I'm having some problems with installing the Tokico Illuminas rear shocks with Tien H-Tech springs and KYB boots. After the installation of the rears, there is about a 1 inch gap in between the top bushing and the washer on the left side but the right side has less than a 1/4 inch gap. When I start driving, this causes a lot of noise from the rear on both the right and left sides. I cannot tighten the center nut down anymore since there is no more thread left on the center shaft. I have the shock/spring assembled in the following order.

1. Illumina shock
2. KYB boot
3. H-Tech Tien spring
4. Upperspring seat rubber
5. Shock absorber mounting bracket
6. Shock absorber mounting seal
7. Top bushing
8. Washer
9. 2 center nuts (came with Tokico shock)
10. 2 side mounting nuts

I left out the bottom bushing because I was told that I didn't need it since I was using KYB boots and they had built-in bushing but it looks like I may need them. Can anyone lend me a hand because I am now going on the 3rd day on this install? (Problems with the shock mount screw...long story). Thanks for your time and help.

 

i had that lil problem and hated it!!But i don't even hear it anymore.All i did was put a few more washers on the top.Try that

 

You need to put back the bottom bushing and torque the center nut down, 16 ft-lb or so. The bushings need compression to do their job. Otherwise the shock does not work well.

 

I'll give it a try tomorrow morning and let you know. The front install went off without any problems. Suprising how the back is being a pain even though most people say the back is the easier of the two. Thanks again for the help guys.

 

You're supposed to reuse all these parts(except the one on the left.

 

Thanks Big D. That clears things up.

 

That's what I'm here for.

 

Ok, I put the bottom bushing back on the shaft of the shock and the gap at the top is gone now. However, when I take a bump, I hear a medal clanging sound coming from the back of the car. I sat in my trunk while someone else was driving and it seems that the sound is coming from the outside. Specifically, it sounds like the mounting bracket is making contact with the medal frame or something. I don't think it's coming from the spring and the Tiens already have the rubber isolation on the top and bottom of the spring. I have looked at the FSM and comfirmed that I have the correct assembly order of the shock/spring/various parts. Also, all bolts and nuts have been torqued to spec. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have taken this damn thing apart more times than I can count and need some expert advice. I'm about to give up and take it to a shop but I know it's someone small that I'm missing and don't want to waste the money.

 

Something still isn't correct with your install.

You have only one choice....

Take it apart and fix it.

 

Did you happen to get a metal washer with the struts or boots?

 

Well, I found the problem. Seems like I had the bound bumper cover after the bottom bushing. This caused the clanging sound when it hits against the mounting bracket. Switched positions and all is now quiet. The H-Tech Tien drop is alot more than I expected; very nice. Side note, should I get an alignment right away or should I let the supension settle first? Thanks again for the help.

 

let it settle for a couple weeks, don't drive it too too hard in the meantime (to avoid uneven tire wear) congrats

 

I just had my Illuminas installed today, and I have the same problem. Is the answer to add more washers and double check the bushings?

I am bringing the car back to the shop first thing in the morning, so any help would be greatly appreciated !

 

I have a thread posted with a good exploded view showing all the components that make up the spring/strut assembly. Hope it helps:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=491906

I am running a bit behind updating it with additional pics ... hopefully the weekend.

 

excellent write up, but I think this issue is unique to Illumina shocks. I don't recall seeing this issue on my KYB AGX shocks.

 

Figured it out, the took off the bound bumper cover (8), and forgot to replace it on the new shocks, duh?!

It's all better now, yeah !

Now back to our originally sheduled Boston potholes !