Tien Flex Z's VS OEM 2017+ dampers/RCE Yellows - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

ItsReiko · 09-11-2021, 04:30 PM

I apologize in advance if this has been asked before but upon my google search only one thread popped up matching my question and I wanted to look for some fresh thoughts!

A little backstory:
I am quite happy with my OEM 2017+ limited trim dampers paired with RCE yellow springs. All four corners got replaced brand new @ 38k miles due to a clunking issue when turning the steering wheel which appears to be coming from the strut mount/hat. Both full strut assemblies in the front were replaced including the top hat, which fixed the clunking issue for about 2000 miles, however it has came back louder than ever before, and on both sides. I have no idea what went wrong in the installation since there should be no way brand new parts are wearing out so fast.

I've scheduled to have the dealer take a look again this week, but don't know what else they can do. So comes my question, going aftermarket coils is the only option I can think of to fix this once and for all, but since I don't want to spend a huge sum of money, I was wondering if Tien Flex Z's are a better suspension system when compared to 2017+ dampers on RCE yellow springs in terms of ride quality/stiffness and most importantly longevity. Do aftermarket coilovers like these generally require replacing sooner than factory systems?

I do not do any track days/autox. Just relatively aggressive street driving and mountain runs from time to time.

Thank you if you read through all this.

strat61caster · 09-11-2021, 11:34 PM

Aftermarket coilovers are designed to require more maintenance and not last as long because cheap and sporty, stick with oe or oe like dampers.

Thefalls · 09-12-2021, 06:36 AM

Since you already have the RCE yellow springs then its better to get some Bilstein B6 and I'm sure you will like that set up as it comes highly regarded.

Do a search and you will find only good reviews.

CSG Mike · 09-12-2021, 10:05 AM

If you want longevity, a coilover designed to be lowered will last longer than a stock damper with springs being taken out of its intended operating stroke range.

View Poll Results: Tein Flex Z or Oem 2017+ Dampers w/ RCE Yellow Springs
Tein Flex Z Coilover	3	33.33%
OEM 2017+ Dampers w/ RCE Yellow Springs	6	66.67%
Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll

09-11-2021, 04:30 PM	#1
ItsReiko Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Drives: 2017 subaru brz Location: Cali Posts: 85 Thanks: 13 Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Tien Flex Z's VS OEM 2017+ dampers/RCE Yellows I apologize in advance if this has been asked before but upon my google search only one thread popped up matching my question and I wanted to look for some fresh thoughts! A little backstory: I am quite happy with my OEM 2017+ limited trim dampers paired with RCE yellow springs. All four corners got replaced brand new @ 38k miles due to a clunking issue when turning the steering wheel which appears to be coming from the strut mount/hat. Both full strut assemblies in the front were replaced including the top hat, which fixed the clunking issue for about 2000 miles, however it has came back louder than ever before, and on both sides. I have no idea what went wrong in the installation since there should be no way brand new parts are wearing out so fast. I've scheduled to have the dealer take a look again this week, but don't know what else they can do. So comes my question, going aftermarket coils is the only option I can think of to fix this once and for all, but since I don't want to spend a huge sum of money, I was wondering if Tien Flex Z's are a better suspension system when compared to 2017+ dampers on RCE yellow springs in terms of ride quality/stiffness and most importantly longevity. Do aftermarket coilovers like these generally require replacing sooner than factory systems? I do not do any track days/autox. Just relatively aggressive street driving and mountain runs from time to time. Thank you if you read through all this.

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09-12-2021, 06:36 AM	#3
Thefalls Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Drives: Corolla GT Location: Sunny place. Posts: 208 Thanks: 371 Thanked 118 Times in 90 Posts Mentioned: 6 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	Since you already have the RCE yellow springs then its better to get some Bilstein B6 and I'm sure you will like that set up as it comes highly regarded. Do a search and you will find only good reviews.

09-12-2021, 10:05 AM	#4
CSG Mike Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: S2000 CR Location: Orange County Posts: 14,530 Thanks: 8,920 Thanked 14,177 Times in 6,835 Posts Mentioned: 966 Post(s) Tagged: 14 Thread(s)	If you want longevity, a coilover designed to be lowered will last longer than a stock damper with springs being taken out of its intended operating stroke range.

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