Steeda Progressives - cannot get spring perch seated

[BmacIL]

Nah definitely the big end (larger I.D.) on top. Can you upload a pic of the spring in the compressed state, and where the plate is relative? Push the dust boot as far as you can down so it's clear.

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[mikes2017gt]

Nah definitely the big end (larger I.D.) on top. Can you upload a pic of the spring in the compressed state, and where the plate is relative? Push the dust boot as far as you can down so it's clear.

I just went out to the garage and assembled it again, large opening facing up. See attached pics. I compressed the spring as far as it will go, mounted the perch, hand tightened the nut (holding the socket, split washer was flat) and took pics. Same exact result. I can assure you that the perch/camber plate is bottomed-out on the shock rod, the spacer is installed correctly, etc.

I'm convinced I have a bad set of springs. The first one was a pain, but it went without too much fuss. This one is a no-go. Would really appreciate Steeda chiming in here.

 

[BmacIL]

Just judging by the pic of the camber plate, I don't think it's going down far enough (the spring). There should still be some threads of the shaft exposed with the nut all the way down.

All that said, doesn't the caster camber plate have a spherical bearing in it? As such, it will allow for that angle until it's on the car and there's weight on it. After that, it'll settle down and be perpendicular the shaft axis.

 

[mikes2017gt]

Just judging by the pic of the camber plate, I don't think it's going down far enough (the spring). There should still be some threads of the shaft exposed with the nut all the way down.

All that said, doesn't the caster camber plate have a spherical bearing in it? As such, it will allow for that angle until it's on the car and there's weight on it. After that, it'll settle down and be perpendicular the shaft axis.

Odd...the plate WAS bottomed out before I put the nut on. The camber plates do have a spherical bearing. I wish Steeda had some pics of what the completed strut assembly should look like. I've seen their camber plate install video; E for effort but the video is incomplete as they leave out key details such as what the completed assembly should look like and which way the whole assembly goes into the car (Steeda logo on the plate should be where?) I believe the logo should be closest to the fender/furthest away from the motor.

So yes, I guess the plate/bearing would rotate into place but that does not solve the problem of less than half a coil being seated against the top perch. In the Steeda instructions they even have a graphic dedicated to showing you this. Bottom of 2nd page. https://www.steeda.com/assets/images/documents/S550-Spring-Installation.pdf

 

[BmacIL]

Odd...the plate WAS bottomed out before I put the nut on. The camber plates do have a spherical bearing. I wish Steeda had some pics of what the completed strut assembly should look like. I've seen their camber plate install video; E for effort but the video is incomplete as they leave out key details such as what the completed assembly should look like and which way the whole assembly goes into the car (Steeda logo on the plate should be where?) I believe the logo should be closest to the fender/furthest away from the motor.

So yes, I guess the plate/bearing would rotate into place but that does not solve the problem of less than half a coil being seated against the top perch. In the Steeda instructions they even have a graphic dedicated to showing you this. Bottom of 2nd page. https://www.steeda.com/assets/images/documents/S550-Spring-Installation.pdf

Much more of that coil will be up against it once it's being compressed by the car's mass. I think you're ok.

 

[mikes2017gt]

Thank you, BmacIL. I believe you. Would like to hear from Steeda too. As this is my first time doing this, I watch the CJPP and other videos and when my version of the same thing doesn't look remotely like theirs, I get a little antsy.

I have no problem spending 12 hours taking stuff apart and getting filthy. I just expect it all to go back together with no extra parts left over.

 

[BmacIL]

Thank you, BmacIL. I believe you. Would like to hear from Steeda too. As this is my first time doing this, I watch the CJPP and other videos and when my version of the same thing doesn't look remotely like theirs, I get a little antsy.

I have no problem spending 12 hours taking stuff apart and getting filthy. I just expect it all to go back together with no extra parts left over.

Yes, but key difference is I don't think those videos had the camber plates in them. I'm still a little erked by how there aren't any threads left above the nut...

 

[mikes2017gt]

Hi all. Wanted to update this thread. Made contact with @SteedaTech via PM. Provided my contact number.

Got a phone call from Mike (what an AWESOME NAME...) who took the time to check out the pics I posted and asked me a few questions and then proceeded to explain everything in great detail. What great customer service! He really did take his time, pausing when I asked questions and then picked up where he left off. I'm very happy.

Bottom line: I did it correctly. The spherical bearing in the camber plates allows not only the unloaded spring to tilt the whole perch assembly, but not let it sit quite as far into the spring as it does once loaded. Mike said that once I put the weight of the car on the strut/spring assembly all will be well. The weight of the car will force the top perch/camber plate straight and the perch will pop into the spring like it's supposed to.

As for the top nut and how much threads are showing; he also said it's correct. He did mention to make sure that nut is torqued properly. It's tight right now, but not 75 ft/lbs. I'll get it there once the assembly is installed.

So I will get to it this weekend. I just got home from my 4th 12-hour day in a row. Without work there are no Steeda parts...nor S550 for that matter! :clap2: So Sat I'll be back at it.

I probably will install the fronts and put the wheels back on and drop the car and see what I can see....might even drive it around the block that way just to see if I hear any odd noises. What I don't want to do is install the fronts, move to the rear and install all those IRS goodies in addition to the springs/shocks only to find something is wrong up front. Would rather identify a problem and work on it before I take the IRS apart.

So, results to follow, but I've got the Official OK that I'm on the right track. Thanks VERY much to all you guys that helped me. We've a great community here. :cheers:

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