Rep Power: 321

Hey guys,

I can't seem to find a solution to the problem i'm having. I got a set of Tein Basis' and had a friend install them for me. The springs are binding and causing a popping noise whenever I turn. I've got an 03 EX sedan.

I've lubricated the contact spots where the spring meets the top mount, and the issue seems to go away, but as the lube wears out, it comes back.

I've read a few threads where people have had the same issue, but haven't found a solution. Can anything be done to solve the problem permanently? Any parts that need to be bought?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 
Rep Power: 313

Your shocks aren't indexed properly, that is what's causing the noise. Unfortunately you need to remove them, compress the springs and index them properly or they will continue to make noise forever.

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/4...like-pics.html

Most people forget this the first time they do an install.

 
Rep Power: 181

^that's not necessarily true...

Indexing isn't all that straightforward or even really noted with coilover installation...
Binding will occur on almost any struts you get that don't have roller bearing upper mounts. The McPhereson strut design in our cars causes the seat to spin while the spring remains seated and therefore they pop when binding up.

I too have TEIN Basis. I used to put lube between the upper two bearing plates, but it never lasted long. Some people have suggested installing a thrust bearing in between those plates to permanently stop the problem, but I haven't actually tried this yet so i can't say if it works or not:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/thr...AiA&sst=subset

(I'm not sure the exact size that would fit, but I'm guessing it would be the 2.5" inner diameter.)

Binding is not an extremely harmful issue, just kinda annoying. I just stopped caring about the noise and laugh as people look at my car funny when I'm pulling out of parking lots

 
Rep Power: 313

Hmm.. I know you have them too krud but indexing them properly should definitely correct it. Especially if your using OEM upper mounts.

 
Rep Power: 181

Mine are indexed correctly
I made damn sure of it when I installed them...

 
Rep Power: 313

Then I can't offer a solution Did you use OEM mounts or aftermarket brand?

 
Rep Power: 321

bleh... i'll probably just live with it since i hardly drive the car anymore since i got my Z. maybe i'll tear it down and see if they're indexed if i get a free weekend. Thanks for the help guys!!!

 
Rep Power: 243

The sound could be the bearing in the mount popping. Did you use new mounts?

Maybe those little rubber covers that go over the springs would help?

 
Rep Power: 313

Yea.. good call.. always put new top mounts when you replace your struts... if its been a long time anyway.

 
Rep Power: 181

I still don't think indexing is the problem. The noise just has to do with the design of the strut itself. TEIN just put in flat bearings for the top instead of rollers. There might be some kind of magical lubricant out there that will last longer, but I certainly haven't found it :P

If you're gonna take the struts out, might as well try the 2.5" thrust bearings and tell me if it works or not lol

 
Rep Power: 243

I think your issue is the mount bearing not spinning freely. If your strut mount is working properly it shouldn't need a thrust washer to help it spin freely. I took some pics of mine to see if yours is similar.

Top OEM mount with bearing installed and purple spring thing:





Purple spring thing installed onto mount. If I push on the purple part and twist it will spin freely:





Spring mounted. The bottom of the spring is flat, I guess to allow it to spin freely if it needs to:

 
Rep Power: 181

The basis doesn't have that kind of adapter though. It just uses two flat washers that are designed to be lubricated upon installation. They don't even fit very snuggly into the top mount.

I'm assuming that's one of the differences between $800 and $1500 coilovers.

 
Rep Power: 313

Josh has the super streets.. I wish he would chime in, I don't think hes ever complained about popping noises.

 
Rep Power: 181

Super Street is also 2 levels higher than the Basis...
From what I can tell they have a completely different upper mount design :P