mmcd87

iTrader: (1)

Hi,

I've just had to replace the suspension on my '05 WRX wagon due to the common rear strut issues. The car has done 31k miles.

I decided I wanted to do it right and forget about it, so arrayed for the fitment of new KYB Excel-G, OEM replacement shocks (non-inverted) and Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs. This seems to be a pretty common, good quality upgrade.

At the same time I had a comfort spec Whiteline Anti-Lift kit (ALK) fitted, rear camber bolts and full alignment done on the car.

I was expecting an OEM+ style ride to the car - firmer but still a good all round compromise, but the car seems to bounce even more than it did when the rear shocks were seized. On a dual carriageway it's very noticeable, to the point a passenger mentioned it. There is also a knock/clunk from the front when going over speed bumps for example.

Can anyone with a similar setup give me an idea of how it should ride? The car seems to sit level and I realise that the ALK was maybe a push to far for everyday refinement. Maybe I'm expecting too much?

Thanks in advance.

Tidgy

somethin does sound right to me, mine were fine from day one on my classic.

has all the other components been checked? bushes etc

Arnie_1

were bump stops also installed? The OEM inverted struts have internal bump stops so you would have had to buy new ones.

mmcd87

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the replys.

Would the new shocks not have come with bumpstops?! I have no idea as the parts were supplied, installed and alignment done by a rally/performance specialist so as much as it's 'possible', I'd doubt very much they'd not notice this... How can I visually tell if they are there on the new ones?

Arnie_1

Normally the shocks would not come with bump stops as the assume you reuse the stockers. you just need to lift the dust boot up and see if there are bump stops under there. They might be tucked up high on the piston rod so you have to look way up the dust boot.

Now, that might not contribute directly to your ride quality issues, not having your bump stops. the springs are lower and bit stiffer than your stock setup so, obviously that will contribute as well. But really bouncy? I've never felt an excel/GR2 setup feel bouncy.

Front clunk could be one of the struts not properly tightened down or perhaps the ALK not properly tightened.

mmcd87

iTrader: (1)

Hi Arnie,

I'll check to see if the bumpstops have been installed. Since the old struts were inverted would their bumpstops have been compatible? It does feel like the car is riding on the stops but as far as I am aware, nobody else has had this issue with this setup from what I can see.

Regarding the front clunk, I have checked the strut top nuts with a torque wrench and both were torqued correctly. If the ALK is not correctly tightened what bolts would be loose and if they are loose would that mean the car would need its alignment done again?

Thanks again.

Arnie_1

You should be ok if there is a wee bit of play in the ALK, as far as alignment goes.

The bump stops on the inverted setup aren't really compatible as the inner diameter of the bumpstop is a bit narrower than the piston rod of a non inverted strut. But you can buy universal bumpstops from Bilstein or Koni and naturally subaru if they aren't in there.

mmcd87

iTrader: (1)

Just checked today and I have NO bumpstops fitted! :brick wall

Would having no bumpstops cause the rise to be bumpy? I'm wondering if it's the ALK causing the fidgety ride. The turn in grip feels fantastic now though.

I'm a bit annoyed as it sounds like the garage will have to take the car back and start all over again to get the bumpstops installed. They have installed the old dust boots.

Arnie_1

Ugh. Yes, the garage will have to do it all over again. Unfortunately, unless its a shop familiar with the various scooby damper options, an unattentive mechanic would not have noticed the lack of bumpstops because the original one's didn't have any to swap over. So unless you had handed them a set, they probably didn't know there was a difference. yay.

thing is not having bump stops would theoreticaly make your car ride a bit smoother. Because there isn't a bump stop to increase spring rate as the spring compresses, the ride should be a bit smoother, until, that is you bottom out your spring/damper due to the lack of bump stop. But that's just a loud bang.

The ALK, when installed properly, will add a little bit of buzz to the ride quality due to the stiffer bushing. And on square edged impacts, such as expansion joints, a bit of sharper sounding and feeling impact. It won't cause a bouncy ride. Are you hearing any noises? I'm thinking if they installed the ALK completely wrong, somehow limiting the control arm's ability to rotate in the housing, that could cause some bounciness. Basically the control arms aren't reacting to bumps because they are "seized" in the housing. Any chance you can get underneath the car and take some pics of the ALK and post up? Maybe we can see if its installed properly. Get a pic of the rear facing part as well, where the big nut is holding it onto the control arm. I want to see if the washer is installed there.

Another thing is perhaps the springs, at least the front are installed improperly. If the upper spring pan is installed improperly, causing the spring to twist in the mount that may cause some bounciness. May. I've only corrected this mistake on a couple of cars where shops have assembled the front struts incorrectly. But I can't say if the ride was more bouncy or not. On the outside perimeter of the upper spring pan there are three holes. The center hole has to be "centered" directly over the lower clevis.

scooby1929

iTrader: (1)

The excels you have bought are not designed for lowering springs but the ultra golds are.

Dave Hedgehog

iTrader: (1)

That's not strictly true.
The Excel G's are about 20% stiffer than standard.
The Ultra Golds are much stiffer still - nearly double the damping rate of OEM shocks.

OP - if you're anywhere near J4 of the M40 you're welcome to have a compare with mine, which has the same set up. The ride is firm but no worse in my opinion than it was pre-fix. Certainly not "bouncy" or bumpy. I do have bump stopps though - I had to find a set of suspension to pul lthem off.

The problem with suspension is that it's so subjective. One mans magic carpet is another mans rocky road... bumpy to one person might be stiff to another. Some people equate jiggly suspension to good handling... Who knows without back to back testing!

Anyways, the offer stands. It would be nice to get a group of people together with everything from stiff springed coilovers to standard suspension and various options in between to try and build a picture of what is what.

wrxyz

iTrader: (2)

good idea Dave, make a group decision on the attributes of the set-ups, maybe a simple 1 to 10 scale for each aspect.

mmcd87

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the replies. Dave did you cut the bumpstops for the install?

The car can ride fine and deals with big bumps ok - it's just certain road surfaces that seem to make it like the car has no suspension at all and just tyres for cushioning. I realise the springs are firmer, but its a bit rubbish on the motorway for example when you are just cruising. I'm sure this is coming more from the rear than the front of the car too.

martin850

iTrader: (51)

Sorry to hear about your problems but could you tell me where you bought your KYBs from please?

Dave Hedgehog

iTrader: (1)

Bumps stops were installed uncut.

Ok, so I'd assess my car as follows:
Pootling on rubbish road surfaces: A bit too harsh. Firm ride and big potholes are slightly jarring.
Motorways/a-roads: fine body control, no problems and no bumpyness.
Pressing on/spirited driving on B-roads/typical tricky roads: Great handling and body control. Bumps well damped and compliant suspension keeps contact with the road. Passenger comfort not compromised.

It certainly improves with speed. It feels like what it is: A stiff chassis with high unsprung weight at low speeds, moving up to a car with good traction and compliant suspension as speeds increase.

I love it for day to day use and spirited road driving.

Like I say, if you can get to me and you'd like to compare, drop me a Pm.