The Subaru SVX World Network   SVX Network Forums
Live Chat!
SVX or Subaru Links
Old Lockers
Photo Post
How-To Documents
Message Archive
SVX Shop Search
IRC users:

Go Back   The Subaru SVX World Network > SVX Main Forums > Technical Q & A

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-15-2003, 02:06 AM
James Scott James Scott is offline
The Molinator
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 1,002
Question BOTTOMING OUT! >> Struts?

My SVX has been prone to bottoming out [in front] in dips at all but very cautious speeds! IS THIS NORMAL FOR THE SVX or should I replace the front struts (and/or springs) [with OEM or aftermarket products]? I have clocked about 75,000 miles.

THANKS FOR YOUR THOUGHTS!
__________________
Jim
1995 Laguna Blue SVX AWD L - 240K (daily driver) - "ReBuILT" used engine at 236K miles (6/13)
2013 Veloster Red - Driver Now??Dropsprings [1/2" rear, 1" front] with Koni Strut Inserts> Magnaflow Exhaust System> ECUTune Stage 1av1 Upgrade (from 1v4)> ECUTune TCU MOD> Aluminum Crankshaft Pulley> Stainless Brake Lines> Phenolic Spacers> Perforated Brake Rotors (dint like, OEM now)> SmallCar Shift Kit (resting since TCU MOD)> 7-Position Ground System> High-Pressure Fuel Pressure Regulator (resting)> ATF Cooler & Campaign Filter> Yellow Polish Polyurethane Bushings> Pioneer Double-DIN Stereo with JL AUDIO Speakers> Driveshaft Rebuilt with C-Clip U-Joints> 15 Min MOD> 20 Min MOD .. . (2011)
Valentine One Radar Detector with Remote Display - ucan'tseeme!

Last edited by James Scott; 09-15-2003 at 02:14 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-15-2003, 12:25 PM
JLittell
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
It's quite normal to scrape the front especailly when driving over dips (driveways, gutters). Still you might have a leaky strut(s) that might make it worse. The only wayt to tell is take the wheel off. Strut replacement is quite frequent around 100K. Mine have been leaking since 88K.

If all else fails, you also might want to cut out the big macs!

Last edited by JLittell; 09-15-2003 at 12:47 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-15-2003, 03:22 PM
Beav's Avatar
Beav Beav is offline
Not as old as Randy
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 3,883
Significant Technical Input
Typically, strut suspension has reduced (effective) suspension travel compared to unequal a-arm suspension. Weak struts will exacerbate the situation. Slow down and defer their replacement or replace them and find that you still need to slow down - just not quite as much. The only proper way to check the springs is to measure the ride height (anyone have the specs? if not I can probably find them somewhere) and compare to spec.
__________________
ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician w/L1.
ASE Certified Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician.
Certified EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-15-2003, 06:17 PM
mbtoloczko's Avatar
mbtoloczko mbtoloczko is offline
sans SVX
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Richland, WA
Posts: 4,250
Send a message via AIM to mbtoloczko
Re: BOTTOMING OUT! >> Struts?

Quote:
Originally posted by James Scott
My SVX has been prone to bottoming out [in front] in dips at all but very cautious speeds! IS THIS NORMAL FOR THE SVX or should I replace the front struts (and/or springs) [with OEM or aftermarket products]? I have clocked about 75,000 miles.

THANKS FOR YOUR THOUGHTS!
I guess I would ask: what exactly do you mean by bottoming out? Can you feel the suspension moving all the way through its travel and compressing the bump stops? What do you mean by dips? Are these dips you can take at much higher speed in another car?
__________________
Mychailo
:: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ ::
1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold)

Visit my locker

SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-15-2003, 09:07 PM
Trevor's Avatar
Trevor Trevor is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 5,223
Registered SVX
Quote:
Originally posted by Beav
Typically, strut suspension has reduced (effective) suspension travel compared to unequal a-arm suspension. Weak struts will exacerbate the situation. Slow down and defer their replacement or replace them and find that you still need to slow down - just not quite as much. The only proper way to check the springs is to measure the ride height (anyone have the specs? if not I can probably find them somewhere) and compare to spec.
Greetings Beav,

Great to again have yout expert advice. As you have made a request the following figures may assist.

Wheel Arch Height. ( From the official Japanese RHD manual ) : -

Measurements from center and highest point under edge of wheel arch to the the center of the wheel hub.

Front. 380 m.m. +10 , -20, or 14.96 inches + 0.39, - 0.79

Rear. 335 m.m. + 10, - 20, or 13.19 inches + 0.39, - 0.79


Sincere regards, Trevor.
__________________
Trevor, New Zealand.

As a child, on cold mornings I gladly stood in cowpats to warm my bare feet, but I detest bull$hit!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-15-2003, 09:37 PM
James Scott James Scott is offline
The Molinator
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 1,002
bottoming out!

Yes, I'm bottoming out! Hitting the bumpers after compressing the strut/springs to the max! I started to be concerned, when I went over the same bump (by work) with a friend's car - It took it much better!! I know our SVX's are heavy - Maybe that's a lot of it?

