I just installed tokico d spec with 350z springs on my 03 coupe. I have both the back and front set at 4 for stiffness. I noticed that when I go over some bumps on the road that there is a thud thud sound. It doesn't happen all the time, but I believe it only happens on bigger bumps.

Is this normal? The sound is pretty loud.

I bought the d spec used with about 25,000 km which is roughly 15,000 miles.

Any suggestions or comments is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

I have the same setup also on a 03, sounds like the shocks might be to stiff. But that is not normal.

 

check your shocks, could be shot. Also, check the top of your front struts, make sure it's tight

 

I also just installed d-specs on my G. Compared with my worn out oem shocks they do make more of a "thud" sound. The sound is consistent and not accompanied by any rattles. And for what it's worth, it sounds exactly like the noise on Forza2 Motorsports (XBox 360) when you run over the corner edges of a track.

On an unrelated note, have you played around with your damping settings? Are you still running 4 turns front and back? Try dialing back (softer) your front shocks 1/2 turn. You will not believe the difference.

 

I actually dialed it harder by a full turn and I love the ride. Going to play around with the rear setting soon. I might turn it harder to see what it is like. The noise I am refering to is not the same as the tires hitting the road. I had my friend drive my car so I can sit in the passanger seat and there was the usual tire thumping sound going over a bump. However, it is totally different on the driver side. My friend also said the sound is not normal from the driver side. I will have my mechanic check on it today to see what it is.

 

Hey Chewy,

Any updates? Did you find the problem to your noise? Pls share b/c I want am about to install same specs and I want to know the issue ahead of time

Thanks

 

It looks like it is a blown front driver side shock. I had my mechanic looked at it and if tightened the top mount and the clicking still can be heard. He than pushed down on the driver side and it was soft. He tried it on the passenger side and it was still stiff. We even tried adjusting it to the stiffest setting to no avail. It sucks. I don't know if you can just buy the fronts because I am having a hard time finding them. Might just go ahead and by a brand new set.

 

damn, that really sucks.... I'm sure you can buy individual pcs from factory, no? You may have to write few emails and complain to them about the quality, but now days, any business will try to satisfy their customers to avoid negative hype. Now I wonder, if this is going to be common issue with D-spec shocks.... Anyone experiencing same issue?? Pls come forward : )

P

 

Yeah, it sounds like you've got a good diagnosis. It is definitely not normal. This set up works very well and makes absolutely no more noise than stock. You will notice much more damping and especially rebound control.

 

RBull,

The ride is awesome (except for the noise). I really like it especially with the 350z springs. It is just lowered enough and so that it clears all the speed bumps without fear of scraping.

Preston,

The problem is you can't really contact tokico usa by email. You would have to call them. I guess I will try that tomorrow. As for blown shocks there are some threads regarding this issue. I remember reading that in one of the thread someone bought a new set and one shock was already blown. I believe he had a hard time getting a replacement for it. He had to buy another shock and send the blown one back to tokico to examine. That is truely crappy customer service. We will see tomorrow when I call them.

 

Good luck, keep us updated

 

I think I have this issue now. Any updates?

 

I had the same issue with just one of my front D-spec shocks and it turned out the shock was bad. When I dismounted it, it clicked when you pressed down on it, and the others did not. I bought just a single replacement D-spec shock and it solved the problem.