Rep Power: 417

"The hardest part was the rear becasue the bottom eyelet of the B&G setup is a little bigger than the mounting bracket on the car. I sat the shock on top of the bracket and jacked up the bracket. THe spring got really compressed, but then eventually popped into the bracket. I had it adjusted to no gap and took pictures of the car, but not of the setup on my car."

not sure exactly what you mean but if its what i think it is, the stock shocks do that too. what i did was remove the rear shock with the WHEEL ON. then i had someone stand on the wheel to lower the peice the bottom part of the shock bolts to.

ROLLING FENDERS... i've heard you can use a baseball bat.... just squeeze it in between your tire and fender, pull the bat toward the center of the tire and slowly bend the fender trim in... i dont have any problems rubbing with neuspeed sports on stock wheels but if i rub when i get my 18s thats what i plan on gettings... 215-40-18 tires that is... but ya since my car is lowered and a bat wont fit i'll probably have to jack up the car a lil... in your case you could do that or adjust the coilovers...

 
Rep Power: 0

Just to tell you guys. I called B&G to find out everything about the warranty. The springs are lifetime warranty. But the shocks are only two year warranty.

VnlilMan- the rear stock shock is a little easier because I think the eyelet is made of rubber or some plastic maybe poly. The B&G setup is made of metal. I placed the shock on the bracket the way you did, but imagine the shock not going down. I had a jack under the bracket and jacked up pretty dang high till it finally popped in.

 
Rep Power: 318

are you getting a clicking noise when you turn your wheels? I get it if i'm just taking off, or i turn my wheels at slow speeds. seems to be going away ever so slowly though...

 
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I GET THAT CLICKING NOISE TOO!!! JEEZZZZ I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME!

Also, my rear, driver side shock on the B&G CO's compress about a quarter of an inch when I go up my drive way, however rear passenger side doesn't compress as much, compared to the Driver Side Rear.

The clicking noise (and sometimes "clang" noise from springs) come from driver side front area. This could also be due to the way it was installed.

At first I thought it was the Tie rod just being stressed due to being lower now, but I still don't know.

Sometimes I hear noises from the passenger side front damper as well - this is everytime i go over little bumps.

Ride is comfortable, and handles great, but these minor setbacks make me think twice about the system. Not to mention that this coilover system, that cost me roughly $1200, DID NOT COME WITH ANY INSTRUCTIONS WHAT SO EVER!!!!!

Other user's of this unit for the same model year car (but different trim levels - lx) Don't expereince ANY noise whatsoever.

So like I said, it may be the way it was installed. Its tough to say because of no instructions and no keys to adjust the height of the unit - since it wasn't in the box when the distributor sent me the unit the first time. so I had to wait another week for that. B&G sent it out - as soon as I called them about it.

Scenario: Honda Civic Coupe 2001 Ex 5-Speed - Installed by Acura Dealer - Watched the Install -

For those of you having some setbacks / issues you may want to read this:

Rear Suspension: It seems easy to throw the centering off as well in the rear. The bottom part of the shock is mounted by a bolt. If it doesn't sit centered on both sides........it can create a wobbly effect in ride handling. You can throw the centering off while trying to adjust the height of the car.

I just wish B&G provided proper instructions for this unit, it would help with figuring out what to torque (ft/lbs) the bolts at, exactly what parts needed to be transferred over, and in what order the parts should go on, how it should sit, etc.

I tried calling them a couple times but they say that the instructions aren't available yet (but the product is).

Sorry, I just had to vent I guess, I spent so much money on this setup, installing, camber kit, and countless hours........and i'm just not fully satisfied.

Now I wish I researched/tried the japanese version of this kit because their system comes with a new upper spring perch, all washers and parts already mounted as one complete assembly - it's trully a direct replacement. (This is what I thought I WAS getting from B&G)

With the Japanese version there's absolutely no transferring of old parts to the new Coilover system. Maybe I'd hear less noises and would run into less drawbacks.

Their system (Brand: DTM) only cost's $1150.00 (w/out shipping) for the whole unit!

Who Knowz ~ my carz gettin on my nerves now - and this is even when I did things the proper way and had Certified mechanics install things. I spent close to $600.00 total (including four wheel camber kit) so that the suspension would be installed properly by the dealer. That's without an alignment too.

