Coilover Leak
 

So, I've got a set of RCE Tarmac 2's on my FRS. Last weekend when I was adjusting the rebound I noticed oil on the allen key. When I took a closer look the top reservoir where you make the adjustment was full of oil. I first noticed a tiny amount of oil a few months ago, but the leak seems to be getting worse. Should I be worried about this?

Yes, call RCE.

A little bit of oil is normal...a lot is not. Give us a call.

- Andrew

How many miles do you have?

About 25,000 miles on these now. Just wanted to get some opinions before contacting RCE. This is my daily driver, so a warranty claim will be kind of an ordeal. lol

I'm just asking because in general coilovers have a smaller lifecycle. Stock suspension has to be made under strict "general maintenance schedules". When using coilovers, you'll trade some life expectancy for a better performance. It depends also the brand, the road quality, the car usage etc.

Check directly with your vendor :)

The fronts on my KW clubsports started leaking at around 30k, and I rode them until over 50k. The rears though didn't have an issue.

Mine are leaking in the rear, but not the front. I just realized the one leaking earlier this year was the driver side and this is actually the passenger side. Weird thing is the other one doesn't seem to be leaking now since I cleaned out the oil last time. Think I'll try the same thing on this one and see how much comes back. I'm really hoping I don't have to uninstall these until it's time for the first rebuild.

From my experience, I noticed more oil would leak when adjusting the rebound. As Andrew said, a little bit is fine. It's hard to tell from your picture how much exactly is leaking but mine were at the point the leak could visually be observed from the rebound adjustment. As it leaks, the gas pressure within the damper to prevent cavitation decreases and becomes less effective, therefore reducing performance.

I'd work with RCE as you have the warranty to see if they want you to send it in or if they are okay with you driving in this condition as it may damage other components beyond the seal. Beyond that, not adjusting the rebound would be best advice I can offer.