I installed some koni orange struts brand new onto my 99 civic sedan. Shocks that were on the car had 1 rear blown so I replaced them. Car is lowered with off brand coilovers. I would assume ground control but shouldn't matter. Before replacing I had no squeaks. Now the car squeaks over most bumps slow or fast but more so going slow or just more noticeable at parking lot speed as opposed to highway speeds. I have been reading and believe maybe the issue could be the struts aren't traveling like they should and extended top hats could fix my issue? The squeak is in the front both sides. It's almost like a chirp. Had all bushings checked out and were deemed to be in good shape. The ride is also kind of bouncy which I assume is also because struts aren't getting optimal travel. Any ideas?

 

Bump

 

did you tighten the lower bolts on the LCA with the car at ride height or at full droop, if you were not at ride height it is probably the bushing in the LCA...assuming you did not have the squeaks before

 

Did the new struts come with new bump stops? Depending on the ride height of the car you might be driving completely on the bump stop. This would create a bouncy ride and in the right conditions, a noise also.

As mentioned above all bushings need to be tightened while under load. You might want to get the on stands, loosen the lower fork, loosen where the shock sits in the fork. And the upper mount. Put your floor jack under the control arm and compress everything. re tighten everything while its compressed.

you can also see if the bump stop is getting smashed at this time also.

 

I tightened at a droop not ride height. I believe I am using the old bump stops but they appear to be in good shape. I will try jacking car up and putting on stands. Everything may just be too tight? The car sits about flush with the too of the tires. No wheel gap. Not slammed by any means nor will it ever be.

 

Even if the bump stops are in good condition, they might just be too long. and getting compressed.

 

What's the best fix in that situation. Not cheapest the best. I have been reading that the koni oranges in a lowered car don't allow for optimal strut travel. So if I did extended top hats and retightened my control arm bolts and also if the bump stop is too long should I get new shorter ones or cut these?

 

You can trim bump stops, I personally would try to get a new smaller one if possible. Most bump stops use a "open cell" foam material. if trimmed they will be more sensitive to road salts etc.

Also see if you have any thin pieces of rubber that sit at the top of the springs. those would be for noise reduction.

 

Those sit inside the tophats correct? If so I've got those still. This is the 4th car I've replaced struts on and never had this issue. Maybe got lucky the other times?

 

Yeah they are on the shaft, under the dust boots near the top of the shock.

Please disregard the red circles...but here is a diagram that I happen to have saved.

 

Yeah I've got that still

 

There's the most probable issue.

And that is slammed.

 

Okay I'll retighten that first. Thanks for the help