- Someday - Maybe after some fine tuning...things will be good. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG][IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 0

All I can say is that the B&Gs that I have seen on the 7th gen vic are great and there have been no problems at all. The only problem that anyone I know has run into is the ride being bouncy but that was solved by cutting the bumpstop. ANY true coilover system will be difficult to adjust. People on this site a lot of times make it seem like you can just raise and lower it but you can't. There is more to coilovers. The coolest thing about the B&Gs is they are self damping. Just my 2 cents

 
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I agree - B&G is a great system. I especially like how its speed sensitive and self adjusting.

I just wish there was a way to work out the kinks.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean for my last post to sound as if i'm putting down the manufacturer. I apologize for that.

I just wish they had directions so that I could give it to my techs and have them work out the little kinks.

2cute: Thanks either way for helping people on this site out and getting us the system for a reasonable price.

- DonJuan

 
Rep Power: 318

2cute: could you ask if his made that clicking/clanging noise after he installed them? they only make the noise when you turn and you're not moving fast, like pulling out of a parking space. when I turn at a traffic light it's no problem.

 
Rep Power: 0

2cute: I have the same exact problem as MexieuS.

It's the same exact scenario: When I'm driving really slow (5 - 15 mph) and when I make turns.

Before I thought it was just mine or maybe the way the installer's put it in.

 
Rep Power: 0

I will call on Monday and find out if they have had any complaints about it and see if maybe I can't get some directions out of them for you all. I'm not trying to be mean or anything but almost every coilover system I have seen does not come with directions here in the states. I know that Tein coils come with instuctions BUT they are in Japanese so unless you can read it you just have to know what you are doing.

 
Rep Power: 0

stever703@aol.com : If you call and talk to Brian (Full name & Number found at bottom of e-mail posted)
you may be able to resolve the clicking noise/spring noise coming from the front/rear of the suspension area.

I copied you on an e-mail I sent to them. Hopefully we will be able to have this issue resolved soon.

For all those with problems/questions with your suspension,

Here's A Response I received from B&G North America:

Begin e-mail ~
"
Subj: RE: SOME USERS ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS
Date: 7/8/2002 11:30:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: customerservice@b-gsuspension.com
To: ToOxZist@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)

Gentlemen,

This first we have heard of problems with the 2001 Honda Civic coilovers; to date no one has contacted us with any questions or problems regarding this application.

We encourage anyone with technical problems to contact us so that we can resolve the issue immediately.

Our main number is (800) 852-9995. Dial 1 for sales.

Best Regards,

Brian P. Monjazeb

B+G Suspension North America
" ~ End of e-mail

 
Rep Power: 318

just got an email:

"Hello Steve,

I heard back form Europe on your coilovers. Your assessment that the
noise is coming from the separator cup between the main and helper
spring is correct. This should not interfere with the operation of your
suspension.

In about 2000-3000 miles check the dampers and make sure the spring is
not touching the coilover body. If you notice any wear or if the noise
increases please le me know and we will send you new springs once they
are available."

now, I'm a newbie to all this suspension stuff, so what does he mean check the dampers?

also, now that we know the noise is comming from the seperator cup, what can be done?

 
Rep Power: 417

damper is the shock body... he didn't say anything about a fix cause i guess it might be a manufature defect but it doesnt really effect the performance so no biggie.. i guess if it gets anoying and if its worth taking it off your car and sending it back then do so but if it was me, i probably wouldnt want to hassel with it and just keep it...

 
Rep Power: 0

Basically check to make sure than nothing is damaged in the mentioned miles. Changces are (like my suspension) the noise is just there. Nothing you can really do about it. It isnt harming anything then don't worry about it.

 
Rep Power: 0

hey 2cute,

how much can you lower your car w/ b&g?

 
Rep Power: 318

when I first installed mine I slammed it.. it was just 2" off the ground, and the springs hadn't even settled yet unfortunately I don't remember stock height measurements and no one has answered my post requesting the measurement in inches from the ground to the center of the fenderwell in both the front & rear

 
Rep Power: 417

if someone does get you the measurement, make sure they have the same tire size as you.
but ya maybe try guessing... i have neuspeed sports and have about a 1 1/2 finger gap all around, if you have a smaller gap, atleast you'll know you have a lower drop then 1.7/1.5

 
Rep Power: 318

OK, now which parts need to be transferred over to the B&Gs? If I can order the parts from Honda, I won't have to take my OEM struts apart.

