2003 Honda Civic Ex
Installed front Tein Basic coilover suspension

The suspension has been installed for about 2 months. When it was first completed there was no noise. Now there is a popping noise when the steering wheel is turned both left or right. When I bought the coilovers, it said that I needed to use 2001 Civic front mounts for the set up so that is what I bought and used. When I hit a large bump this will also occur.

On a side note I did take it to Tuffy, where the guy said that he isn't able to do an alignment for who know's what reason. Am I up a creek here? Should I go back to original shocks and buy lowering springs? I am really confused and need some help please. I searched the site for some input but found minimal descriptive answers. Thanks guys.

Zack

 

most coilovers make noise when going over bumps, going up drive ways, and sometimes turning, i had a 2002 with the basic all around and the rear made a little noise but that was it. and if you didnt get an alignment that might...MIGHT have something to do with the sound. but go to a tuner shop and ask for an alignment place so they can align lowered cars.

 

A pop? What do you mean by pop?

I know when I installed my front suspension, I didn't tighten down the crown nut (or whatever you call it) on the upper ball joint / camber arm all the way and it made a knocking noise everytime I turned or hit a bump.

 

kind of like the spring shifting i suppose

 

If you're using stock upper mounts instead of pillowball upper mounts, that's a result of the POS Honda Mac strut upper spring mount design. My old Camry with Mac struts had front upper mounts with an actual bearing that allowed it to rotate freely. But form what I've seen the 01+ Civics use just a rubber mount that has to twist when you turn the steering wheel. Worst design ever IMHO.

When used with shorter, stiffer, smaller-diameter springs (unlike the stock large-diameter Mac strut springs), then you will generally get a popping sound like you describe.