I have had the raceland coilovers for almost a year now and they have worked very well for me up to now. I recently started to have a minor problem. There is a deep rattling noise coming from the front passenger side whenever I drive over rougher surfaces (potholes, uneven pavement, cracked pavement, etc). The noise is most noticeable when I drive by myself and is subtle when I have a passenger on board.

I took a look at them today and here are two videos comparing the good side (video1) vs the bad side (video2).

Video 1 - Good Side (driver front)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI17XYPYN70

Video 2 - Bad Side (passenger front)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJCI8tNWKlM

As you can see, the rubber thing easily snaps into position in video 1, but not in video 2.

Is there any easy fix to this? Does this explain the deep rattling sound? Thanks!

All that plastic thing is is a dust/dirt cover for the shaft of the strut. It does nothing for the actual workings of the product.

And wow, those strut bodies look like CRAP. But for the answer, it will not cause a sound like you explain. Try to tighten all the mounting bolts.

I'd bet you money that both your front struts are blown. Hell probably even the rears. I called RL monday about the issues I was having and they sent me four brand new struts and 8 collars. Only installed 4 tho lol

I'd recommend throwing some coats of rustoleum on them to prevent that uglyness. My idea for the winter is to use coilover "socks." Snowmobiles in the area use them and I'm thinking I can find close to the same sizes and throw them on.

From what I've heard if you call them and tell them your problem they will send you replacements...don't fully know though don't own any.

check all the nuts, especially at the top of the strut...one could have came loose

^ Agreed. A lose bolt at the top of the front strut assembly was causing a loud knocking noise on my old set-up. I looked right over it because the bolt seemed to be tight. It wouldn't hurt to go around to anything you can an retorque.

But on the topic of Raceland sending replacements.... is it really as easy as calling and getting new parts sent to you? Do they want receipts? Your current parts? This is the one question I'd like to have answered by some users before I buy a set to beat on.

lol....like you "beat" on the car..

ive never seen you even take a turn hard dood
me on the other hand...hehe

All that plastic thing is is a dust/dirt cover for the shaft of the strut. It does nothing for the actual workings of the product.

And wow, those strut bodies look like CRAP. But for the answer, it will not cause a sound like you explain. Try to tighten all the mounting bolts.

I did take care of them over the winter (e.g. spray a WD-40 type lubricant but for metal, wash every 2-3 weeks). I kind of slacked off during the summer and didn't really do much to them.

I'd bet you money that both your front struts are blown. Hell probably even the rears. I called RL monday about the issues I was having and they sent me four brand new struts and 8 collars. Only installed 4 tho lol

I'd recommend throwing some coats of rustoleum on them to prevent that uglyness. My idea for the winter is to use coilover "socks." Snowmobiles in the area use them and I'm thinking I can find close to the same sizes and throw them on.

How do I know if the struts are blown?

check all the nuts, especially at the top of the strut...one could have came loose

I will do that and get back to you guys on this.

man...i'm getting so lazy these days. I've been putting off this fix for a bit, but I want to share something new i found.

Below is a picture I'm borrowing for another thread (source: http://www.scionlife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154155). When I tighten that 19mm nut, the rattling noise goes away (yay!). But after ~2 weeks of driving, the noise comes back (boo!). I did get a replacement strut from Raceland. So at this point, should I just fix the nut (whether it be replacing it or welding it) or should i get the strut exchanged out?

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j58/bsowde/DIY/Tein_Basic/18.jpg

Thanks!

lol....like you "beat" on the car..

ive never seen you even take a turn hard dood
me on the other hand...hehe

Lol I drive a tC. It's slow no matter what. No reason to beat on when I can just drive slow and show it off instead.

Tom, I'd suggest replacing the strut. If you weld anything Raceland probably wouldn't want to help you out in the future.

I'd bet you money that both your front struts are blown. Hell probably even the rears. I called RL monday about the issues I was having and they sent me four brand new struts and 8 collars. Only installed 4 tho lol

I'd recommend throwing some coats of rustoleum on them to prevent that uglyness. My idea for the winter is to use coilover "socks." Snowmobiles in the area use them and I'm thinking I can find close to the same sizes and throw them on.

^^ what he said.

Just call. They will send a replacement within a day or two, no questions asked.