jeffrop

So I installed the Eibach pro kit lowering springs and KYB AGX struts/shocks that are adjustable (compression I think).

After about a year now the front of the car just seems to ride really rough. Every imperfection in the road is like "BAM". I don't know if I blew out one of the shocks on the front or what.

I've adjusted the damping to the softest setting which didn't seem to have any effect at all.

Now my 2nd set of upper control arms are starting to "rattle".

Im torn between just replacing the struts/shocks with another brand or getting some cheap coilovers (FF or Ksport).

This car is my daily driver so some ride quality is expected. I do some spirited driving when the mood strikes though.

Just as a reference I'm familiar with shock/damper technology (on street motorcycles) somewhat. I realize not all of that data translates directly to auto suspension though.

Any ideas on the rough ride in the front with the KYB AGX's? I didn't see any leaks around them or visible damage.

fsttyms1

Its possible you have shocks that are bad, inspect and replace the bad ball joints. Look for leaking on the shocks.

jeffrop

Ironically the upper control arms/ball joints were brand new about 4 months ago. They are the cheap ebay ones though. The ball joints are ok, the CA bushing on one side is worn out I think.

My guess on the shocks is there's a defect or one of the notorious Ohio potholes did them in. I was wondering if anyone else is running KYB AGX's with a similar problem.

Regardless, my next move is to purchase new shocks or coilovers. Oh, and better control arms/ball joints.

jeffrop

Just installed the Ingalls upper control arms with adjustable camber/ball joints. Now the clunking is worse!

Couldn't find any leaking anywhere, ball joints are all good. Bolts have all been checked 5 times. The upper shock mount/rubber bushing and bumper look worn.

Im guessing the shock is blown out on the left front since that's where the noise is coming from but I can't find any evidence of a leak.

Every little bump causes a significant "clunk" that sounds like there is little to no damping at all. It almost sounds like something in the suspension is broken.

fsttyms1

Lower ball joint?
When you push down on that side of the car can you isolate the sound?

jeffrop

I grabbed the left front fender and pushed down and pulled up as hard as I could last night and could not get it to make any noises. lol this is one of those weird ones man.

I'll take a closer look at the lower ball joint when I get home tonight. Im guessing they've never been replaced, car has 175000 on it. I bought it with 150000 or so.

It's like theres a loose bolt/s somewhere on that side and got worse after I installed the new control arm.

jdjohn84

If you have done all that suspension work, but never changed your strut/tower mounts (and you say they look worn), that might be it. Without good absorbtion at the mounting point (you said the rubber is worn), it may be getting beaten.

jeffrop

I did replace the rubber bushings at the top of the front strut/tower mounts but they were just replacement rubber when I installed the KYB's about a year or so ago. The one on the drivers side looks like it is starting to fray a bit.

I'll try to take a couple pics and post them up when I get home from work today.

jdjohn84

See illustration below. Did you change the two #7's (above and below #8)?

jeffrop

Yes number 7 was replaced with new parts from Tirerack.com when the struts were replaced.

I had an issue with my other vehicle last night (fuel line leak) so I couldn't get to the pics. Im driving my freshly detailed, UN-aligned TL today in the salty snow/ice covered roads of Ohio on my new General Exclaims

jeffrop

My car has been up on jack stands for about 2 weeks now. I had ordered headers and a catback system 3 weeks ago. Took my entire exhaust system off from front to back. The headers came in wrong so, I haven't been able to get back to this problem yet.
Hopefully this weekend.

fsttyms1

You said #7 loos frayed? You may have put them in upside down. They dont go in the way it looks like they fit in. They go in upside down (like in the pic)

jeffrop

The top one could be installed upside down. I'll have to check. Finally got my exhaust done.

jeffrop

Here's a pic of the passenger side (as originally installed)


Here's a pic of the driver side (after removing and flipping)

fsttyms1

You cant tell till you remove the bolt and washer to see if its upside down or not.

jeffrop

jeffrop

See the pic above showing the strut top without the nut/washer...that is how the bushing was installed prior to any changes

MystaNyce

iTrader: (1)

Wow.... Your installer forgot to put the washer on before bolting the strut assembly together!!! This could be the reason why your getting werid noises and loud bangs. That washer is highly important.... your spring is not securely mounted to the strut!!

jeffrop

Im the installer and the nut/washer were removed to take the pic...

Anotherguy831

Actually I'm running KYB AGX with H&R Sport Springs but i'm havin no problems no problems at all.. I changed over to the kyb's about a year and a half ago. I live in chicago and we do have pothole problems but everything is still holding up really well. The only down side that Im gettin with mine is that I wanna go lower lol. Overall Im very satisfied with the KYB. It really sounds like you have either defective shocks/upper mounting bushings or ball joints.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

Sounds to me like your control arms might be hitting the inside of the wheel house. The clearance is pretty bad on some of these things. Thing is, usually you only get that problem when you are really low, and it doesn't sound like you are with Pro-Kits. Still, you might remove the wheel and look for evidence that the upper arm might be hitting the inside of the wheel house. It is possible that the shocks might be too soft which is allowing too much travel, thus causing the impact.


Besides that all i can really think is that the AGX are traditionally known for being firm shocks. That would not cause a noise though. The front would feel more on the "tight and responsive" side. But should be quiet.