Rep Power: 0

First off, this isn't to flame the Hayame coilover product. I agree with everyone else that you get what you pay for, though I haven't actually had a chance to experienece it properly.

I did the install (v2) with a couple friends several weeks ago, everything went fine. Inserted the tie-rod end upside down, etc. As expected, there was major toe-in. I couldn't get out to do the alignment for a couple days for various reasons so I drove locally work and back for those couple days (about 4 days) at 50-60km/h.

When I finally was able to bring it into the shop, the guys couldn't figure out why there was still toe-in even after doing everything they could think of. They then lifted the front wheels off the ground and found significant play in the top mount. Enough so that when the front is put back on the ground, the weight of the car pushes the wheels in because of the excess movement. Speaking w/ Noah @ SPW, there _is_ supposed to be some play, and the my shop agreed, but not to the degree we were seeing. The diagnosis from my shop (International Auto & Custom) was probably that the center bolt on the top mount should have been tightened to the max, but since I drove for a couple days without doing so I warped the bearings. I spoke to Noah about this and he also said they recently had a 7th gen owner come out to their place and they ended up doing the same thing. Back at the shop, we tried to tighten that center bolt as much as possible with an impact wrench as well, but at this point, it was too late. I had Intl Auto put my stock struts w/ lowering springs back on, leaving the hayame rears in the back so I could at least drive my car around. As suggested by Noah, I took the front hayame fronts to another shop (Max Motorsports) to get a second opinion, conclusion: I screwed up. I have no problem admitting that.

The only thing I can do is get new top mounts, complete replacements for the front struts, or just a new set of coilovers. I called Noah at SPW to see if I could either a) send my fronts to them to get them fixed (w/ or w/o charge) or b) have them send me replacement top mounts. I was told by Noah that they don't deal directly with retail customers so I'd have to talk to Michael at UrbanImport, which I didn't have a problem with as it sounds like a reasonable business practice. I called Michael at UrbanImport and was told that since he's just a middle-man, I'd have to talk to SPW. After 8-10 calls between the two, I finally got Noah @ SPW saying to call Michael to tell him that he (Noah) had spoken to me and understands the situation, and that he and Michael would work it out as maybe a warranty issue or something.

It's been a couple weeks since then. I know I've been rather annoying and calling Michael every other day to get a status update, but there has been no update. Last I heard from Michael was that he thought SPW was looking for top mounts from another set of front struts to send, but he hasn't been able to get any confirmation. I think I finally annoyed him enough so last night he told me to call SPW directly.

If these guys don't want to help me out, I wish they would just say so rather than giving me the run around everytime I call, and pointing me back and forth between the two of them. If the answer is 'NO', they can't do anything about my messed struts, fine. But I at least want a definite answer.


PS. Does anyone know if you can put 3rd party top mounts on the Hayame v2?

 
Rep Power: 368

Wow man, that really sucks. Weird how my Hayames came with loose top nuts as well. I had to tighten them, but mine right now has no play and the toe was eliminated when I got it aligned by IAC.
I really do think one of your two guys should at the very least give you a definite answer, but honestly if you're getting passed back and forth like this, it doesn't look like a good answer anyway, and I myself would just assume the worst. I hope you get resolution man. They're not a bad coilover set at all, but then again, you shouldn't have had to wait several weeks to find that out.
I'm not sure if anyone else's top mounts fit the Hayames, sorry. Good luck though, and let us know if you do find something that fits.

 
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I'm the 7thgen owner who went to their warehouse.

That makes us four customers unsatisfied with the Coilover. However, when I went to SPW Industries warehouse, they were very good in customer service. After5 hours of troubleshooting including tightening the top center nut, they could not eliminate the wiggle. They asked me not to align it until it settles. Wow, talking about being technical. The following day, I decided to have it aligned by another shop to make sure that the first shop wasnt just selling me another coilover. Then the 2nd shop found the play too. The play was fixed by using an impact gun on the tie-rod nut. The play was fixed. The following day, I drove 300 miles. I checked to see if there is any play again. I kinda feel that the wiggle is back. Why am I not surprised. The wiggle is back.

