Koni Sport shocks not level

[usinjin]

So I thought changing my stock suspension to the Koni Sports all the way around would be easy..turns out the hardest part is just getting the dang things. After waiting a month and a half I was sent the shocks but no struts and told it would be late October before Koni would have those again. Drat. On a related note..does anyone have a set of Koni Yellow struts they would be willing to part with? :|

I got the shocks installed pretty easily..or so I initially thought. Koni recommended 45ft-lbs for the main nut at the top and 35 ft-lbs for the side nuts, but neither set got that tight (started to spin, so I stopped). At any rate--they're not level. The rear driver's side of the car is about an inch higher than the other side. It can't be the adjustment, right? Because that should only affect damping response.

Starting to regret the Sports. Maybe try and return the shocks and get a set of the Special Actives? :facepalm

[t.er]

Actually, the rear shocks don't affect ride height at all, or at least to the extent you're saying. Sometimes the rear spring can come unseated in full droop, especially if you have lowering springs. I'd recommend checking that your rear springs are seated correctly.

You also want to be sure the top nut is fully tight, or it could cause preliminary wear in the RSM and/or suspension noise. If you have access to an impact wrench, this would be the one of the few times giving it a couple "ugga duggas" is recommended (https://www.m3post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=982255&d=1393139884).

[usinjin]

Actually, the rear shocks don't affect ride height at all, or at least to the extent you're saying. Sometimes the rear spring can come unseated in full droop, especially if you have lowering springs. I'd recommend checking that your rear springs are seated correctly.

You also want to be sure the top nut is fully tight, or it could cause preliminary wear in the RSM and/or suspension noise. If you have access to an impact wrench, this would be the one of the few times giving it a couple "ugga duggas" is recommended (https://www.m3post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=982255&d=1393139884).

Could the spring have shifted when a shock was removed? I'll check that.

Koni instructions specified not to use an impact, but I could probably torque it for a second, as you say.

[Reasoned1]

Make sure everything is settled in (take her for a short spin) and the car is parked on even ground before measuring the ride height. I doubt very much there's anything wrong with the struts or shocks. Sounds like assembly error to me, if anything. If necessary, I'd pull them out, verify everything, follow the manufacturer recommendations to the "t" (I called them for better adjustment instructions when I installed mine, and I would NOT use an impact wrench), and very carefully put everything back together. My Koni's (with stock springs) ride like a dream.

P.S. If you haven't already, be sure you install the reinforcement plates when you reinstall.

[usinjin]

Make sure everything is settled in (take her for a short spin) and the car is parked on even ground before measuring the ride height. I doubt very much there's anything wrong with the struts or shocks. Sounds like assembly error to me, if anything. If necessary, I'd pull them out, verify everything, follow the manufacturer recommendations to the "t" (I called them for better adjustment instructions when I installed mine, and I would NOT use an impact wrench), and very carefully put everything back together. My Koni's (with stock springs) ride like a dream.

P.S. If you haven't already, be sure you install the reinforcement plates when you reinstall.

I've driven with them in for about 50 miles. The height difference is between the wheel and fender arch.

Struts are still stock. This is where you recommend reinforcement plates, correct? Indy said I wouldn't need them unless I was tracking the car (and my strut towers are file), but I guess I may as well get a set anyways to be safe.

[Reasoned1]

Reinforcement plates can and should be installed with both struts and shocks.

If settled in and parked on a flat surface, sounds like it must be a spring issue. I think it seems more likely one is broken. Can you confirm it wasn't out of whack prior to installation of the new shocks?

[sillieidiot]

At least in the rear, if you go with something like Rogue RSM, it just makes it easier to take the shocks out later. Don't have to take out the carpet in the trunk. You get access to it all from under the car.

[John in VA]

At least in the rear, if you go with something like Rogue RSM, it just makes it easier to take the shocks out later. Don't have to take out the carpet in the trunk. You get access to it all from under the car.
But you would have to remove the carpet & sound deadening stuff to remove the original rear shocks before installing Rogue RSM, correct?

[t.er]

But you would have to remove the carpet & sound deadening stuff to remove the original rear shocks before installing Rogue RSM, correct?

Correct, as the nuts are on top. The Rogue-style RSM has the studs with the plate on the top, you undo the 2 nuts from the bottom and the shock drops down

[usinjin]

Reinforcement plates can and should be installed with both struts and shocks.

If settled in and parked on a flat surface, sounds like it must be a spring issue. I think it seems more likely one is broken. Can you confirm it wasn't out of whack prior to installation of the new shocks?

Confirming it was not off kilter before putting in new shocks. I feel like if the spring was actually broken, I'd be able to tell. Ride quality is fine. I feel like I just bumped it out of alignment, will investigate. Reinforcement plates purchased.

[Reasoned1]

I suppose it's theoretically possible, if unlikely, a spring broke during or immediately after the shock installation. I'd definitely pull those springs out and inspect. I had one break due to corrosion, and I gather it's a common issue with E46's.

[johnrando]

I suppose it's theoretically possible, if unlikely, a spring broke during or immediately after the shock installation. I'd definitely pull those springs out and inspect. I had one break due to corrosion, and I gather it's a common issue with E46's.Hmm, i have not heard that one.

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[Galapolis]

Hmm, i have not heard that one.

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37095
37096

Damn Californians with their perfect climate and springs that never rust and fall to bits

[usinjin]

37095
37096

Damn Californians with their perfect climate and springs that never rust and fall to bits

Too true.

I'm in Texas. When I was ready to buy my ZHP, I was looking at two options. A beautiful Imola Red 6MT from Bozeman Montana, and a Jet Black 5AT from Orlando Florida. The rest is history.

[johnrando]

37095
37096

Damn Californians with their perfect climate and springs that never rust and fall to bitsLolol!

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[Will]

Are the front springs seated correctly on the spring perch? The bottoms of the front spring is a triangular / oval shape which match (or clocked) with the triangular / oval of the spring perch. Maybe it's off.

Or, maybe the spring pads are missing on the shorter side of the car?

[nevan]

...maybe the spring pads are missing on the shorter side of the car?

Either missing or not seated right on either side. Will beat me to it. :)

[Reasoned1]

I sure would like to hear the resolution on this.

[Will]

^ same.

Two more guesses:
- Did you happen to replace the RTAB at the same time? If you did, just wondering if the RTAB bracket was installed at the correct orientation (I believe the plate should be 17mm above centerline of axle). This could push one side up or down.

- Are you measuring ride height on level ground? I thought my ride front left was 0.75" higher than my front right.... turned out it was due to my driveway slope.

[Will]

I'm closing this thread out, OP posted answer in another thread (link (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?23402-Still-having-idle-issues-injectors&p=601631#post601631)):


Thanks for asking--you know, I'm convinced it was something like 20% my imagination, even though I did measure and there was a considerable difference in wheel well clearance on either side--I removed both shocks, replaced both rear shock mounts, wrestled springs around on both sides to make sure they were in the same place, everything else looked symmetrical. It still was a little wonky, and I gave it up for the time being.

Checked again recently, and the back was even again. I guess it needed time to settle?

Glad it is resolved, and it was nothing serious.

[Reasoned1]

Thanks for resolving. I was once sure I had a broken spring, becuase my car wasn't sitting on a flat surface.