For people with zx2 struts....

[Mradio]

what's up everyone, here is the question for those who have zx2 struts on their mx3, and for all others who might heard about it.<BR>I installed a set of Tokico struts (zx2) and H&R springs, I've been driving the car for about 3 months now, and noticed a little problem. The Zx2 strut seems to be a little shorter than the original, and when you look on the spring, coils seem to be "leaning"(touching) on each other. So every time I go over the bump I get these terrible knocking noises. Iam guessing it's the coils hitting each other... Also I had the new tire rod ends installed about 5 months ago, and I just noticed that they are all ripped apart. What could have caused that? <BR>Any suggestions on what can be done? (Someone already suggested cutting of a coil or two, but i'd rather wait for another solution) I need some advice ASAP. <BR>thank you

[Mradio]

is anyone reading this post?<BR>please respond

[ProtegeSTS]

the coils are supposed to touch each other....they are there for droop travel.

[Mradio]

ok, but when the car just sits on the ground, you can't even stick a finger in between them.... I was just thinking that they get too much pressure, and make the banging noise when they hit each other...<P>can you please explain what the droop travel is?<BR>thanks

[ProtegeSTS]

when your wheel hits a hole...it wants to go lower...<P>its like negitive suspension travel.<P>there are extra coils so that the spring length can expand when needed.

[Mradio]

ok thanks,<BR>I didn't know there is a term for that <P>hey Jesse, one more thing, I was comparing the zx2 struts and stock, and zx2 ones look like they are a little shorter (the body of the strut itself). So that's my biggest concern right now, cause the coils sit closer to each other than they are supposed to.

[Mradio]

is that a totalled RX7 in that picture?

[ProtegeSTS]

you'll be fine with the zx2s.<P>no, its MY car in BOTH pictures. I killed it on Saturday, the 14th.

[tk1138]

Protege: Sorry to hear about your ride. I was kinda wondering about that.... <P>Vlad: I used the stock springs, because I couldn't find any lowering springs that lowered lesss than 1" & don't have the money for good Coilovers. <P>I noticed the ZX/2 front struts are about 1/2" shorter as well, but haven't had any issues with them. The shorter length shouldn't be a problem for you since you lowered it. Honestly I don't think anyone who isn't trying to jump their cars over railroad tracks will have significant issues w/ the shorter length.<P>Check to see who else has these springs & if they've had problems<P>DON'T CUT COILS, this won't help your problem at all, and will put the coils closer together, as well as create a serious hazard to your tires.<P>When in doubt get a trustworthy mechanic to look at it.<P>Good luck<P>[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: tk1138 ]<p>[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: tk1138 ]

[Mradio]

thanks for the input guys,<P>Jesse, that little car looks terrible... Did you get out of it alright?

[ProtegeSTS]

broken right hand and minor cuts and brusies. i was truly lucky

[Guest]

ok that knocking you here goiing over bumps, i have that too, im currently getting that fixed, i cant remember exactly what it was but he something about swaybar links or someshit like that, i was busy at work when he called so i wasnt really getting the jist of what he was saying, something about mounts or links, so dont quote me but i dont think it has to do with your new struts man, you should get ti checked out though for sure.

[Mradio]

so did you get it fixed? do you know what was the problem for sure?<BR>I don't see how sway bar end links would be involved... [img]shrug.gif"%20border="0[/img] <BR>Nope, I didn't fix it yet.

[Guest]

ya thats what im saying, its not fixed yet, i cant remember what the guy said it was, when i talk to him ill let you know exactly what its called, im just saying dont be worried about your new struts cause its probably not them.

[Mradio]

hey man, if you read what I wrote above,<BR>one of the suggestions from my mechanic was that it's the coils hitting each other, since they are sitting very close to each other...<BR>That's the only thing I can figure out right now. <BR>Let me know what you do about that problem, it's bothering me