On June 30, the day I went to SPW Industries warehouse, Byron and Noah says its my ultimate decision to whether return the product or not. If I decided to return the product, they said I have to return it to where I got this from and not directly to SPW Industries. In my case, UrbanImport. They asked me to keep it driving for a month and let it settle and then decide what to do. Ten more days until the exact date that it has been a month.

And what top mount are they talking about to replace ours? I was at their warehouse for 5 hours and they couldnt find any reason. Then they ultimately said its normal because their top mount has bearing and not solid rubber like the OEM. If that was normal, then how come the 2nd alignment shop was able to fix the wiggle, although temporarily, by tightening the tie-rod end nut? It seems like if the tie-rod end nut is tight, there will be no play as much as we are having. But overtime, the tightness seem to go away after a few hundred miles of driving.

I have had 3 automotive/alignment/collision shop looked into the wiggle and they asked me if I have been into an accident. They said the only reason why I would have this much of a wiggle is if I have gotten into an accident.

Of course, the wiggle has not been resolved. The cost and time of trying to eliminate this wiggle is almost as much as getting a TEIN SS from my local shop.

1. 518
2. dacivic (not sure if its sedanboy or dacivic) ???
3. dragchic
4. Keisuke

Reasons for return:
1. Wiggle (Safety issue)
2. Locking perch doesnt stay in place (safety issue)
3. Cannot drop 4" as advertised (false advertisement)

Im sure everything will be resolved in a very professional and timely manner. But if all fails:

www.bbb.org

 
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I'm returning mine as soon as I get my new suspension. Mike from UrbanImport gave me the OK and an RMA # to write on the box I'm returning mine in. You guys should have no problem returning yours given the apparent issues.

It doesn't seem as if the new V2's quality lives up to the V1s... which is sad.

Oh yeah, let me add that Noah guided me to Mike when it came to returning - which made sense because he has the transaction record.

 
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Documentation would have been nice too. I emailed info@hayameperformance.com and sales@hayameperformance.com before I actually received my Hayames but I never got a reply (Why is it that so many sales/support departments, not just SPW, feel it's ok to ignore email inquiries). Most products come with documentation, or it's available on a website. I see on the hayame site, there's "documentation coming soon" notice, but that's still kinda scary. They're on v2 of a product and there's still no publicly available documentation.

 
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I am hoping for this. Calling Mike is better than sending him an email, I suppose.

Keisuke, we should get an RMA from Mike.

I was going to wait 'til the last week of the month to evaluate this suspension, but I cant wait any longer.

 
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That's a shame to hear. I was one of the first to get the V1's from Michael (ordered in July, received in November 2003), and I'm completely satisfied with mine.

 
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518 I think that's what I'll have to do too, but I'll have to wait till I get new suspension first cause when I was installing, the main linking bolt that links the strut to the lower assembly on one of the rears was seized so I had to have it cut out so i have no rears to ride on if ship them back right away.

Anyone have any opinions on the fixed damper + spring route (not coilover sleeve)? what's good damper and spring combo?

 
Rep Power: 334

I'm starting to get annoyed at my D2 coilovers as well! Okay so It might not be Michael's fualt that the sets where sent with incorrect spring rates. But still I am the consumer, I have payed my money. Its been about 2 complete months and I am STILLL unable to put my coilovers on.
2 of the FOUR replacement springs that where sent ARE, INCORRECT.

I am not able to call long distance alot so Emailing him is my only way.

I jsut want to get this transaction correct and complete.

 
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If you're having problems with your coilovers, don't blame Mike. His job is just to receive your product and ship it to you. That's on D2 or whatever company is in charge of them, NOT the vendor. The vendor can only help contact the company for you or you can do it yourself.

If you have a problem with your transaction, take your issue to the vendor.

 
Rep Power: 334

He ordered replacement springs for EVERYONE. He didnt even bother to check if the replacament springs that he was sending to me where correct. He has been notified of the problem along with pictures of proof. Its one thing to send FOUR springs with TWO of each kind. ITS ANOTHER THING to send me TWO 8k Springs, ONE 5k Spring and ONE unknown unlabeled spring. Thats just careless not to check mybox before he sent it to me.

 
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Mike's job is not to check the springs. That's on the manufacturer or distributing company. They are the ones who can solve the problem because they're the one's who're supposed to know what the problem is, am I wrong? Whatever they give Mike is supposed to be what you want. Mike just delivers - he doesn't open and package anything.

