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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

is anyone reading this post?<BR>please respond

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

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

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.

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.

is that a totalled RX7 in that picture?

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

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 ]

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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