Just installed new springs, struts, bushings, rims/tires...question

mstove · Mar 2, 2009, 05:28 PM

Ok, so this past weekend I installed Tein S-Tech springs, KYB GR-2 struts, new end link bushings, and new rims and tires (205/45 -17's). Would have liked a little more drop, but it'll do, and I haven't had a chance for a really good road test, but I've already noticed a huge improvement in cornering.

Anyway, a couple questions:

I noticed an intermitten clunk sound coming from the back. Usually only over small bumps or when I'm just starting to move after coming to a stop. Doesn't happen all the time, but often enough to notice. I haven't noticed it at higher speeds. Checked under the car and all connecting point for the struts, everything seems to be tight. So I searched this forum for about an hour trying to filter throug all of the suspension related posts and couldn't find any answers. I was wondering if this could just be the car settling into all the new hardware, but I don't know if that even makes sense. Any help is appreciated.

Also, during my search of this forum I found a thread that was talking about the top mounts needing to be reinstalled in the same position they were removed from (same bolts going through same mounting holes). But the post didn't specify what type of car this was for. Anyway, I did all the work myself but this was my first time doing any suspension stuff so I didn't know this and thus don't know if I reinstalled the same bolts through thier respective original holes. Does this aply to 2002 OZ's? Is there anyway to tell if I screwed this up?

Thanks in advance for the help.

03_Lancer_ES · Mar 2, 2009, 06:16 PM

I don't think it's possible to screw that up that badly really. I mean, it's mostly the same as taking apart.

I doubt the re-installation requires having the top mounts in the same holes. How stiff is it? My car clunks over all the bloody bumps, but only because it's so freaking stiff now ha ha.

mstove · Mar 2, 2009, 08:57 PM

It is a little rougher ride of course. I think a big part of that is going from stock rims and tires to larger rims with 205/40 tires...but naturally the springs are going to effect that as well. That was expected, but this clunking is not just over small bumbs...it's also *sometimes* happens right when I start moving from a stop. Again, none of this is under high speed or turning conditions. There is not an unusual amount of stress on the suspension when I notice it.

If it's something I just have to live with, no problem. It's really not all that bothersome. I just want to make sure it's not messing up something else.

mstove · Mar 4, 2009, 12:15 AM

Anyone else have suggestions or info in regards to the original post in this thread? Thanks.

4g94T · Mar 4, 2009, 01:35 AM

I've had s-techs for years now and that noise gets worse.
I just bought some synthetic grease to apply on my polyurethane bushings.

mstove · Mar 4, 2009, 06:55 PM

Let me know if that grease helps any. I replaced all the end link bushings in the front and back and I was actually thinking it could be the bushings.

Daedalus2051 · Mar 4, 2009, 07:33 PM

I've had the Tein Basic Damper Coilover system for about two months now and I have the same symptom with the clunking over bumps. I also hear a creaking/groaning noise while turning sometimes. I asked my coworker who is a master technician and he said not to worry about it and that it could be due to the cold weather.
The grease and polyurethane bushings sound like they would help with that but I honestly don't believe it's doing any damage; I've checked the car over and over again, especially when I first installed them I would even pull over to the side of the road at times as well as putting it on the lift at my shop. Everything checked out fine however.

As I said above I did the installation myself, save for some help with the rear suspension from my coworker seeing as how when I tried to do it I snapped the stabilizer link and had to get a replacement one... anyway I didn't think about lining up the same holes with the mounts... I remember having to line up the spring with the strut when I was disassembling the spring/struts for my steering and suspension class but that was if you were replacing one or the other not both.

That's what I remember anyway...hopefully that's correct, but then again I haven't had any problems with it and I've had a noticeable increase in handling.

LAmazda3 · Mar 10, 2009, 12:56 PM

Any pics?

Daedalus2051 · Mar 10, 2009, 06:50 PM

just post a thread on my build. got mucho pics there.

here ya go
Another Build Thread...OZ Rally Style - **Long page load warning**

lancerman360 · Mar 11, 2009, 08:19 PM

I had the s techs and never heard any bumping noise.

Make sure those end links and tight enough.

blaze_125 · Mar 13, 2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancerman360

I had the s techs and never heard any bumping noise.

Make sure those end links and tight enough.

What he said /\
Also make sure the springs were actually installed up side up, and not up side down.
Make sure the springs are properly seated in base of the strut assy.
If you have a sound system that weights a million pounds, that could be something to look at.
If the coils are banging against each other(like the progress springs do) you'll want to sleeve your coils(it actually works)

hera87 · Apr 9, 2009, 05:23 PM

Hey i had that problem last year and it turned out to be the wheel bearings... the noise was driving me nuts and it took the mechanics over a day to find the problem but after they changed them it was like new, hope this helps, good luck!

jason33hs · Apr 26, 2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hera87

Hey i had that problem last year and it turned out to be the wheel bearings... the noise was driving me nuts and it took the mechanics over a day to find the problem but after they changed them it was like new, hope this helps, good luck!

Stock suspension for autocross, but with sticky tires took it's toll on mine. Both rear wheel bearings have been replaced. I did the whole hub assembly since the part was cheaper than the bearing.