Thanks!
__________________
Jim
1995 Laguna Blue SVX AWD L - 240K (daily driver) - "ReBuILT" used engine at 236K miles (6/13)
2013 Veloster Red - Driver Now??Dropsprings [1/2" rear, 1" front] with Koni Strut Inserts> Magnaflow Exhaust System> ECUTune Stage 1av1 Upgrade (from 1v4)> ECUTune TCU MOD> Aluminum Crankshaft Pulley> Stainless Brake Lines> Phenolic Spacers> Perforated Brake Rotors (dint like, OEM now)> SmallCar Shift Kit (resting since TCU MOD)> 7-Position Ground System> High-Pressure Fuel Pressure Regulator (resting)> ATF Cooler & Campaign Filter> Yellow Polish Polyurethane Bushings> Pioneer Double-DIN Stereo with JL AUDIO Speakers> Driveshaft Rebuilt with C-Clip U-Joints> 15 Min MOD> 20 Min MOD .. . (2011)
Valentine One Radar Detector with Remote Display - ucan'tseeme!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-16-2003, 01:39 AM
mbtoloczko's Avatar
mbtoloczko mbtoloczko is offline
sans SVX
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Richland, WA
Posts: 4,250
Send a message via AIM to mbtoloczko
Re: bottoming out!

Quote:
Originally posted by James Scott
Yes, I'm bottoming out! Hitting the bumpers after compressing the strut/springs to the max! I started to be concerned, when I went over the same bump (by work) with a friend's car - It took it much better!! I know our SVX's are heavy - Maybe that's a lot of it?

Thanks!
The car is low, but it has a fair amount of wheel travel. Its undersprung though. If the dampers are shot, then it would be relatively easy to bottom out the suspension. With that said, I cannot take dips and speed bumps at the same speed as I can in my little Toyota pickup. That's with brand new dampers and 30% stiffer springs in the SVX.
__________________
Mychailo
:: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ ::
1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold)

Visit my locker

SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-16-2003, 04:50 PM
immortal_suby's Avatar
immortal_suby immortal_suby is offline
Thread Killah
Alcyone Gold Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 5,835
Registered SVX
I have pretty old struts on mine (stock and 196k on them) My car definitely sags a little and sits lower than my wifes svx. In the rear the top of the tire is even with the fender where it is about an inch clearance on the wifes.
There are pictures from the dragon where the body roll is so bad it looks like I lifted the inner rear tire off the ground.
I still have never bottomed it out and I do not slow down for bumps/ railroad tracks(within reason).
I'd check the struts for leaking as seggested and check the ride height.
__________________
Matt
Locker Link
2015 BRZ Limited 6MT
92 Ebony LS-L ECUtune Stage2av1, Z32 MAF, 370cc injectors, TomsSVX intake, BontragerWorks 22mm RSB #003, HID Hi and Lo beams, OT endlink and bushing mods, PWR Aluminum radiator, Harvey's QC shift kit, 2.5" flowmaster 80 exhaust, 17" Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, Poly sway bar bushings, Slotted Bradi rotors, AFBeefcake powdercoated calipers, 97 grill, and a huge set of air horns. 300,000 miles and counting
92 Ebony LS-L. ecutune stage1v4, motorsport 1pc pulley. Garage Queen - sold to Dad in upstate NY 155,000 miles
19 Subaru Ascent Premium - -Hers !.
89 DL 4x4 little red wagon - a.k.a. The immortal suby. 275k R.I.P.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-17-2003, 01:33 AM
James Scott James Scott is offline
The Molinator
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 1,002
Question NEW STRUTS - Which Kind?

I have just about decided to put all new struts on my SVX. [Partly because of my bottoming out problem up front, but also because someone suggested that what appeared to be a front (steering wheel shook!) suspension problem while braking recently on gradual downgrade in mountains (which was solved totally by replacing rear rotors alone!) might in fact have been an (obviously) warped rear rotor(s) exacerbated by shaking through an inadequate shock (strut) damping mechanism. Soooo . . . .

MY QUESTION IS: Which struts should I get to obtain a stiffer (improved less bottoming affect) yet Cadillac-type ride (like our SVX's are famous for?)
1. OEM's
2. KYB's
3. Koni's
4. Other?

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR HELP!
__________________
Jim
1995 Laguna Blue SVX AWD L - 240K (daily driver) - "ReBuILT" used engine at 236K miles (6/13)
2013 Veloster Red - Driver Now??Dropsprings [1/2" rear, 1" front] with Koni Strut Inserts> Magnaflow Exhaust System> ECUTune Stage 1av1 Upgrade (from 1v4)> ECUTune TCU MOD> Aluminum Crankshaft Pulley> Stainless Brake Lines> Phenolic Spacers> Perforated Brake Rotors (dint like, OEM now)> SmallCar Shift Kit (resting since TCU MOD)> 7-Position Ground System> High-Pressure Fuel Pressure Regulator (resting)> ATF Cooler & Campaign Filter> Yellow Polish Polyurethane Bushings> Pioneer Double-DIN Stereo with JL AUDIO Speakers> Driveshaft Rebuilt with C-Clip U-Joints> 15 Min MOD> 20 Min MOD .. . (2011)
Valentine One Radar Detector with Remote Display - ucan'tseeme!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-17-2003, 07:53 AM
rufus's Avatar
rufus rufus is offline
I look like Gordon
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Windsor, MD
Posts: 733
I have the Konis at all four corners and love them. I keep them set pretty high, and the ride quality is still more pleasant than stock. A little firmer than stock over low speed bumps, but just as nice on the highway, and the car loses almost all of its "floaty" nature in bumpy high-g turns. They make the car feel and respond much more "sportily", and if they fit your budget, I highly recommend them.

