under there. This is in Cali weather though. Few freezing days mostly warm weather and no road salt. Either way that should not bother it.



Link to Harbor Freight site:

http://www.harborfreight.com/85-gram-su ... 93744.html

Description
Extend equipment life and protect your tools and accessories from wear, rust and corrosion with synthetic grease! This patented formula contains Syncolon® (PTFE) to outlast petroleum-based grease and keep your equipment in top condition longer. This waterproof synthetic grease is also dielectric, making it suitable for electrical applications.

Protects against wear, rust and corrosion
Extends equipment life
Waterproof
Dielectric

[EXceptional]

Super Lube... not to be used on humans.