 
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I think I used everything on the left side.

 
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How can you use everything on the left side? The B&G Springs are not as wide as stock springs.

 
Rep Power: 318

I'm guessing he means 9,10,11,7, and 2. But the pic of the B&G front looks like it includes either 7 or 2.

 
Rep Power: 0

Haha...sorry about that. I kinda forgot what the setup had. Guess I should have looked at the pix I posted. Been about a month now since I installed it and already forgetting how i did it...

 
Rep Power: 318

I'm almost certain I only used part 10/11. DuYaKnow is right, you forget a lot after a month, heh

 
Rep Power: 318

#9 (BEARING, FR. SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT) wasn't pressed in there somehow, was it? (Sorry, I just want to make sure). Thanx.

 
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I think I only used 10 & 11 As well (aside from the bolts at the top of course)

 
Rep Power: 318

here we go, I took pics of my leftovers:



hope that helps [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

 
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Woo hoo!!! To all the fellas with the B&G coilovers. I stopped pretty much all of the squeaking and popping by just putting on WD-40 everywhere the spring was in contact with. I know it won't last long, but atleast I know for sure what's the problem now. I'm probably going to take apart my coilover kit by the end of summer, cut the bumpstops in half and grease all the spring contact areas with some good water resistant grease. Just becareful and avoid the rotors, or your braking will of course be crappy later on.

Hope that clears up the problem with B&G. NOw just waiting till my cheapo Ventus HRII tires die, so I can get some new Paradas or Kumhos for my wheels. Then my ride will hopefully be alot less noisy and smoother.

LONG LIVE THIS TREAD...HAHA.

 
Rep Power: 0

Guys,

LIthium grease (as opposed to wd-40) would be a much better alternative to put in contact areas. It lasts longer and I believe it is waterproff. This may take care of the squeaking noises but last night during one of my checkups on this frustrating (yet comfortable) suspension I found a new problem.

New Problem: rear sh0cks: Lower RUbber mounting points (where the bottom bolt goes through the eyelets) The bolt passes through polyurethane (maybe rubber - dont know) bushings. These bushings are starting to tear and come apart on BOTH REAR SHOCKS FOR ME! I had them professionally installed by my dealer. This tear in the bushings is affecting the handling and ride quality.

For all those that have these coilovers, please double check your rear shocks (bottom portion of shock) and make sure that the rubber bushing isn't tearing. If it is Please call B&G SPort and speak to Brian Monjazeb (7thgencivic problem advisor).

*sigh* (thinking in mind: will the problems never end!!!!!)

-DonJuan

 
Rep Power: 0

Hey DonJuan,

What did the guy at B&G say to you? Is he going to replace them or fix them?

 
Rep Power: 0

I've been having a problem with my rear shocks ever since day one, I sent B&G pictures of how my rear would not sit evenly (even though it was properly measured and set at even ride heights in the rear).

They replied back (which I think I posted on here as well) saying that they will replace the two rear shocks. It's been over a month now that i've been waiting for them, Still no shocks. I've been waiting for the actual "printed" instructions as well, still haven't gotten them either.

I e-mailed Brian Monjazeb @ B&G to let him know of my "new found" problem with the rear shocks (bushing tearing). I guess i'll hear back about that soon and will post. I'm not sure if they would replace it based on that though. I guess we'll find out.

It's now safe to say that I'll never deal with a company that is coming into a new line of cars for the first time. I don't believe they've ever dealth with Japanese Imports before, only German.

Either way, I learned from all this that spending more money on a product ($1200.00 - say it with me, one thousand two hundred dollars) doesn't necessairly lead to less / no problems. (Shoulda researched TEIN some more)

-DonJuan

 
Rep Power: 318

I tried spraying wd-40 around the seperator cup and upper mount areas in the front, but it's still giving me the noise.. maybe I didn't spray enough? did you have to turn the wheel to get the grease worked into the suspension, or did you just spray and drive and it worked?