I know the FD is a rough ride, esp. the R1. However, is the FD supposed to make a **** load of noise on uneven pavement? My '93 bangs, thumps, and rattles like crazy. All of the suspension componets are stock, and have over 100k miles on them. So, where should I start first to improve the ride, and hush the car a little, without loosing grip on the road? All advice needed - Thanx

 

it shouldn't really make that much noise, unless some of your bushings are shot.

or maybe you're just driving too fast over the bumps.

 

Bushings and shocks are the place to start. Check to see if they're worn. Also don't forget the tires. Tires, as they go through more heat cycles....that is heating up and cooling down....
harden as they get older.

 

also make sure your mini jack and tools in the passenger rear panel are secured down, they tend to make lots of noise that sounds like a shock if they are kind of loose.

 

for the noise thing, invest in some sound deadener. Suspension and tire upgrades definitely couldn't hurt both ride quality and noise levels.

 

I just got the Eibach springs through Pettit and it totally made the ride nicer!! The best 300 bucks out of $7000 I have spent on upgrades!! Try them. Your car will sit lower and feel brand new...

 

Shocks, (don't forget new mounting rubbers $$) suspension and dif bushings, (use stock unless you want a really tight and hard ride) new tires (HUGE db reduction), front shock tower strut brace (Cusco), tighten all under body bolts, lube doors, tighten and lube hatch, then Dynamat everything. You'll still have plastic parts inside squeaking and groaning. Oh well... now you have a project!
Maybe a Lexus next time?

OR - put in a really good stereo and CRANK IT!

 

I couldn't agree more. I've been more happy with my Eibach springs upgrade than any other mod I've done so far...

 

What do you mean by mounting rubbers?? Are you refering to the rubber Bump stops?? Just curious bec. I will be going with a tokico set up and think I need to get new bum stops.

 

The pillow ball bushings in the rear suspension get noisy as they wear. With 100K miles, I would guess that yours are loose. I wrote a web page on how to replace them with hand tools that you might want to check out:
http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/how-to/...lls/index.html

-Max

 

Max,

Beside getting rid of the noise, are there any other reasons to change these out? Do they start to mess with your alignment settings when they become worn?

TIA,
-Ray

 

I would call them donuts, not the suspension stops, they are usually toast. Don't forget to rig up some sort of a dust boot to cover the shaft on those new shocks as well.

 

VERY clever Max! Geez, why didn't I think of that?

 

Mine makes a lot of snapping noises in the front end, at low speed, when turning, or going from forward to reverse or sometimes stopping.

When it was in for service ( I assumed that a well car/safety check would be included with service from a reputable dealer). A quick look by the mechanic suggested replacing my sway bar end links. i did it myself to the tune of $75 each side. One may have been a little loose. The Sway bar mount (I've read that these can fatigue) and mount bushings appeared in good shape (bushings weren't tight but weren't loose either. It's still as tight and responsive as a go-cart.

My next thoughts are to check upper and lower control arm bushings.

Anyone with experience care to comment or give some direction?

 

I just ran into this thread again and I think that we should keep it alive. Or atleast as long as people can contribute to it in a positive way. I'm really interested in how some of you guys have gotten rid of some of your interior noises. Couple questions:

1) Does anyone have a pic of an FD with Eibach Pro/etc. springs on stock shocks?

2) I have 103k mi on my R1...are my OEM shocks done for?

Ant

 

Most OEM shocks are toast by 25K miles - even the OEM Bilsteins for my MBZ generally were only good for 30-40K mi. If your shocks are truly the originals w/ 102K mi They are most definatly toasted!

 

here is what mine looks like with pro kit springs and tokico illuminas(sp?). the shocks shouldn't make it look any different than stock ones would. this isn't a great pic but it kind of shows how it will sit. i look at old pics, before the springs, and it looks like it is 4WD!!

 

I went ahead and went with the Eibachs, and was satisfied with the way the front wheels sat..perfect height...unfortunately I find the rear to be just a little too high for my taste. A pic with the Eibachs and stock shocks:

side.jpg

 

Well I guess those pics are good enough, although you can't see a DAMN THING! 25k huh? Wow, then maybe that explains why I've been less then satisfied with it's unstoutly characterstics since I bought it.

Thanks