I've had a "crunchy" sound coming from my front end for about six months now and when I was in for my last service, I was told that the front struts on late model Civics often develop this condition and that it's "normal". I think I'm being fed a line and the dealership probably is concerned about a warranty issue (only has 20,000 miles). From a stand still and up to about 5 mph, whenever I turn the wheel left or right, I can hear a crunchy/clicking sound. I lowered the car all around with Eibach components at my brother's shop in April and had no issues for about 3 months until the sound started. Otherwise, I've been completely satisfied with the modifications and overall performance of my Si. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Probably blew your stock struts.

The dealership really has nothing to worry about. You threw out any chance of them warranting suspension work when you lowered your car.

 

I'm not sure why they wouldn't be happy to point something like that out, given that they'd have a sizeable repair job on their hands. Additionally, I've had no ride and/or handling issues, which I think would become very noticeable if the struts were blown out. Any physical indicators if this were the case? I assumed that Eibach was and is a respected aftermarket manufacturer.

 

Eibach is a reputable manufacturer. However, stock struts don't take too kindly to running outside of their intended use. The car is now lower and stiffer than the struts were designed for, so it would not be unexpected for them to die an early death.

That said, do a bushing inspection. My money would be on one of the lower bushings being torn/cracked from the lowering. I'm not overly familiar with the current Civic front suspension, but if its anything like the previous generation than one bushing on each side will be in a constant state of deformation once the car is lowered.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll get the front end up and tires off in the next day or so and get a good look at the bottom of the strut housing assembly and bushings. I still think there must be more to this because the ride and handling are spot on. Strange...

 

Do you hear loud clunking when you go over bumps? That's one sign of the struts being blown.

 

Nope. No clunking/clicking over bumps; just when I turn left/right at low (<5mph) speeds. Pulling out of a parking space, out of the garage, into the driveway, etc.

 

One more thing...if in fact these stock struts are toast, any suggested replacements? I intend to keep my Eibach components, but I haven't been too successful looking around the net in finding aftermarket front struts.

 

I don't have any experience with aftermarket shocks but I've never heard anything but good things about Koni Yellows. They are expensive but Koni makes great products. http://www.koni-na.com/cat_search.cf...24&submit.y=10

On the otherhand, I've heard many bad things about Skunk2 aftermarket shocks.