Only 1 Day with my GC/AGX setup, and I'm already complaining!
 

Hey guys,

I finally got around to installing my Ground Control Coilovers and KYB AGX shocks today. It took me about 5 hours to do the install (had a few problems along the way). Anyways, the car looks amazing, but I have nothing but negative things to say about the way it rides.

It is loud, and noisy. Even the smallest bumps make the suspension clunk. Somtimes it squeaks...loud. Also, the ride is very bouncy. So far, I'm not happy...but I'm also not finished. I have the left side of the car exactly where I want it...about 2 fingers gap. The right side is still down all the way. I still have to raise it up about 1/2" or so. Also, I still have to put some of the spiral wrap on the coils. Maybe that will help with the noise.

Right now, the AGX's are on 2 and 4. I'm gonna try to switch them down to 1 and 2 and see if I like it. I kinda regret that I sold my Sprint Springs now. I should've just kept them.

What do you think guys? Right now, I'm strongly considering just selling the GCs and getting Sprints.

Later,
-Nick

Welcome to the world of coilovers...
 

My brother has a Sustec Pro full coilover suspension on his Accord and has the same problem you do. I can only imagine these "1/2" coilovers to be worse (putting more strain on a strut not ment to be paired with such a small spring). Glad I got Sprints. :)
-Cyrus

my setup is not noisy at all. no clunks or squeaks. your ride is bouncy because you dropped your car a lot.

didnt know you started a thread, well you know what i think...:cool:

Hmm...who helped you install it? Because there is another thread in the 4th gen forum about noisy GC and some parts being lefted out.

I am dissappointed you don't like the setup, make sure everything is in check and that the car sits perfectly even (ie. one side being lower or higher than the other) I bet your car looks like da bomb though;)

If there is a clunk when your car hits a slight bump, there could be something loose with your installation.

GC coil overs have higher spring rates than normal springs. They are also shorter in length. If you compress it (lowering it), the spring rates increase. So it contributes to the harsh ride. The squeaks might go away after use.

As far as the boucing goes, I recommend turning the dial on the AGX up a little.

1) Adjust the ride-height evenly
2) Play with the AGX settings.

I found that with my Apex springs (not coilovers, but spring fundamentals are same for purpose of this point), when I had the fronts set on "2" the ride was a little bouncy at times. When I moved the setting up to "3," the front actually smoothed out significantly.

My assumption?

The spring rate is relatively high on my springs and on "2," the struts' valving was not suitable to keeping the spring "in check," so it was compressing and rebounding with too great a force for the strut to keep up. When I tightened up the valving by going up one click to "3," the valving better matched the spring rate & kept the spring movement in better control.

If you try the same, you might find an improvement as well.

I LOVE the KYB AGX!!!!!

:D

doesn't 'the blue' and 'matt calder' have the same setup? Maybe you need to talk to them.

what spring rates did you choose - that could be your mistake right there.

Mine are the default spring rates.

I did the install myself with my dad and the guidance of my neighbor who owns a body shop. The car is even now, and it's still really noisy and bouncy. I'm gonna give it a week. If I don't like it, then next Saturday I'm taking them out and selling them.

Later,
-Nick

make sure u get aligment done everythime u adjust the suspension or else uw ill be replacing tires left and right
also take the shock settin to softer

Are the rears or the fronts noisy. If it is the rears then you may have the older version of the GC's. The newer versions have a domed aluminum "tophat" while the older ones are flat. The flat ones make so much noise that it is not even funny. I got the replacement tophats from GC for $25. It makes a world of difference. If you have the newer GC's then I have no idea what is wrong.

Does the Clunking noise only happen on big bumps?

The noise seems like it's coming from the front, especially the left side. There is always a faint "grinding" noise. Over small bumps, it is very bouncy and clunky. When I go over big bumps, it's VERY bouncy and VERY loud.

-Nick

Ok, the grinding noise might be coming from the spring shifting off the grey plastic washer. Jack up your car and you should see a circular grey washer with a little raised section sitting on top of the spring. Run your finger along that or if you can jack you car up high enough tilt it so you can see it. If it is making noise then the raised part will be focked up somewhere. That is the only prob i have had with mine. I have had to replace that stupid little washer 3 times now. When it gets messed up, the spring will move a little bit and that is what should be making the grinding noise.

On the bouncing, just raise it up a notch or too and see if that helps. Or adjust your struts to a stiffer setting.

matt

matt calder, what kind and size rims do you have? they look really sharp in that color. also, what's your tire choice?

Thanks
18 in Volk Gunmetal Te37's w/ Toyo T1's

I just bought some Bridgestone Re-730's though

Yum Yum on the Volks Matt, Rudy you already getting tired of my 95 SE rims??:)

Guys, I'm thinking about switching to DropZone springs. What are your thoughts? I guess the GC coils aren't for me.

Later,
-Nick

well, you warned me about the alignment and sure enough my right front outer edge is starting to feather badly. it's probably also due to rough philly roads i fly by on as well. my shocks are set pretty stiff (3 front, 6 rear). very nice volks MattC. for some reason i didn't recognize them right away. sometime in the future i'd like some lightweight forged rims. arnaud, who helped you get your AGXs on? it handles better than the tokicos could ever dish out yeah?

3 days later and im luvin my GC/KYB-AGK set up !!

the ride is great whip looks sick !!!!!

cant wait till i get my rims !!

fronts r set @ 3 rears @ 6

the coilovers r gone period !!!

dam things broke my wheel bearing !!!!

make noise left to right ...

i got h%r springs now ... they r still in the process os the settle period..so lets see...so far...feels a whole lot better ... settin on kybs r 3 front and 6 rear ...

i hope this works out ....

play around with the agx's and get the car evened out. gc's arent known for ride quality. if you want the low drop then you have to take what comes along with it..

Wow. This thread is old...from a few months ago. I sold my GCs and I have Sprint Springs now. I like them better than the GCs. :p

Later,
-Nick