Tein's response to the rust problem

[DrDubbleB]

Ok, I got the e-mail back from Tein.  Here is what they have to say:

Brandon,

Thank you for your interest in TEIN High Performance Suspension.  We have the new Type FLEX Damper kit which has a teflon coating to help protect against rust.  This kit is also full-length adjustable with newly designed spring seats and seat locks for easier height adjusting.  The Type FLEX is
also compatible with the new EDFC.  For more information, please check out our website at www.tein.com

Staff @ TEIN U.S.A., INC.

[sil80]

How much are they? Are we going to be doing a group buy? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'>

[DrDubbleB]

I have heard nothing about the Type Flex coilover system. &nbsp;The MSRP on them is $1560, so they are more than the HAs. &nbsp;I'd like to hear a little about them before deciding if I want to try to set up a group buy for these, which I would be fully willing to do. &nbsp;I really like the Tein HAs, but I guess by not denying it, they are admitting that they do have a rust problem. &nbsp;Bah. &nbsp;Anyways, you guys let me know if you do want a group buy set up, I might even be able to do this through a local shop.

[sil80]

what kind of price are we looking at here if we do a group buy. Im doing a little research on the Type flex now so I will see what I can find out if anything. If anyone finds anything please post.

[DrDubbleB]

In order to get a price, I would have to find out how many people are interested, and then I would contact a bunch of different shops. &nbsp;So if you find out how many are interested, I will do the rest.

[jskim9]

what rust problem?
I musta missed that tread, can you explain specifically what the problem is?

[AceInHole]

the Tein HA's reportedly had a rusting problem where the body would seize to the point where the whole thing would seize. &nbsp;I had thought that the rusting was limited to the threaded collar though.

[DrDubbleB]

Yeah, I've honestly heard mixed things about that problem. &nbsp;I have heard of people not lasting three months before seeing signs of rust, and I have heard of people going three years, with absolutely no problems. &nbsp;I think if you do what you're supposed to do, and take care of your shit, then there shouldn't be a problem.

I also think that Tein should teflon coat everything if it means more happy customers.

[92RPs13]

Is there anything you can do to the coilovers to prevent rust??

[AceInHole]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (92RPs13 @ Mar. 21 2002,01:14)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Is there anything you can do to the coilovers to prevent rust??</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
clean them regularly and use some good dust boots (the kind that wrap around the entire shock/ spring unit like Koni offers).
The only way they'd rust is from rain or dust/ salt from snowy roads settling on the shock bodies... if you can keep them clean they shouldn't rust, but that might be a pain you might not want.

[DrDubbleB]

I wonder if it would be possible to get the coilovers teflon coated. &nbsp;I mean, I don't see any reason why that would be possible. &nbsp;Does anybody know if this can be done, and for how much?

[HippoSleek]

Everything I've heard is relating to the body rusting so that the spring perch becomes locked (i.e., not adjustable). &nbsp;If any of you have heard of rusting shafts, I'd be surprised and very curious! &nbsp;(note: technically, true coilovers don't have a "collar" - but a theaded shock body. &nbsp;If the body rusts, it initially means no adjustment, although in the long run, it means total failure)

I think people in CA and FL have no problems b/c they don't have winter. &nbsp;I always hear people in snowy regions bitch the most. &nbsp;Honestly, I could see how something in CA would last 3 years and not 6 months of a WI or MN winter. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

So far, the "hot set-up," I've heard of is spraying the body with cooking spray (Pam) every time you adjust it or clean it reasonably well. &nbsp;Supposedly, this keeps them alive a bit longer. &nbsp;Other "fixes" have included waxing, WD-40, and motor oil. &nbsp;Personally, this is BS! &nbsp;If I pay $1100-1400 for a part, I shouldn't have to pick of a can of Pam once a month to keep it safe. &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/dozingoff.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':zzz:'> &nbsp;Nor should I have to wrap them in a diaper/ dust boot &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'>

As for teflon... that's actually a novel idea. &nbsp;BUT - years ago, I had a job where there was lots of teflon (in various forms) around and I read a bit about it. &nbsp;The hard part, needless to say, is getting the non-stick substnace to stick to what you want it to. &nbsp;I don't know the process, but it's not like you can just spray it on (like Pam).

