HELP ME! Anyone with D2, KSport or JIC camber plates

[Greensleeper]

I have just installed my D2 RS coil-overs on my ride and I have set my camber plate at the most negative setting possible, maximum 'inward' (for fun).

However, when I parked my car, the front suspension is VERY noisy and then they make a big 'clunk'. Me and my friend checked and when I put the steering wheel at full tilt or near of it, the camber on my tires change dramaticly, nearing the 0 degree and then when I put the steering wheel back straight, BIG CLUNK and the tires goes back to 'camber mode'.

I think the noise is normal, every coil-overs (Teins come to mind) does that with the factory rubber they place at the top and bottom of the spring. I will remove these.

For the clunk I think it's the upper bearing... Maybe...

Everything is bolted right, double-checked.

Is that normal with camber plates?

Thanx for any help you can provide me!

Yannick

 

[xelderx]

When you say "put the steering wheel at full tilt" do you mean turning the steering wheel completely to one side?

 

[Greensleeper]

When you say "put the steering wheel at full tilt" do you mean turning the steering wheel completely to one side?

Yep I mean that... Any ideas?

 

[122 Vega]

it's called camber gain. It happens on every car and is a function of caster. It sounds like you haven't got an alignment after the install. You likely have a lot of negative caster which causes a gain of positice camber on the outside rim when turning. You should run as much positive caster as you can if you want it to handle well, just make sure it's equal on both sides.

Britt

 

[Greensleeper]

it's called camber gain. It happens on every car and is a function of caster. It sounds like you haven't got an alignment after the install. You likely have a lot of negative caster which causes a gain of positice camber on the outside rim when turning. You should run as much positive caster as you can if you want it to handle well, just make sure it's equal on both sides.

Britt

No I haven't align it yet since I perform the install in the warehouse where the car is stored for the winter.

So a nice alignement should bring back things to normal right?

I will put the camber plate back to normal position tomorow to drive it to Mazda for the alignement.

Thanx Britt!

 

[SpeedElixir]

i agree with vega...i proper alignment will take care of all your problems...just dont take it to a bargain basement type place...find someone good who is familiar with coilover suspensions and get them to check things out for you...that should do it

 

[GHOSTWHISPER]

Vega comes to the rescue again with his overall knowledge of suspension works. These are great posts so more people with Ksports and D2's actally have more info to trouble shoot possible future problems.

 

[122 Vega]

I really wouldn't take it to Mazda for an alignment. They will of course tell you that your stereo warranty is now void due to aftermarket suspension! But seriously you should call around to shops to find someone that will set the alignment where you want it. Mazda will want to set it (if they will even work on it with the coilovers) at the revised TSB settings. This is not optimal for performance driving. If you plan to autocross, go with:

Camber F -2.5 deg, R -1.0 deg

Caster F only + as much as you can get (usually 2.0 degrees) EQUAL side to side

Toe: F 1/16th out, R 1/16 out

If you don't autocross, go a little more conservative, maybe camber - 1.5 F, -1 R, caster same as above, Toe zero all the way around or just the 16th toe out in the front.

If you can't find a shop in the phone book, call the local (real) racing shop, one that sells SCCA stuff or your local SCCA autocross Region and ask them.

Britt

 

[122 Vega]

Oops, you don't have SCCA there. What is it? Geez, don't know. Pick up a copy of Grassroots Motorsports Canada and look in there.

Britt

 

[GHOSTWHISPER]

Man its too late to be thinking about suspensions.

 

[Greensleeper]

Thanx to all for the great info, especially Vega. I will run your 'street' setup, as my friendly Mazda dealer will do. Yeah guys, my dealer is really crazy with the two guys that do the suspension work... They do just about anything you want!

Thanx again guys!

 

[K-Sport]

make sure you the springs are snug when you lift the car off of the ground, you should not be able to spin the spring easily when the vehicle is off the ground, nor should the spring be compressed at all.

 

[Greensleeper]

make sure you the springs are snug when you lift the car off of the ground, you should not be able to spin the spring easily when the vehicle is off the ground, nor should the spring be compressed at all.

I don't understand...