nb8b coilover touching upper control arm HELP

Naddy · Postby **Naddy** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 9:24 pm

Hi all,

Looking for advice on this issue,

Recently purchased gecko coilovers, they were installed properly I think but when I brought the car to the mechanics for a wheel alignment they told me the front coil overs aren't made for my car.

Please see the attached pictures.

The coils are touching the upper control arms and I'm told from the mechanic that it's very dangerous to drive. I've briefly researched about this and it seems to do with the upper control arm being a bit smaller than the nb8a one. Rears fit on the car fine. People have also said on other forums that you can modify your upper control arm and either hammer it or angle grind a tiny bit off for clearance for the coilover.

I've dríven the car before for 10-15min and it seemed fine especially driving it the mechanic, however the car's front was significantly lower before going to the mechanics and since it has been raised.

Just wondering what I should do, they way I see it I have a couple of options:

1. Modify the upper control arms to give clearance to the coil overs.
2. Take the coil overs off and get different ones (note, internet says Tein and BC coil overs cause the same issue)
3. People say to buy nb8a upper control arms as they're slightly bigger (http://www.mazdatalkforum.com/viewtopic ... arm#p20334)

Thanks for the help guys I'm really lost as to what to do, really appreciate the help

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 9:42 pm

Never heard of Gecko coilovers, but my BC's never had this issue on my NB8B.
Do you have any more pictures?

Postby **Okibi** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 9:44 pm

Looks like they're an Aussie company, have you sent them the photos? Perhaps pose the exact same question on their facebook page.

I'd expect they'd be very interested to see the problem and offer a solution, I have the early tein flex on my NB8B and haven't had the same issue.

Naddy · Postby **Naddy** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 9:53 pm

Unfortunately no more pictures, the mechanic took those

Geckos are made in Taiwan, but I have also posted on their Facebook. Hopefully they have a solution

Locutus · Postby **Locutus** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 9:54 pm

Early Yellowspeeds had the same problem.

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 10:53 pm

It looks to me that it is the lock nut securing the bottom adjustment that is (potentially) hitting the FUCA? In that case in the short term, can you screw the bottom adjuster down, raising the car and increasing the distance between the locknut and the FUCA?

A more permanent fix might be to take the shocks off, remove the bottom adjuster, and machine off the necessary amount to get the locknut sufficiently far from the suspension arm to stop any contact. You would need to check that the thread left was sufficient for the job before you started. If the FUCA from another model is going to give you sufficient clearance that would be another option.

:mrgreen:

Postby **Okibi** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 11:10 pm

Given they're brand new and an aussie company, they should be fit for purpose.

Might as well let them know the issue so they can fix it and more MX-5 owners don't get lumped with this same issue.

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 11:13 pm

Just googled Gecko, for the $1.3k they're asking I'd be wanting my money back. That's the same as Tein, BC's, Blitz etc. etc.
Interesting to see how they handle this.

Naddy · Postby **Naddy** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 11:28 pm

Contacted them on their facebook page and got Pm'd.

Seems like they're gonna remake the fronts for my car however they think its a length issue, I'm thinking it might be more of the lock ring being too thick?
I haven't actually seen the car since I dropped it off at the mechanics last week so I'll have to confirm it with them but based on the photos it seems more of the thickness then length right?

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 12:33 am

The shocks are in the right way round aren't they?

Ie: the front shocks installed in the rear and vice/versa.

For reference, Tein Flex Z on my nb8a, no issues with touching.

You don't have offset bushes installed in he upper arms do you?

Naddy · Postby **Naddy** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 9:55 pm

hks_kansei wrote:The shocks are in the right way round aren't they?

Ie: the front shocks installed in the rear and vice/versa.

For reference, Tein Flex Z on my nb8a, no issues with touching.

You don't have offset bushes installed in he upper arms do you?

Nah coilovers were installed correctly. Gecko were going to replace the fronts for me but since I bought them from a distributor I need to go through them, they seem reluctant on getting new ones so I might have to get a refund if they accept it.. They want me to trim the upper control arms but I'm a bit reluctant at that since it could give problems in the future or possible devalue the car?

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 10:29 pm

As far as I'm concerned they've just made a faulty product.

I wouldn't trim the arms.
Apart from the fact that every other manufacturer can make coils that fit (even yellowshit) if you trim them you'll be cutting through the spot welded seams, and also opening the arm to moisture and rust.

If they don't want to replace, get the money back and go elsewhere.

As mentioned earlier, there are lots of options in the $1300 bracket.
BC, Tein Flex Z, and also crappy Yellowspeeds.

smy0003 · Postby **smy0003** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 10:48 pm

Do not trim the A arms. Take them to the accc if you have any issues extracting a refund from them and buy some reputable coilovers.
There has to be someone who tries new things out, so you've done us all a service by taking the bullet on this one.

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 1:24 pm

Trimming the a-arms is the dumbest thing I've heard for a while.
Just get a refund and move on. If they start making noises, tell them they can also pay the mechanics bill for removing them.

StanTheMan · Postby **StanTheMan** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 2:03 pm

as a general rule ACCC want you to deal with the retailer where you bought the product.
It also states that the supplier/retailer should be given the choice to repair replace or refund.
Refund is not possible if youve changed your mind about a purchase. but that's not the issue here.
refund is also applicable when the product is not as described or does not do what its is supposed to. I'm personally not going to get into that argument here. That's up to the ACCC if it gets that far.

check with your retailer /supplier if they would like all four back to asses or just the one.
Under no circumstance send the control arm.
allow them to decide whether to replace it or fix it.

Just tell them firmly, but respectfully.
If they don't want to play ball, then ake it up with the ACCC. It will not cost the earth but this will be worth it. Then also charge them for the labor required to take the shock out & be done with it.

I think you are well within your rights to have this shock replaced with one that works as it should.