Hey guys, I've been drivin my 5th gen lately and something seems off from the front left side. The car is set on the stiffest suspension so I am used to the bumps in the road. When I get certain bumps, it feels like I am hitting hard. Almost like a bang feeling. I took the wheel off to check it for a leak, but I do not think I saw one. I also tugged on the wheel to make sure nothing was loose. The next day I drove the car on the loosest setting and I still felt the bang to a lesser degree. Also, I could push on the top of the car and it would go up and down like it was supposed to do. When I drive, it does not bounce as if the shock was blown. I am lost and I am thinking of taking my car to honda for them to check out. Any suggestions?
Also, I hope the inspection will be covered as part of the free 40-point inspection honda is having this month

 

bigj505, Are you using tein coilover struts now or OE ministruts?
I assumed you are using tien SS.

There are many possibilities on that hitting hard.

1. Struts top mount which has bushings are getting weak coz you used to set the configuration in the stiffest ride. It worked out the aftermarket bushings. Did you feel like something hit like "thud thud" sound?

2. The gas in the coilover is getting weak. Low pressure on the gas let you feel like a bang. In suspension industry it called as bottom down. Which the piston in the coilover struts bottom down and hit on the compression head. Overall in this case, the struts are getting weak.

Yes, it still go up and down like it was supposed to do if you push on the top. This doesn't mean anything coz you hand force is not greater than the car's body bouncing force on the uneven surface. Plus, you might feel that you're the suspension is softer if you push it on the top.

Try this drive test, do 35mph to 40mph on a curve or corner. I bet you know how much is the body roll on the car when you first installed that coilover. Do compare the car body roll-over with what you had when you installed them initially.

Another test is early morning drive especially ard 6 or 7 am when the temperature still cold. Don't warm u car, drive the car and try to hit on some expansion crack on the road. If you feel the band or "thud" sound or bottom down feel for a moment, (usually it will disappear when the coilovers get heat up). That means you coilover is weak.

So far, those are my assumptions. Please do provide more details, I might can help you out.

 

thanks for your help strangelaw911. I am using the tein superstreet coilover w/pillowball mounts. and they have been on the car for two years now. My daily drive is about 20 miles total. Mostly highway. Driving style is moderate, but sometimes I will take a turn hard just because I like it. Car is on the stiffest because it is lowered and I wanted to prevent rubbing

Since I have the pillowball mounts, does it nullify this possibility???
1. Struts top mount which has bushings are getting weak coz you used to set the configuration in the stiffest ride. It worked out the aftermarket bushings. Did you feel like something hit like "thud thud" sound?
A. I get the bang!!!! sound at some times.

This sounds like the answer. I really hope it is not, because the suspension was expensive. I probably will buy some cheaper one unless I can get it repaired
2. The gas in the coilover is getting weak. Low pressure on the gas let you feel like a bang. In suspension industry it called as bottom down. Which the piston in the coilover struts bottom down and hit on the compression head. Overall in this case, the struts are getting weak.

I tried to tell the difference, but it has been so long since I initially put them on, I cannot really notice. I know that it rolls a little more than it did before, but I have since put struts on the front and rear...
Try this drive test, do 35mph to 40mph on a curve or corner. I bet you know how much is the body roll on the car when you first installed that coilover. Do compare the car body roll-over with what you had when you installed them initially.

I checked this morning and I have been observing this since I noticed the problem and it has not gotten better as the car/day gets warmer. Same ol' bang!!!
Another test is early morning drive especially ard 6 or 7 am when the temperature still cold. Don't warm u car, drive the car and try to hit on some expansion crack on the road. If you feel the band or "thud" sound or bottom down feel for a moment, (usually it will disappear when the coilovers get heat up). That means you coilover is weak.

I hope my top info is the more info you required. If there is anything anyone could suggest I check or take some pics of certain places, please advise and I will do my best to get it up here ASAP because I really appreciate the help
So far, those are my assumptions. Please do provide more details, I might can help you out.

 

bigj505, Hey How's going on? Sorry for the late reply. I was too busy last entire week to fix my new lude. I have talk about your case to my senior in my company.

Ok, let me ask you a few questions first
1. How many inches did you lower at the front and rear?
2. What's the rim and tyres' size you have?
3. Base or SH model? (Both of them have different suspension install angle - caster)
4. Are you using EDFC?

Look forward to hear from you soon.