Hi,
I test drove a 2000 Civic SI coupe today, it was in perfect condition except for the suspension/tires. The recent owner, a good friend, bought it from an auction so he has no clue how the previous owner lowered it. The tires on the vechile are firestone 195/65/15 instead of the factory 195/55/15.... the car has been lowered except whenever i turn the tire rubs on the fender....if u just turn the wheel 150 degrees to either direction it will rub on the fender. He said u can easily fix it w/ putting the factory 195/55 tires. The car is incredibly low, whenever i move in the car (especially back seats), the car creaks whenever it boucnes hard. I have no clue what type of suspension it is, i tried to look at the springs but the tires are in the way. I will be willing to drive up there and take a certain picture and show you guys...but i do not think i will have the oppurtunity to take out the tire and look behind, etc. I should be buying this car soon if that problem is cheap to fix. Please let me know ASAP, ill be willing to go back and take pics of the vechile. i am attaching two pics incase it helps.
Thanks Alot

 

[IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

 

Slap whoever put those monster tires on. The springs could also cause it to creak if the spring seats are squeaky. Tell us more when you get the chance.

 

i can tell you as much as you'd like. i went outside the car, kinda slammed it down from the trunk and it sqeeked. thanks alot

 

any other opinions? thanks

 

my civic is on neuspeed sports and koni yellows and it only rubs the fender when I turn the steering wheel all the way in either direction. The car sits really low. I'll take a picture if you want.

The best way to fix that problem (based on the information provided)

Get some new springs! Ths springs could be cut or just sagging, so............there you have it

 

so i should buy new springs instead of changing the tires? thanks

 

You need to get 205/50/15 sized tires
Also, for the creaking, it could be that the first owner put on some aftermarket bushings and did not lube them up properly. Check that, especially the upper control arm bushing.

 

yes, absolutely make sure you change the tires! they shouldn't be on there period and that's why they're rubbing. Go with either the stock sized 195/55/15's or like Litterbox said above 205/50/15's. If the springs were cut, that would explain the noise and judging by the tires that dude put on the car, I would expect him to have done something just as stupid.

 

yeah, I'm going to say poly suspension bushings. those are notorious for squeeking.
-PHiZ

 

how do i find out if the suspension bushings are bad? how do i find out if the springs have been cut? thanks

 

Look at the bushings and see if they are red. Like 75% of aftermarket poly bushings are red.
-PHiZ

 

also what exactly are bushings? ift he bushings are bad, how much would it be to repair? thanks

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bigbeasta4 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how do i find out if the suspension bushings are bad? how do i find out if the springs have been cut? thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>

Jack the car up and have a look at the springs,,,you'll see the stock springs and if they are cut or bent etc.