Chinese Buffet

BACKGROUND:
A few days ago I got a new suspension combo for my 95 EG Coupe, KONI Yellows with H&R Race. I did not do the installation. My understanding is that there are 3 preset heights to choose from with the KONIs. Right now they are at the lowest setting. Currently the car is sits at around 2.8F 2.5R or so (I'm guessing by eyeballing). I'm not sure why its so low, I always though H&R Race is 2.25 - 2.5 or so? Correct me if I'm wrong.

MY PROBLEM:
Right after the install, I started to hear "clicking" sound (literally) coming from the Left Rear section shock / spring unit. This only happens mostly when I go over small bumps or over cracks thats on the road. Sometimes I hear it going over big bumps. It sounds like the spring is not settled in the shock unit correctly but when I jacked up my car today to take a look, from what I can see its sitting in the little "cup" fine and also the top of the springs is nested firmly in the car portion at the top.

Could the firmness setting on the shock play a role in this problem? What could possibly be the cause of this clicking sound? Sounds like something is definately loose back there. I'm very concerned about this sound I'm affraid safety is in jeopardy here. Any ideas? Please help out.

- CB

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

Whoever did you install is a crack-*****-monkey. This is why I say always do the install yourself, so if this happens it's no biggie to dig back in and remedy the problem. Now, you have no idea what to look for. First of all, let us tackle your height problem... the Neuspeed race will sit 2.25" down on a STOCK height perch, but as you correctly pointed out, the Konis have three settings for height, giving a total of an extra .5" of adjustment. Since you are on the lowest setting, this combo gives you about 2.75" of drop. I will also mention that your CV joints are taking extreme abuse at this height without any geometry correction, so I suggest you have your spring perches lifted to the top location where they are close to stock. This will yield a sporty, non-abusive drop.

Secondly, the installer clearly forgot a washer or two in the process of reassembly. There is a washer at the top of the strut rod that keeps the combination seated....forgetting this would cause the setup to appear normal, but in fact be useless and even dangerous. At low speeds, try to so a swerving manouver (under 20 km/h). If the back end of your car feels unstable, then this is most likely your problem. Get a diagram of the strut assembly out, then go take your rear shock out, and make sure all the parts are there cuz your crack-*****-monkey mechanic prolly lost a part or two. Also check the torque on the top nuts (both the 14mm strut tower nuts and the middle shock rod nut). Also check for properly trimmed bump stops, cuz by the sound of it, your incompetent mechanic may have forgotten to take care of this detail.

Chinese Buffet

Should I just take it to a shop that does suspensions and have them redo the entire setup? Sounds to me I might as well if I want to maintain a safe and unwreckless setup. I would try and do it but I don't have all the tools and I know if I even attemp this job with just the basic wrench and socket tools its going to take me forever.

So let me just summarize all the **** I need to get fixed... or atleast the **** I know of so far that's gone wrong... who knows what else is out there.

- Front spring perches raised to the highest setting.
- Have all the assembly re-analized for missing parts (washers, bump stops, etc..)

I've check the top nuts and also the rod nut, they are all there. I actaully watched him put all the shocks back on. He took all my OEM shock assemblies apart and basically used the top plate and bump stop (he cut the bumpstop) and maybe a few washers. The rest were scattered all over. I still have to original parts but I'm pretty sure some of the parts from what's left over are gone.

My other question is regarding the three height settings, are the height settings only for the front pairs or is there height settings for the rear pair as well? If they are height settings for all 4 shocks, should they all be set at the highest?

Anyways this is a big mess and a waste of money (because it wasn't done right the first time). I'm going to have to get it checked out tommorow. Anything else you guys want to add? I need as much information as I can! Thanks.

- CB

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

koni-na.com states that the sport:

Features adjustable spring seat for ride height adjustment
Adj. spring perch can lower car approx. F = 25mm R = 15mm

Both front and rear are adjustable, but it's up to the user to decide on a height. If you are happy with the way the rear is, then leave it. But if the front is dropped close to 3 inches, then you ought to raise that for the sake of your CV joints. Otherwise, have both adjusted until you are happy. Instead of paying that $100 to have this fixed, invest that in a set of tools to start you off and do it youself. Down the road, if you ever wanna adjust it again, you can do it. Plus you have tools to fool around with other things. If you saw him cut the bump stops and put them back, fine... but like I said, you are most likely missing a washer or two. Also check the length of the dust boot (metal portion of it). Suspensions aren't that complex when you look at them, they are just intimidating cause they do so much for your car. Go ahead and dig in... you'll feel better about both modifying and working on your car. You just need a simple job like this one to get you started. Buy Craftsman Professional series tools, I like those (Sears), or Husky (Home Depot). Get a nice large set of tools for future use. You can get a nice jack at either Costco or Canadian Tire, possibly Princess Auto.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

Ooops almost forgot, you need a 14mm socket, a 17mm socket, and a 14mm wrench, 12 mm socket, 10 mm socket, 6 mm allen key, and I think that will get you well on your way. A hammer, jack, jack stands, pry bar, grease, antiseize compound, and a torque wrench are also always good to have around.