He wouldn't know what to look for anyway because he never opens anything to begin with. For you, he can only take orders from the manufactuerer/distributor. Why would he have to check it for you anyway? That means he has to send it back and although that's a lil' more convenient, it's still on the manufacturer for not correct the problem to begin with.

 
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Keisuke- If I had top mounts for 01 Civic V2 sitting around I would have sent to you. Unfortunately I don't. Simple as that. I'm not sure what why this thread is targeted at me as you are the one who messed up the top mounts and I'm stuck in the middle and have replacement parts available.

518- I assume you are the one that filed the complaint with the BBB against us? I'm not sure why, I think we already went over the fact that you can return the coilovers if you want and once again I DID NOT MAKE THE SUSPENSION. If that was you who filed the complaint saying I won't take the return I suggest you cancel it before I void your RMA #. If it isn't you that filed the report I apologize.

AzNmiKex215- I got your email this evening, I will personally ship out new springs to you tomorrow. I apologize for the trouble.

While I do have other people doing sales and shippping dealing with suspension problems on 01+ Civics has almost become a full time job (on top of running the company). I know some of you have had serious problems but for every 1 person with a problem I have 3 people who have no clue what they are doing and just call for general install tech support. Trust me, I don't blow off these problems, I leave work each day stressed out after listening to everyones problems. I know it is my job but there is only so much I can handle and I am honestly trying to make everyone satisfied.

 
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Mike: If you read the title, I'm not targeting only you. I'm tired of being passed around between you guys and SPW, it's as simple as that. It's especially annoying calling SPW b/c they just keep sending me back to you, which I realize puts you in a bad spot. I'm in software development, thus I have to deal with a lot of client issues on a daily basis as well, so I know where you're coming from.

Like I said, the top mounts were indeed messed up by me. I don't need you to reiterate that fact. What I need is to know is whether I can get replacements, and I already told you over the phone that if I have to pay (at a reasonable price) then I'll pay. Right now, I don't even know if I can get them or not, and neither you nor Noah indicated I could send the fronts in for repair. So really the only quick solution is just to get a new set, but lets face it, most ppl who bought these, including myself, did so because they were cheap. If I have to fork over more money, I might as well get something better, instead of getting the same thing again; don't get mad, it's just a legitimate reaction.

So to reiterate, all I really need now is to know, from you (or Noah), whether I can expect parts (or ship them in for repairs), or whether I should just trash my Hayames and look elsewhere. You have my business number, the one that starts w/ 905-615-xxxx. Pass it onto Noah if you feel it should be him to answer.

As for the BBB, that wasn't me. I'm only irritated, not raving pissed.

btw, return is also an option for me, if you're willing to take them back.

 
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Hey Mike. I am trying to let people realize what your role in this is so that people can use you as a form of assistance instead just someone to blame because you sold them a product you don't wrap up in a box for people. For your sake, I want them to know you are not the one to blame for the issues because like you said, you don't make them. Ever since I had issues with my Hayame coilovers you've been nothing but a great help, and people should be thinking of you that way instead of for some false reason. If it'll help you help everyone (as you have helped me) that is.

 
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Indeed, I'm not blaming Mike for product quality, S/H issues, or the like. I had no problems there. Nor was that the intent of the original post. My experience with UrbanImport before this issue was first rate.

 
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Mike, Filing at BBB is my last resort. But then again I would not file until I talked to you. Yes, I mentioned BBB on another thread but I wasnt the one who actually complained. I did not see any reason to file since SPW Industries customer service is top notch when I showed up in their warehouse. They are the ones who troubleshoot it, disassembled the strut and said the wiggle was normal, which isnt. So the issue of 'customer not having a clue of what they are doing' is not applicable in my case.

I will call you tomorrow with hopes for an RMA.

 
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8:25 AM PST: Justin doesn't know when Mike is coming in and Justin cannot help me with an RMA.

I guess Mike got too tired of this and overslept. Its 11:25am Eastern Time.

 
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too bad i didn't live in california, i'd actually take my car to SPW directly, but since they insist I deal w/ the vendor, I do feel sorry for Mike.

 
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It would have never made any difference. They will still point you to the Vendor like they did to me.

