Front End Links Rubbing

[TheLowlyThird]

Hey guys, just a quick question - yes, I've already searched and Googled it - I just installed Tein Flex Z's on my car a little over a week ago and threw on some Perrin poly end-links thinking (hoping) they'd be shorter than factory, which they weren't. I finally lifted my car again yesterday to see where I was rubbing and it looks like the bolt head connecting the end-link to the coilover is rubbing my inside fender liner whenever I turn. I've already ordered adjustable end-links hoping that'll fix the issue, but has anyone run into this before and/or know of a solution? Thanks.


Running -2.3 camber up front if that helps any.

[VIP BRZ]

Do you have pictures of the rubbing spot?

I had this exact issue when i installed my Flex Z's but only on one side, How low is your car?

The rubbing only occurred while the car was tilted (not level) and turning the wheel

I was able to alleviate the rubbing by raising the car slightly.

[mav1178]

Raise your car or shorten your endlinks by the amount of lowering you have done.

[TheLowlyThird]

Originally Posted by VIP BRZ

Do you have pictures of the rubbing spot?

I had this exact issue when i installed my Flex Z's but only on one side, How low is your car?

The rubbing only occurred while the car was tilted (not level) and turning the wheel

I was able to alleviate the rubbing by raising the car slightly.

I'll try to throw it up on the lift today. Mine rubs mostly when turning the wheel and especially entering parking lots with an incline. Are you on OEM end-links?

[VIP BRZ]

Originally Posted by TheLowlyThird

I'll try to throw it up on the lift today. Mine rubs mostly when turning the wheel and especially entering parking lots with an incline. Are you on OEM end-links?

Yea OEM links, Sounded almost like a squealing (metal on metal contact).. and i could see the spot on the inside fender where the metal had been rubbed raw shiny by the back of the end link head.

But the Perrin endlinks are probably the most low profile option available..

I increased the ride height only a tiny bit and the oem endlink cleared. -3 camber.

How low is it? Are they maxed out at the lowest?

[TheLowlyThird]

Originally Posted by VIP BRZ

Yea OEM links, Sounded almost like a squealing (metal on metal contact).. and i could see the spot on the inside fender where the metal had been rubbed raw shiny by the back of the end link head.

But the Perrin endlinks are probably the most low profile option available..

I increased the ride height only a tiny bit and the oem endlink cleared. -3 camber.

How low is it? Are they maxed out at the lowest?

Mine sounds more like a plastic sound at the moment. I didn't see any rubbing elsewhere, that's the only thing I could find. I can feel it binding when making sharp turns. I'd say I've probably got another inch or so before they're maxed out.

[PNW FRS]

FWIT... I also have coilovers on my FR-S - lowered about 1.25" and I had checked with Perrin about their solid End Links. If those are the ones you have, they are designed for use with OEM struts; not with aftermarket coilovers and a lowered configuration (this is per Perrin staff I communicated with). If used with non-OEM struts or coilovers, the Perrin guy said there could be "rubbing."

If your coilovers didn't come with adjustable End Links, you'll probably have to go with some aftermarket links like White Line KLCs... adjust them to your needs.'

Link to some info I recently posted...

[norcalpb]

Originally Posted by PNW FRS

FWIT... I also have coilovers on my FR-S - lowered about 1.25" and I had checked with Perrin about their solid End Links. If those are the ones you have, they are designed for use with OEM struts; not with aftermarket coilovers and a lowered configuration (this is per Perrin staff I communicated with). If used with non-OEM struts or coilovers, the Perrin guy said there could be "rubbing."

If your coilovers didn't come with adjustable End Links, you'll probably have to go with some aftermarket links like White Line KLCs... adjust them to your needs.'

Link to some info I recently posted...

Lowering the car and adding camber is what makes them not wanna fit I think.

Here's mine on stock struts (well actually koni inserts) but still.

[VIP BRZ]

Originally Posted by norcalpb

Lowering the car and adding camber is what makes them not wanna fit I think.

Here's mine on stock struts (well actually koni inserts) but still.

This is the exact same spot i had rubbing with my stock endlinks, lowered on Flex Z coils. Maxed. -3 camber

Once i raised the car slightly the problem was alleviated.

[Mackizzle86]

Camber plates will solve this problem while keeping your lowered height.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by Mackizzle86

Camber plates will solve this problem while keeping your lowered height.

How will camber plates help? If anything, they'll make it worse (unless you're removing camber with them).

[zc06_kisstherain]

hmmm i make slight squeaky sound if i turn right/elft with car not moving at all.
i also have flex z with perrin end links as well. i dropped 1.2 around though...i gotta check if mine touches that fender liner. i thought perrin endlinks just have that sound

[solidONE]

Only way to 'clearance' the upper end link portion is to 1. raise the car enough or reduce negative camber to clear the end link, 2. relocate the position of the end link mount on the shock and reweld, 3. hit the portion of the frame rail with a ball peen hammer and repaint.

[norcalpb]

Originally Posted by solidONE

Only way to 'clearance' the upper end link portion is to 1. raise the car enough or reduce negative camber to clear the end link, 2. relocate the position of the end link mount on the shock and reweld, 3. hit the portion of the frame rail with a ball peen hammer and repaint.

I kinda just wanna take a regular hammer and smash the inner fender in like 20mm. Would you advice against this?