Rep Power: 0

Just recently my car (2002 civic ex) started making this really awful sounding scraping noise from what sounds like the back-passenger side. It only happens when people site in the back seat. I believe my shocks have blown or at least the one on the side that is making noises and is rubbing on the fender.

I've been lowered on 1.5-2" lowering springs (not exactly sure but I had at most a 1 finger wheel gap) with stock shocks and struts for about a year now. What options do I have in regards to fixing this? Ive looked around and I think I want to get new shocks that can handle a lower drop, but im having trouble finding which brands will work. I looked at coilovers but idk if i can afford those right now with a college budget.

 
Rep Power: 812

tokico hp blue works really well with lowering springs down to 1.7 inches (2 inch would work too, but they will have a shorter life). the stock shocks are just too weak and always sag esp on a lowered car. i would not even waste money on new stock replacements. just go with the upgraded shocks and they should last 5+yrs. they are usually around $350 for a set of 4 on ebay for the tokicos. get a camber kit too if you havent already or the shop will not be able to do an alignment.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks I knew the Tokico blues were a popular choice but wasn't sure if they would handle my drop. Is this what I should get for the rears? http://lightningmotorsports.com/i-56309.aspx.
I already have a camber kit so im all set on that aspect and my front struts are still good so i wanna wait until i need to replace those so i don't break the bank now

 
Rep Power: 812

yeah that looks right but call them up first and see if they are in stock. members have been running into problems trying to find these. either they are being replaced or upgraded or something because they are hard to find lately.

 
Rep Power: 0

im still in the process of trying to find the tokicos but i realized that the rub wasnt from the tire/fender but was actually coming from the wheel contacting part of the frame that is connected to the suspension/axle. temporarily, i put washers in between the wheel and wheel hub and so far no more rubbing. I know this probably isnt the best fix but is there any that could happen as a result?

 
Rep Power: 0

Does anyone know if this is a terrible idea? I have to drive 150 miles tomorrow and don't want something bad to happen.

 
Rep Power: 234

Really couldn't say as I've honestly never heard of anybody doing it. You have to remember for every washer it's one less thread to hold the tire on. Maybe one or two would be ok, your call. I do know you seriously need adjustable upper control arms if you're hitting frame.

What size rims and tires are you running?

 
Rep Power: 222

is the fender rubbing the sidewalls of your tires?

 
Rep Power: 0

yea i only used two washers so theres still a good amount of thread in contact and no there is no fender rubbing on the sidewalls. I never even heard of issues needed adjustable upper control arms just from a blown strut, is it more than just a blown strut?

 
Rep Power: 222

you absolutely positive? I get the exact same issues from the fender. Are there any marks on the sidewalls or shoulder of the rire at all?

 
Rep Power: 234

Sorry, bad reading comprehension. Didn't realized the strut was blown. Do it for now but replace the struts ASAP. I say struts (plural) because you need to change suspension parts in pairs.

 
Rep Power: 0

yea im positive its not rubbing ive checked the tire multiple times and also have not heard anything, the only noise i heard was the inside of the wheel on the frame. I plan to replace both struts ASAP however im having trouble finding Tokico HP blues. Does anyone know a place I can get these from? (only the back struts).

 
Rep Power: 234

CL nationwide: http://www.allofcraigs.com/ Be specific in your search, like "civic" and "tokico".

 
Rep Power: 0

Alright back again. I've finally been able to replace the struts, except now I found out the problem wasn't due to a blown strut. Both seemed to still be fine when I took it out.
I guess its still good that I replaced the stocks however I'm back to square 1. Just to recap my problem is that the inside of the wheel scraps on the frame (the round black part coming to the back of the wheel hub front the front of the car). Anyone else have any idea of what could be wrong?

 
Rep Power: 234

Please, can you take a pic? Are you sure it's not the trailing arm? Trailing arm is a misnomer as it's in front of the knuckle/wheel assembly.

 
Rep Power: 0

it could possibly be that. ill post a picture after i get home from work tomorrow
edit: worked late, pics postponed till tomorrow