how do you know your coilovers have gone bad?

[PDXSchrammie]

What are some of the signs that your coilovers have gone bad or are broken? I'm just speculating at this point, and it's really hard to explain without hearing it, but my front BC coilovers or some part of the suspension doesn't sound right when rolling over potholes or typical road bumps. Can anyone give me some tips on what to look for and the typical signs if a coilover has gone bad? (BTW- it's not the sound of tires rubbing the fenders, if that's what you're thinking).

Any advice before I take it to the mechanic?

Thanks-
PDXSchrammie

 

[inky]

Biggest sign would be oil all around the bottom of the coilover from leaking. If you are hearing clunking when you hit potholes check the rest of the suspension. Bushings, ball joints and bearings would be the first suspect

 

[la_fx35]

^:plus1: :good:

 

[Dracula]

you might want to check the top nut on your coilover shock body. That might of came loose. Just needs to be retightened

---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:50 PM ----------

check --> http://www.meganracing.com/tech/faqs.asp?id=37&subject=CDK

 

[smijus]

Easier fix is to take some WD40 applied to the top of the coilover and let gravity do the work. At one point I was going to disassemble my fronts due to some noise, but WD40 has fixed all.

 

[TurTLeG]

Take a picture of ur coilovers. Maybe we can tell.

 

[PDXSchrammie]

Biggest sign would be oil all around the bottom of the coilover from leaking. If you are hearing clunking when you hit potholes check the rest of the suspension. Bushings, ball joints and bearings would be the first suspect

Nope...didn't see any oil leaking when I checked last night. Checked the bushings and components of suspension..everything looked ok to me. No movement. Ball joints and bearings I will leave to the professionals.

---------- Post added at 08:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 AM ----------

Easier fix is to take some WD40 applied to the top of the coilover and let gravity do the work. At one point I was going to disassemble my fronts due to some noise, but WD40 has fixed all.

Applying WD40 tonight.

---------- Post added at 08:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:27 AM ----------

Near the top of the coilover springs, I did notice that one of the rubber covers to the spring (on both sides) has come off. At first I thought the springs broke somehow but after closer inspection I noticed that it was just a piece of rubber. I will need to take a picture to show you.

 

[shadow191]

Have you checked the top of the strut mount? Maybe something is loose on the camber plate, it's only 4 5mm bolts that hold it in place.

 

[PDXSchrammie]

Have you checked the top of the strut mount? Maybe something is loose on the camber plate, it's only 4 5mm bolts that hold it in place.

Yes, checked these. Bolts are tight.

I have an appointment tomorrow morning with a mechanic to look over the suspension.