If you go that route, there are some good install notes on this site. A large diameter tubing cutter will save a lot of time and effort, and I would suggest you have an old bike inner-tube handy to cut up and "shim" the rear insert in the housing, as it does not fit snugly like the front.

-Mike
__________________
First the smiles, then the lies. Last comes gunfire.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-17-2003, 09:00 AM
svx_commuter's Avatar
svx_commuter svx_commuter is offline
Making tires round, Six now :)
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 3,433
Quote:
Originally posted by immortal_suby
I have pretty old struts on mine (stock and 196k on them) My car definitely sags a little and sits lower than my wifes svx. In the rear the top of the tire is even with the fender where it is about an inch clearance on the wifes.
There are pictures from the dragon where the body roll is so bad it looks like I lifted the inner rear tire off the ground.
I still have never bottomed it out and I do not slow down for bumps/ railroad tracks(within reason).
I'd check the struts for leaking as seggested and check the ride height.
Did you think to check and see if your rear strut mounts have rusted away? That would explain the lower rear and body roll.
__________________
May your transmission live forever.
SuperbVehicleXtraordinary
Proud sponsor of a 1992 SVX.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-17-2003, 09:38 AM
mbtoloczko's Avatar
mbtoloczko mbtoloczko is offline
sans SVX
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Richland, WA
Posts: 4,250
Send a message via AIM to mbtoloczko
Re: NEW STRUTS - Which Kind?

Quote:
Originally posted by James Scott

...
MY QUESTION IS:Which struts should I get to obtain a stiffer (improved less bottoming affect) yet Cadillac-type ride (like our SVX's are famous for?)
1. OEM's
2. KYB's
3. Koni's
4. Other?

Your only options are OEM or Koni. There is no KYB option. Fortunately, the OEM or Koni options appear to be about all that's needed. The Koni option consists simply of a strut damper that must be put in place of the stock damper on an OEM strut body. It requires cutting, welding, fitting. You can do it yourself, or pretty soon, you will be able to buy an already converted OEM/Koni strut from Porter. Either way, be ready for sticker shock. The Koni option is a minimum of about 2x more expensive than OEM, and that's if you do all the conversion work yourself.
__________________
Mychailo
:: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ ::
1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold)

Visit my locker

SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-17-2003, 11:16 AM
lee lee is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 2,940
Maybe I'm wrong, but I seem to remember Gabriel making an SVX strut. However they were like $299 per axle - which is pretty stiff for the medium grade strut from that brand, non-adjustable, etc.

I just changed my rear struts w/OEM and I seem to remember seeing the name Showa on the body. While it doesn't have the adjustability of the Koni, it's a respected brand - at least in motorcycle circles.



Let's all try to talk Porter into the R&D for a set of Ohlins
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-17-2003, 12:53 PM
svx_commuter's Avatar
svx_commuter svx_commuter is offline
Making tires round, Six now :)
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 3,433
I think the struts leak fluid from wheel vibration and bumps. It just goes out the seal after sometime. I am thinking about drilling and tap'en holes the next time I need struts and fill them back up.
__________________
May your transmission live forever.
SuperbVehicleXtraordinary
Proud sponsor of a 1992 SVX.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 09-17-2003, 07:08 PM
immortal_suby's Avatar
immortal_suby immortal_suby is offline
Thread Killah
Alcyone Gold Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 5,835
Registered SVX
Quote:
Originally posted by svx_commuter


Did you think to check and see if your rear strut mounts have rusted away? That would explain the lower rear and body roll.
Heh heh - I'm in SC and I bought the car from georgia - not a speck of rust on the entire car.
__________________
Matt
Locker Link
2015 BRZ Limited 6MT
92 Ebony LS-L ECUtune Stage2av1, Z32 MAF, 370cc injectors, TomsSVX intake, BontragerWorks 22mm RSB #003, HID Hi and Lo beams, OT endlink and bushing mods, PWR Aluminum radiator, Harvey's QC shift kit, 2.5" flowmaster 80 exhaust, 17" Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, Poly sway bar bushings, Slotted Bradi rotors, AFBeefcake powdercoated calipers, 97 grill, and a huge set of air horns. 300,000 miles and counting
92 Ebony LS-L. ecutune stage1v4, motorsport 1pc pulley. Garage Queen - sold to Dad in upstate NY 155,000 miles
19 Subaru Ascent Premium - -Hers !.
89 DL 4x4 little red wagon - a.k.a. The immortal suby. 275k R.I.P.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:03 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2015 SVX World Network
(208)-906-1122