tito_b0y Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 Actually, now that I think about it, I was in a rear-end accident last year. I'm beginning to think my right side creak/squeak may be caused by a kink/misalignment within my right rear quarter. And, FWIW, I bought myself a can of white lithium grease and sprayed the entire springs with it the other day. I still get creaks/squeak from my right rear whenever I pull up onto my driveway, and other random times, but it wasn't as bad as when they weren't greased up at all. Back then I could still hear the squeaking over my radio, it was that loud. 2006 SWP 3.0R 5EAT VDC BBQ 2008 OBP 2.5i 4EAT BBQ [RIP] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillyWilly Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Has there been a solid answer/solution to this issue? Im shopping for springs and would probably be set on Epic if it wasnt for the squeaking issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Has there been a solid answer/solution to this issue? Im shopping for springs and would probably be set on Epic if it wasnt for the squeaking issue. No known fix yet. MSprank doesn't see the issue as much in So Cal, but my guess is that the grease on them stays there significantly longer than it does up here in the Northeast. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Well, I struggled with this noise (mine was a creak that was most certainly centered in the dead coils - not on the perch, you could feel it when pulling down on the sway bar from underneath) for some time. I was going to wait for 6 months or so to post this to ensure that it was a fix of sorts. I got tired of spraying them monthly.To date I have been 4 months noise free. I removed the springs and put some sections of thin wall 5/8" silicone tubing around the dead coils - from the top all the way down to the part where the spacing between the coils opens up. The downside is that the tubing adds to the ride height slightly. The springs came with some tubing in place, but not enough to stop all the noise. When the springs were off, you could see were the noise was coming from. the points where each coil touched the coils above and below had the surface coating scraped off, and some rust was forming there. Since I had the wagon, I just removed the spacers and now have a slight rake to the rear end. I have noticed no negatives to the handling, but this is simply my dd. No track time for me. If this does not work long term, I'll probably get new springs when it's time for the koni's to be replaced. I was mostly disappointed with no response from Epic at all. I contacted them via email, and not a single word back. Live and learn I guess. The springs have a good ride quality still, but I shouldn't have had to do what I did to get them to be quiet. I feel that Epic could have at least tried to work with me to figure out the problem. For those with the springs already, this may work for you, but it is not pretty. It is only visible from the center caps up though. Even then, you have to really look for it. I would buy epic again if I knew that the coating had changed, but otherwise I'd be leary of their springs. Regards, Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Well, I struggled with this noise (mine was a creak that was most certainly centered in the dead coils - not on the perch, you could feel it when pulling down on the sway bar from underneath) for some time. I was going to wait for 6 months or so to post this to ensure that it was a fix of sorts. I got tired of spraying them monthly.To date I have been 4 months noise free. I removed the springs and put some sections of thin wall 5/8" silicone tubing around the dead coils - from the top all the way down to the part where the spacing between the coils opens up. The downside is that the tubing adds to the ride height slightly. The springs came with some tubing in place, but not enough to stop all the noise. When the springs were off, you could see were the noise was coming from. the points where each coil touched the coils above and below had the surface coating scraped off, and some rust was forming there. Since I had the wagon, I just removed the spacers and now have a slight rake to the rear end. I have noticed no negatives to the handling, but this is simply my dd. No track time for me. If this does not work long term, I'll probably get new springs when it's time for the koni's to be replaced. I was mostly disappointed with no response from Epic at all. I contacted them via email, and not a single word back. Live and learn I guess. The springs have a good ride quality still, but I shouldn't have had to do what I did to get them to be quiet. I feel that Epic could have at least tried to work with me to figure out the problem. For those with the springs already, this may work for you, but it is not pretty. It is only visible from the center caps up though. Even then, you have to really look for it. I would buy epic again if I knew that the coating had changed, but otherwise I'd be leary of their springs. Regards, Matt Good info, we will probably get some of this tubing in stock just in case any Epic springs come through and need it installed. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Just an FYI, the tubing I used was from McMaster-Carr. Item# 5236K482. It seemed to be the best option given its ability to stretch up to 2 times it's length. At the moment, I see no tears in any of it despite it bearing the weight of the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillyWilly Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Thanks for the info mdd. You would think with the amount of issues reported, Epic would want to respond to at least defend their product. Not responding and/or fixing the issues has probably led to many missed sales, including mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pxer Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Thank you as well for a possible solution. I had the Eibach 7716 installed last week. The first day was fine but ever since the creaking noise has been increasing, mostly in the front. The rear is only heard when I go over a big bump. Do you think wrapping the front springs would limit the creaking? I ask because the front springs are not linear like the rear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 To be honest, I'm not sure about the fronts being helped by the tubing. It has been a while since I looked, but I don't remember the front coils being able to touch each other. I haven't had any issues with my fronts making noise. My first guesses would be top hats(old maybe?) or sway bushings in your case. However, look for signs of contact on the springs (since yours were installed recently, you wont see any rust. Just areas where paint has been removed from contacting nearby coils). Regards, Matt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackhore Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 new springs and McMaster tubing. Fingers crossed... http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad276/fweasel/2012-03-23155213.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Thank you as well for a possible solution. I had the Eibach 7716 installed last week. The first day was fine but ever since the creaking noise has been increasing, mostly in the front. The rear is only heard when I go over a big bump. Do you think wrapping the front springs would limit the creaking? I ask because the front springs are not linear like the rear. I would check to make sure that the front conical washers were installed correctly. Often times they are forgotten or put in upside down and can cause creaking/popping of the front struts especially while turning. