Anyone,

I need someone to check out my lowering springs. I don't know what is up with this. I'll try to explain the best I can.

Last night, my wife, friend, and I entered the parking lot in front of the Ward Center Farmers Market. When I made my right turn into the parking lot, SLOWLY, I heard a pop, rub, or something harsh. I parked and got out to see what is up. I noticed that my rear driver's side wheel is very very close to the wheel well. The tire is almost inside the well.

Now, about 2 weeks ago, a few guys came over and put Tein H-tech lowering springs on my car. It lowered it and they said it will come down a little more over time after the springs settle out. I don't know if that is normal; however, the passenger's side rear wheel remains cleared much more than the driver's side. So I have an imbalance in the rear. I noticed while driving too...the car tends to push to the left. I NEED HELP to find out what is wrong with this. I will be taking the car to Schuman on Monday to get a CV Boot replaced. I haven't been running the car hard and going over bumps fast. I take my time driving on the crappy roads downtown (when I do go downtown).

On the way home last night, I did feel and notice some more noise which I feel is the rubbing of the tire inside the well. What I would like if anyone is available at all today to check it out. I don't want to drive the car anywhere but if someone maybe can meet up near the Stadium or near Hickam around 1pm I can show you. I'm very nervous and also really thinking of putting the factory rear springs back on. Feedback please.

BTW...on another note. When I pulled off in the CompUSA parking lot last night around 115am, I noticed a Black/Silver STi at the light with 4 guys in it. I don't know if they are I-clubbers but they were not helpful at all. I wouldn't believe any I-clubber would treat a fellow Subbie owner like that. I stated my problem and asked if they could look at it; he goes on and tells me you shouldn't even lower the STi because it bottoms out with stock springs when people are in the back. I had one person in the back and she was on the passenger side where it was higher. That guy had no clue.

Anyhow, I was very upset with that guy and figured out that not all WRX/STi owners are cool. Nice car but rude **** people. But in any case, if you are an I-clubber....one word for the wise...Help a brother out in need....don't be a rude ****.

If anyone can help me out, please get in touch with me at 685-0653 (home) or 609-892-6599 (cell). Thanks in advance.

DrV aka Jason

 

The only thing I can think is that it might have come unseated while you were pulling into the parking lot. I'll send you a PM for some more info...

 

I believe the same thing... wish I have more skills in that field and help you for that issues...

Btw, DrVortex, I agree that the guys you asked for help are not i-clubers at all...and they were rude in commenting about your problem... just a quick hand will be appreciated instead of remarks...

If you need help in computer field... I can help...

Mahalo

 

Have you gotten under the car to take a look yet? Maybe pop off the wheel and see what's going on.

 

Fixed it, it seemed that some how the sway bar got flipped down causing the end link to bind againts the lateral link or what ever it is called. This caused both end links to bend not sure how it happened but the only way it could happen is if the wheels were off the ground it can't happen if the weight of the car is on the sway bar. And with the sway bar flipprd down o that side it was putting pressure on the rear end on that side pushing the wheel up.

 

The only way this could have happened is when I took the car in to get the CV Boot looked at. When they dropped it down off the jack, the end link was flipped the opposite way. Anyway, I will need to replace the two endlinks.

If anyone is planning on installing the Cusco rear sway bar...I'd recommend installing in the first hole instead of the middle. I have it in the middle hole. There are 3 holes...use the one furthest on the bar. This may keep the endlink in proper location and won't have the problem of being moved.

Thanks again Jermiah for your help.

 

The holes are there to adjust stiffness. Use the hole that best suits your driving.

 

I got my car back today. The boot is fixed. Thanks to Braun and Ed from Schuman. I also asked them about the problem above. Found out they never moved the car the other day. So, I have no clue how that happened to the sway bar. It is a temp fix but Braun told me to call George to find out how much to get replaceable endlinks. I'm waiting to hear from Adam from Z1 about aftermarket endlinks for the STi. Schuman won't fix the endlinks because of the aftermarket sway bar. So guess what all, a sway bar will VOID the warranty. He did the boot but didn't know that the springs were aftermarket after he lifted the car. Be cautious now on everything we do to the cars. It's too late for me now. Thanks to Jermiah in helping me get the car to sit properly until I get new endlinks. Just hope they hold until I get them replaced. I will take pics of the bent endlinks and post them soon. Late.

 

Time for some aftermarket endlinks?

 

I would make sure he sent you the correct sway bar because the I've heard the 2003 and 2004 are not the same I almost think that you have the wrong one. I jacked my car up later that day at Mach5's house and the stock sway bar will not move as much as yours also make sure everything is tight. If they said they didn't lift the car off the ground then I'm not sure why it did what it did.

 

Ok...I will talk to Adam from Z1 about it. Thanks. I think I better put the stock sway bar back on until I figure out what the problem is. I still haven't heard from Adam about the endlinks...I may need to call.