suspension question

[InFeXIoN]

after you install a tokico and eibach pro kit, are there normally noises.

[mountjonas]

i didn't notice any new suspension noises.

[novAKs47]

What kind of noises are you experiencing? If the center bolt of the struts is not tightened all the way, they'll clunk and make all sorts of wonderfull noises. lol Also, if the springs aren't properly seated into that little groove on the spring perch on the shock, then that will create noises as well. The last thing than can cause your ears grief, is the upper mounts getting messed up from swapping the shocks. They'll make similiar noises as the loose bolt clunk, only you'll get some weird squeeking/squishing noises as well.

[InFeXIoN]

its only on the front left, from what i can hear. Whenever i go onto an uneven road with a bump, or go over a speed bump it makes this clunk noise. if i slightly brake while going over a speed bump it doesnt do it.

[novAKs47]

Mine did the same exact thing, but it started doing it well before I swapped my shocks/springs. The swap made the noise even worse, as in more frequent and louder, plus it caused my right front to chime in as well. It's got to be the upper mount. My shocks are as tight as they'll go(all the threads are used up), and it sill makes noise, and the endlinks are fine. I say just replace 'em. I know I know, not fun, but I have to do it as well. I just despise having to get the car aligned again because of the mounts. lol Oh well.

[InFeXIoN]

you mean the top hat asembly, the hat with the 4 threads coming out of it?

[novAKs47]

Exactly. It's got that rubber bushing in the center. I believe that's what gets messed up. You can drive it like that for a while too, so you don't have to hurry and replace them. I've been cuizing around for quite some time with the left front messed up. lol About 3 months before the shocks, and around 2 after. They're getting a little louder, but oh well.

[InFeXIoN]

so why do those get messed up?

[novAKs47]

Well, when the factory mounts are installed, they're all new components(of course). So, they get broken in a certain way, and settle in. When you remove the mounts, and then re-install them, they deform slightly and lose their shape. It's not much, but it's enough to cause problems. It'd be kind of like removing your manifold, and then trying to re-use the gasket. It may or may not work, depending on the condition of the gasket. Same thing with trying to re-use bushings.

[InFeXIoN]

so how much do the front 2 cost

[novAKs47]

I have no idea yet. I'm still waiting for a qoute from CaptainKRMP5. Er, rather he's waiting for a qoute from Mazda. lol

[toucci]

you have to kind of mess up big time to damage the upper mounts because they're pretty foolproof. it happens though, probalby from it falling apart and being smashed together when it's not aligned right

[InFeXIoN]

the noise happend when me and alan were done and went for a test drive and on the way back from not even driving for 10mins

[SubXer0]

subbing* mine make the same noise been wondering for a bit how to fix this

[InFeXIoN]

well i havent had my alignment yet, would it be safe to get one with it still clunking, or wait for it to be fixed first then get an alignment?

[novAKs47]

you have to kind of mess up big time to damage the upper mounts because they're pretty foolproof. it happens though, probalby from it falling apart and being smashed together when it's not aligned right

Yeah, that's what's contributing to the frustration. lol They only go together one way. All I did was remove the stock shocks and springs, and put it all back together in the correct order. Maybe I totaly missed something though. The left front on mine was making noise well before the install though, and the shocks were the ones that came on the car.

[InFeXIoN]

so would it be safe for me to get an alignment, or fix it then get an alignment
. cause i get them for free.

[novAKs47]

Yeah, it's perfectly fine to get it aligned. You certainly don't want uneven/premature tire wear. My alignment numbers were not too far off, but enough that my tires would've worn unevenly. That, and you can get them for free? Then there's definitly no reason to put it off.

[InFeXIoN]

yea the top mounts are 146 from the dealer for both. and i got my alignment all my shit was pretty much in specs

[novAKs47]

$146. That's not too bad. Oh wait, I'm in CA, and in a large bay area city. lol So I simply multiply that by 2, and that's what my dealer will want. $292. That sounds about right. :D Dealerships here love to rape everyone for any parts needed.

[InFeXIoN]

well if i can get a good deal on shipping maybe i can just buy it for you down here, and ship them to you

[novAKs47]

Thanks for the generosity! I'll probably just be getting them via Ken, but if for whatever reason he can't get them, I'll just send you a PM and we can work something out.

[InFeXIoN]

cool, anything to help. cause i certainly wouldnt want to pay that price over there.

[truplayax14]

I put dropzone coilovers on and it started squeaking and popping. I just bought new Tokico HPs and I havent decided which springs to get... Anyone know the best ones to get if i want the ride to be comfortable?

[novAKs47]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58798 Lots of usefull info there. If you want decent ride quality, I'd go with some progressive rate springs. Ppl on here seem to have good results with Eibach springs, although I wouldn't touch them myself(quality horror stories). Pretty much any of the "appearance" springs will do the job.

[chiefmg]

I bought the Tokico HP kit which included their springs. Drop is a little over an inch, ride is firm without being jarring. And the handling...wonderful!

[truplayax14]

thanx that post was really helpful