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 new springs and McMaster tubing. Fingers crossed... I hope it works for you also. I'm not sure if you are finished with the tubing or not, but I wrapped all of the dead coils. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pxer Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Thanks for the replys. Don't think it is the conical washer as there is no problems or sounds when cranking the wheels is either direction. Speaking with my mechanic, and since the noise started a couple of days after the install, he thinks it could be that it needs more lube as the front Eibachs were a little different than the stock springs, he also was not sure on the positioning of the top perch (with the holes positioned outwards). Another thing he mentioned was that the rear Eibachs were longer than the stock rear springs, which is odd as the car is level and Eibach claims a 0.8 inch drop in the rear. The car looks lower and more level than stock. We'll be checking it out tomorrow. I should also mention that installed was a front 25 mm swaybar, any chance this stiffer bar may be part of the problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Thanks for the replys. Don't think it is the conical washer as there is no problems or sounds when cranking the wheels is either direction. Speaking with my mechanic, and since the noise started a couple of days after the install, he thinks it could be that it needs more lube as the front Eibachs were a little different than the stock springs, he also was not sure on the positioning of the top perch (with the holes positioned outwards). Another thing he mentioned was that the rear Eibachs were longer than the stock rear springs, which is odd as the car is level and Eibach claims a 0.8 inch drop in the rear. The car looks lower and more level than stock. We'll be checking it out tomorrow. I should also mention that installed was a front 25 mm swaybar, any chance this stiffer bar may be part of the problem? I would think it could. New or old bushings for the sway? Did he grease them well? What about the end links? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Thanks for the replys. Don't think it is the conical washer as there is no problems or sounds when cranking the wheels is either direction. Speaking with my mechanic, and since the noise started a couple of days after the install, he thinks it could be that it needs more lube as the front Eibachs were a little different than the stock springs, he also was not sure on the positioning of the top perch (with the holes positioned outwards). Another thing he mentioned was that the rear Eibachs were longer than the stock rear springs, which is odd as the car is level and Eibach claims a 0.8 inch drop in the rear. The car looks lower and more level than stock. We'll be checking it out tomorrow. I should also mention that installed was a front 25 mm swaybar, any chance this stiffer bar may be part of the problem? My guess is that it has to do with the sway bar install or the top hats/springs not being properly installed. Believe it or not Subaru specialty shops actually have lots of experience in these type of installs. If you can find a place local to you you will be much happier. -Paisan http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg%5Dhttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pxer Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Took a look at it today. The top perches and hats were mounted correctly. However there was not as much grease left on the front sway bar bushings, so we grease the heck out of the bushings and bar. I can barely hear any creaking now. Another area to lube with every oil change. Thanks for everyone's input Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Consider wrapping the swaybar with Teflon tape (1" wide tape seems to hold up better) where it contacts the bushing. I went about 1/2" out on either side of the bushing in case of any lateral movement. I also wrapped the bushing itself as I wasn't sure about noise from the bracket contacting the bushing. This lasts far longer than grease. If you do this remove all of the grease to allow the tape to "stick" to the bar. Not worth doing it until you recent grease application wears off though..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pxer Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Interesting, never would think the tape would hold up or allow sufficient lubricity. Will try it, but as you mentioned as soon as sufficient lube wears out. Any specific brand/color/type of teflon tape? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 As long as you wrap it enough, it holds up really well. Very few materials more slippery than teflon. I'm on over a year with it from my initial instillation. Make sure to overlap about 1/2 the width of the tape. I use 5 or so overlapped layers. I haven't bothered noticing the brand before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackhore Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 I ended up using plastic wire loom wrap from home depot, similar to the whiteline spring silencer wrap, instead of the tubing from McMaster. I was able to wrap it tighter and keep things a little neater without as much concern for ride height change. As previously mentioned, not even noticeable once the car is on the ground. The springs are silent, but I'm only on day two and I assume most didn't experience noise issues until the paint had begun to wear away between the coils. http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad276/fweasel/2012-03-24143830.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 I ended up using plastic wire loom wrap from home depot, similar to the whiteline spring silencer wrap, instead of the tubing from McMaster. I was able to wrap it tighter and keep things a little neater without as much concern for ride height change. As previously mentioned, not even noticeable once the car is on the ground. The springs are silent, but I'm only on day two and I assume most didn't experience noise issues until the paint had begun to wear away between the coils. http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad276/fweasel/2012-03-24143830.jpg Nice. I haven't seen that stuff before. Please update a little down the road and let us know if all is well. I'm tired of taking my struts out, but would be tempted to try this solution if the tubing I am using ends up tearing. The slight rake I have is beneficial for me when the wagon is loaded though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdd Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Also, my noise was there from day 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackhore Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Also, my noise was there from day 1. Cool, (not for you ), good to know. Mine are dead quiet. So far, the Epic springs paried with stock struts are performing great. I was worried they would be too close to stock spring performance in terms of dive and squat, but I don't notice much of that and the ride over rough pavement on my commute has improved noticeably vs. my previous setup that was much stiffer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tito_b0y Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 I had zero noise when I had my Epics installed on my stock struts. The noise surfaced when I replaced my stockers with Konis. 2006 SWP 3.0R 5EAT VDC BBQ 2008 OBP 2.5i 4EAT BBQ [RIP] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackhore Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Update: My springs are still quiet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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