New here so forgive me if there is another forum topic I should be asking this question.
I installed a set of Pro kit springs with those inexpensive KYB struts last night in my garage.
First let me say that I measured pre and post install and I'm very dissappointed. Got maybe 1" for the front drop and maybe 1/2' for the rear. Back in Sept I put a set of 18's with ultra low pro tires.
I am old, 39, and do not drift the car. I just want to tinker and keep it nice. BTW I bought it 2 1/2 years ago from a guy I work with. He kept it almost mint condition and it had 70k original miles on it when I bought it.
Since then I have crept up to 88k which isn't that bad for two and a half years of ownership.
My problem is that the front suspension now makes TERRIBLE popping noises when I turn the wheel or drive up a sligh curb (like when you pull into your driveway at home.)
I did notice that the steering rack boot is torn close to the center of the rack and I will be fixing that next. The other thing I noticed is that the rubber mounts on the bottom of the spindles are pretty old/torn up.
For that matter, I'm sure all the subframe bushings are worn and I'm wondering if the slight lowering/stiffening of the struts are finally causing the whole thing to fall apart.
I am still using the original struts up front (still waiting for the backordered KYBs to ship) and only the spring and dust boot are new.
It is possible that I could return the springs to JC Whitney and change to the Sportlines and then change the whole car to Sportlines.
I've read a lot of posts that do not recommend those springs.
I have resolved myself to the fact that I will probably be removing/replacing the entire suspension at least one more time.
I'm stuck and about $400 poorer with an almost stock ride height and messed up front suspension for now.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Eibach install problem
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skydragoness
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92' 240sx 60k survivor :) - Location: North DFW, TEJAS
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Re: Eibach install problem (jestmaty)
Ah, nothing like lowering your car to pronounce all the suspension pieces that needed to be replaced but were never noticed when the car was stock.
I know how you feel, it's annoying, but forseeable. Strut-mounts, tension rods, outer/inner tie rods should be replaced to help improve things. Dropping your car 2" plus is going to cause a lot more problems than you already have (camber issues, accelerated tire wear, bottoming out, etc) , so it's a good idea to stay away from the Sportlines (maybe you got some of my replies in your search). I'd keep the Pro-kits, they are good springs. There are other spring sets out there that lower between 1.5' and 1.8' in the front, but how long have your springs been on the car since you posted? It does take a couple of days or so of driving for them to 'settle' in.
I know how you feel, it's annoying, but forseeable. Strut-mounts, tension rods, outer/inner tie rods should be replaced to help improve things. Dropping your car 2" plus is going to cause a lot more problems than you already have (camber issues, accelerated tire wear, bottoming out, etc) , so it's a good idea to stay away from the Sportlines (maybe you got some of my replies in your search). I'd keep the Pro-kits, they are good springs. There are other spring sets out there that lower between 1.5' and 1.8' in the front, but how long have your springs been on the car since you posted? It does take a couple of days or so of driving for them to 'settle' in.
ProKit is known for being a very mild drop (usually people think it to be less than advertised) I know as I sell Eibach product and have heard many complaints.
Popping can be attributed to any number of old / worn bushings or joints. Get the car to a shop you trust. Have them inspect ball joint, tie rod, tension rod bushings.
Also what is the tire size?
Popping can be attributed to any number of old / worn bushings or joints. Get the car to a shop you trust. Have them inspect ball joint, tie rod, tension rod bushings.
Also what is the tire size?
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jestmaty
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215/35/18
I'll probably get a shop to inspect the above mentioned parts after I reinstall the springs with the new struts in a couple of weeks.
Did I maybe overtighten anything during the reassembly of the strut? Like the nut on top of the strut? Was there some secret to setting the spring on the perch?
Thx....
I'll probably get a shop to inspect the above mentioned parts after I reinstall the springs with the new struts in a couple of weeks.
Did I maybe overtighten anything during the reassembly of the strut? Like the nut on top of the strut? Was there some secret to setting the spring on the perch?
Thx....
Yes...if the spring isn't seated correctly on the perch it will make that popping noise you described. I know from experience.
Also if the top hat of the strut assembly is not facing the correct way (the notch should be facing the engine) it may make that noise.
When you get your front KYB's in make sure the last coil of the spring is firmly seated in the bottom perch, there is a track for the end of the coil, just get it snugly in there and make sure the top hat is assembled correctly.
Also consider putting on new front strut mounts while you have the assembly apart - if they are worn out they can make that "popping" noise on turns as the assembly rotates.
One last thing, springs usually tend to settle a bit after they've been driven for a bit. My RS*R's have settled about 1/4 inch so far after 5000 miles.
Also if the top hat of the strut assembly is not facing the correct way (the notch should be facing the engine) it may make that noise.
When you get your front KYB's in make sure the last coil of the spring is firmly seated in the bottom perch, there is a track for the end of the coil, just get it snugly in there and make sure the top hat is assembled correctly.
Also consider putting on new front strut mounts while you have the assembly apart - if they are worn out they can make that "popping" noise on turns as the assembly rotates.
One last thing, springs usually tend to settle a bit after they've been driven for a bit. My RS*R's have settled about 1/4 inch so far after 5000 miles.