 
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12:14 PM PST: I called Urban Import again.
"the number you dialed, 919-968-9128 has been changed. Please make a note of it. The new number is 919-383-4605."

I then dialed 919-383-4605 and Mike answered the phone. I cant believe how easy it was to deal with Mike. I got my RMA number and I felt bad that he has to go through all this issue that I am having with the Hayame suspension.

As soon as I drop this off to SPW Industries, I will be getting my refund back.

Whoever filed to BBB against Mike or Urban Import, please retract the complaint for they are easy to deal with and they do not make the product but just sell them.

My headache is almost gone.

 
Rep Power: 417

Grey and I never had any problems,
so hasnt Slammed(besides the rear not going low enough)
Why is it that everyone else is?

 
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Why was SPW Industries unable to resolve the wiggle when I went there?


You can blame it on to us bro. I could really care less since Im gettin my money back.

*sign of relief in on the horizon..."

 
Rep Power: 368

I as well am doing great, except for this nagging problem of having to go the long way around the parking lot entrance so I can get my Chinese food....stupid steep inclines. Also, I keep slamming my head against the pillar when taking right turns at 50 km/h. I'm not saying people are installing wrong, or b1tching unnecessarily. But I never did anything different from anyone else. I'm just thankful, cause my luck usually involves snapped metal pieces and a lot of Automotive Goop and zip ties.

p.s. no wheel wiggle either.

 
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VN...

My issues with the Hayames were SPW's lack of knowledge for what to do about the new tie rod arm set-up. Noah told me to drill and I drilled, but I found out from another member that Noah told him the tie rod needs to be flipped.

Now if SPW is in charge of the design, why was I told to drill a tapered hole for the V2s? They said one of their distributors had to drill it. I've been without my car for 4 weeks plus because of their lack of knowledge and it will be 5 weeks until my car will be drivable.

When I installed my Hayame's for the first time, the nut on the front uppermount cross- threaded the bolt. I dunno what to blame for that.

I didn't drive much on my Hayame's but for some reason as of late, the rear coilovers are squeaking.

Now I am hearing all this stuff going on with the V2s and I'd rather not deal with the present issues. Hayame dropped the ball on the quality of their V2s. If I knew this was gonna happen, I would've kept the V1s from the start as I only had minor issues with them. The only few issues I had with the V1s were this clicking noise once moving the car from a standstill and the 3rd locking nut coming loose on the front coilovers.

Overall, I got tired of being SPW's guinea pig, especially with the V2s.

And the height issue was "fixed" once learning about how tire size effects height.

Last but not least, someone needs to retract that BBB against UrbanImport. Whoever you are, you are blaming the wrong business. Take your issue with SPW since they designed your Hayame issues.

 
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Other ppl aside, my issue is that I'm trying to find a way to fix mine after I broke them, and I'm not getting any response from either party that I've been engaged with. Anyone who's jumping on this thread to flame the product itself is obscuring the original intent.

 
Rep Power: 417

You might be able to get the coilovers to work with stock upper mounts.. doubt it but it just might work.. depends on the diameter of things...

 
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My shop already tried. nope.

btw, 518, you're returning yours, so you probably don't care now, but my shop was complaining about the 'wiggle' you're talking about too. I don't what you mean by 'a little' but the guys at my shop were showing me and it looked like a lot to me. Maybe our roads are worse than yours so I put more stress on the bearings, but I suspect since you drove for a bit on yours before tightening the top mount completely (this is speculation based on what i've read here and what I heard from Noah about 'the guy that came to SPW'), you were probably experiencing what I had, but maybe to a lesser degree, but once the bearings are warped, they're shot. I had two shops tighten the top mount and it didn't help.

 
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Update:

I'm not sure if creating this thread actually helped garner attention but there's light at the end of the tunnel. I finally got a definitive answer from someone. I spoke with Noah today and got an RMA to replace my front struts.

 
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I still care bro

I didnt even experience a little wiggle. I was experiencing a WIGGLE. The roads that we drive has got nothing to do with the wiggle. Unless you hit the curb at 40mph.

Try jacking up an 01+ Civic and see if there's any wiggle. There may be, but the wiggle is sooo minimal that you have to really put your back into it to make it move. I tried it on an 02 Civic and there was a wiggle, lets call it play, very minimal.

I do hope you wont experience a wiggle after replacing the front struts.