Hi All,

I've been hearing noises while driving - crackling almost. At first it was only noticable when turning/braking in the rain, now it happens all the time - going up a hill, turning left or right at slow speeds, etc. From what I've read, I'm thinking it's the Strut Mount(s). Does this sound accurate?

It's not a job I can do myself, so I'm assuming I'll have to take it in. While at it, I figure I might as well upgrade the suspension. Here's what I'm thinking:

KYB Strut Bearing L3030-151228 x2
KYB Strut Mount L3035-151227 x2
Tien Basic Damper Coilover System DSP28-LUSS2 x1

Plus labor, I'm figuring just around $1100.

Does anyone have any other advice - am I missing any components (this is entirely new to me)? Anything I need to tell the mechanic (likely just taking it to a local muffler shop)? Anyone have issues with the Tien Basic system?

Thanks!

 

You can do your own suspension and save a good amount of money there are write up for suspension install, and for coil over install (which isnt really different).


spring compressors are $16 shipped.

If you like doing your own work on the car then this can definately be done.

 

Or free rental from Autozone. The only thing to know is you must plan on an alignment immediately after doing the work. Disconnecting and reassembling the strut to the knuckle will affect toe angle and camber.

Dave

 

Don't the Tein Basics come with their own bearings/mounts?

 

I appreciate the thought, but it's definitely not something that I want to tackle on my own - I can do some things, and I can probably do this, but I don't envy the task (quite yet) - I'll watch and do it next time

d00df00d, according to description on the Tien Basics:

Contents of damper kit Height Adjustable shock absorber x4, Main spring x4, Lower spring seat x4, Seat lock x4, Thrust washer x4, Bump rubber x4, Dust cover x4 Hook spanner x2, Instruction manual

I'm assuming they aren't included.

Are there any other parts that I'm missing?

 

struts/shock.

 

Your typical muffler place can install springs and struts with no problem. their labor rate is usually HALF what a repair shop charges. It cost $140 for me to have all four springs and struts installed. That's really not too bad, so yeah, don't feel shy about bringing it in if you are worried about the install. It won't be that expensive. HOWEVER, make sure you find a shop that will install outside parts, BEFORE you order your suspension parts!

Last thing: I'm sure tein basics are good, but that's a lot of money to commit to suspension. Why not go to cattman.com or one of the group deals and get some KYB AGX struts and some reasonable springs (Eibachs, Tein H-techs, or Progress Sport springs). That would only cost $550 for the springs and struts. Add $110 for mounts and bearings. Add $140 for installation.

Thats $800 instead of $1100!!!

 

because it's a MUCH better idea to get the best you can afford in the first place. Have you read ANY of the reviews on the Tein Basics? They are simply the best out right now.

Your standard strut/spring combo just does not compare.

 

Good call. But I have a feeling oigs is prioritizing handling and adjustable ride hight over ride smoothness and ease of installation. Am I wrong?

Actually this is probably a good time to point out how much rougher the Teins will ride than any of the spring/strut combos (i.e. a lot)....

 

If you do autocross, yeah, go for the best setup money can buy. If you just like to sport around town, then there are less harsh setups that will give you good handling without breaking your @ss whenever you hit a bump.

That's a personal choice. I came from stock GLE suspension (MUSH!) so upgrading to something a little stiffer than stock SE suspension was a HUGE upgrade in handling already.

 

Hmmmm.... not too sure about that.

The D2 and JIC coilovers are far more adjustable -- ride height, spring preload, damping, etc. -- whereas the Teins only allow ride height adjustment.

Plus, most or all of the best reviews of the Teins seem to come from Cali, where the roads are really nice. oigs is in NY, where the roads are..... not as nice. Progressive rate springs with good struts would not only ride *much* more smoothly than the Teins (which are linear-rate), but perhaps also safer -- hitting a bump in the middle of a corner at high speed with Tein Basics might send the car skidding off the road, whereas a spring/strut combo would be better able to absorb the bump.

It's all about doing the math and figuring out your tradeoffs.

 

since when r the roads nice in cali, well depends were but la area has the worst roads iin the world IMO

 

Yeah it definitely depends on the area. On average though, I've seen many, many more bad roads up here than down there.

 

Could it be worn out CV joints? Maybe the boots are torn and its corroded up there?

 

just get the ksport coilovers, there is a GD for 740 shipped(untill end of may), and a company in new york is selling them for 700 shipped(untill end of april) i ordered from the guy in new york. There is a review in the GD on the ksport coilovers.