So I installed my KW V2 set up like 2 months ago and I now have a problem with the front suspension. I have an elastic band sound coming from the front when turning the wheel and not moving. It also makes the sound when making slow turns like after a light or a stop sign or backing out of the driveway. Now I'm also hearing what sounds like the spring popping when going over hard bumps. Does anyone else have these coils and issues?
KW V2 Suspension Problems???
- Thread starter Bugsy3823
- Start date
coilovers
I don't have KW's or even coilovers on my speed, but a couple of my other cars I used coilovers...sounds like your helper spring or the main spring could be binding against something..there should be a spacer in between the two...check that and re-tighten everything. Do these use your stock top hats or do they have there own?
I don't have KW's or even coilovers on my speed, but a couple of my other cars I used coilovers...sounds like your helper spring or the main spring could be binding against something..there should be a spacer in between the two...check that and re-tighten everything. Do these use your stock top hats or do they have there own?
These use the stock top hats. I heard that this could possibly be the problem. However, I did call KW and first they told me to gun the top mount bolts, and then when the spring started popping, they said it's too tight and to re-torque to specs. Regardless, they still make the noise either way.
Yeah that sux's, I had issues from one of my coilovers on my VW..by the time I figured it out I replaced both ball joints..the dealership wrecked my car by being careless and not setting the e-brake when they parked it on an incline..then i had to pay 200. bux to ship it and have NGP replace the shock and put a new shock cap on it that kept working its way loose...so needless to say I will avoid coilovers from now on. You can only go so low anyway and keep the car practical.(wink)
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Nliiitend1
Member
Definitely sounds like a binding spring of sorts...but it's pretty hard to make any sort of diagnosis without at least seeing it...Does anything look awry?
Nliiitend1
Member
BC is crap compared to KW.
Honestly.
Do the KWs utilize the stock upper strut bearing (I assume so since you say they use the stock "top hat")?
Did you replace them with new ones when you put the KWs on?
These can be a common cause of what you're describing as well...Simply hitting the bolt with an impact or even having the correct torque isn't going to fix a shot bearing...
Honestly.
Do the KWs utilize the stock upper strut bearing (I assume so since you say they use the stock "top hat")?
Did you replace them with new ones when you put the KWs on?
These can be a common cause of what you're describing as well...Simply hitting the bolt with an impact or even having the correct torque isn't going to fix a shot bearing...
Nliiitend1
Member
but do they use the stock bearing assembly (the part that allows the strut/spring to turn when you turn the car's steering wheel)?
Nliiitend1
Member
Read for yourself and decide... I've made the decision not to put them on my car, that's for sure.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4970905&postcount=7
Nliiitend1
Member
I'd replace those bearings with new ones and see if you still have the problem. While it will be a pain in the ass (since you have to disassemble the front suspension) to perform, the parts themselves are a rather cheap wear item.
kwsmithphoto
Member
- :
- 2009 Mazdaspeed3
FWIW, I know from experience that the failure mode of the (plastic) strut bearing is a constant rattle.
meh to each his own...I actually tried to find some negative reviews of the BC's and was unable to. There are tons of STi and Evo owners out there with them. Not to mention a decent amount of MS3's with them. Most people actually seem pretty happy for what they get and the price they paid. (shrug)
I'm not a track ***** (yet), so I'm just looking to a little adjustability (sp) for when the season changes, and some flushness (don't hate).
I also know a guy that attends the same autoX's as me with KW v3's on his mini. He says they didn't really improve his track times (NHMS) over the stock setup. I know everyone is a different driver, and every car is different, so take it FWIW.
That plastic strut bearing will cause more than a rattle... it will cause the suspension to bind and pop when you turn the steering wheel. Sometimes it will sound like a groaning noise. The reason it doesn't do it while you're moving fast is because the bearing is constantly being jarred when the car is moving quickly (even on apparently smooth roads the suspension moves thousands of times per minute), in addition to the fact that you turn the wheel less the faster you are moving.
Replace the strut mount bearings and your noise should go away.
You can pinpoint the side that's doing it be putting your hand on the spring while you get someone to turn the steering wheel. You should feel the spring vibrate or pop excessively.
Replace the strut mount bearings and your noise should go away.
You can pinpoint the side that's doing it be putting your hand on the spring while you get someone to turn the steering wheel. You should feel the spring vibrate or pop excessively.
Nliiitend1
Member
I agree. To each his own.
I just don't want you to fool yourself into thinking that the BCs are "on par" with KW V2s from an engineering and design standpoint, or that you're going to be improving your car's handling prowess by replacing your KWs with BCs.
The damper curves alone are enough to prove that they aren't, and that you won't.
Just because a bunch of EVO and STI owners use them and don't complain, doesn't mean that they are using a product that is superior to KW's products or that said owners even know what they're talking about when it comes to a "proper" suspension setup.
The BC products definitely have their place in the market. They just don't belong in the same category as KW.
- :
- 13 MX-5
Yeah, BC's are just as good as AWR's.... LOL!
kwsmithphoto
Member
- :
- 2009 Mazdaspeed3
I agree. You can actually watch the top of the damper shaft sorta jump around as the steering wheel is moved at a dead stop on level ground. At least that's how I confirmed that the bearing was toasted. It's not an expensive part, fortunately. Maybe it should be though. I'm aching to learn if the bearing was improved to reduce noise on the 2010 cars, but will still fit the older cars. If so, it would be a nice refinement upgrade that doesn't cost a fortune.