Either way, it kinda pisses me off - but, I guess you get what you pay for (note the cost of the N1s).

[sil80]

Not as much as the N1's? 1500 isnt pocket change in my book. I agree you shouldnt have to pay that much and then once a month grease them up like a hooker. So did anyone find anything on the flex by Tein? Also anyone know a way to get Bride seats?

[luey02]

I hear JIC's are nice too.. no rust there folks.. &nbsp; it's got a cooler color too... purple!

[DrDubbleB]

The HA's aren't $1500, the Type Flex are, and they fixed the rust problem on the Type Flex...

[sil80]

DrDB -- Are the Flex pretty much the same as the HA our are they better... besides the rusting issue.

[Takumi]

Zeal Function B6 coilovers &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

The struts are height adjustable from what I heard. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[DrDubbleB]

I will post the stats on the HA's and the Type Flex's when I get enough time.

[AceInHole]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (luey02 @ Mar. 21 2002,3:24)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I hear JIC's are nice too.. no rust there folks.. it's got a cooler color too... purple!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
the JIC's i've seen are always a gold-yellow...

[Takumi]

Okay, I just checked the specs on the Tein website for the Type Flex coilovers. OMG, even the fucking retail price is great deal for what they give you! Ah, screw Zeal. Man, the shocks have adjustable lengths! The retail price INCLUDES pillow mounts. That is so fresh. Beat that JIC and Zeal! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

One gripe about the coilovers. The spring rates are a bit too soft compared to the Tein HA's (which I heard had problems with the struts' getting locked up or something which isn't rust related) for my tastes if I wanna get into auto crossing, but it's a more than excellent street setup for sure!

[DrDubbleB]

Yeah, sorry I haven't posted the stats. &nbsp;I was in the middle of doing it, then my internet crapped out on me. &nbsp;Takumi, I do like the spring rates of the HA's, in the Flex's stiffest setting, how would they fair with the HA's do you think?

[sykikchimp]

From Teins Website:

240SX 89-94 S13 FLEX Part #: DSN20-61SS1 Front: 5 kgf/mm 280 lbs/in; rear: &nbsp;4 kgf/mm 224 lbs/in

240SX 95-98 S14 FLEX Part #: &nbsp;DSN66-61SS1 6 kgf/mm 336 lbs/in 5 kgf/mm 280 lbs/in



Personally I think they have a better spring rate than the H/A for the Daily driver. &nbsp;However I would prefer the S14's spring rates. &nbsp;I wonder if you can choose the rates?

[Takumi]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DrDubbleB @ Mar. 23 2002,3:10)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Yeah, sorry I haven't posted the stats. I was in the middle of doing it, then my internet crapped out on me. Takumi, I do like the spring rates of the HA's, in the Flex's stiffest setting, how would they fair with the HA's do you think?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
That's like comparing the Apex'i Worldsports with the N1's. &nbsp;The spring rates for the HA's are much stiffer. &nbsp;The stiffness settings can only do so much. &nbsp;We'll see. &nbsp;I personally think it's a good setup for daily driving and track.

[sspikey]

wonder how the type FLEX would be for drifting hmmmmm. any thoughts everyone?

[Takumi]

Not stiff enough. &nbsp;If you're gonna do drifting, get the Tein HE's, which are considerably stiffer. &nbsp;Those are specifically for drifting anyway. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[sspikey]

yeah i was thinking those or HA 's but problem is that i live in montreal canada which means LOTS of snow and salt. what if i didnt drive the car in winter would that be ok? or if during winter i swapped out the suspension for the stock ones.

[Takumi]

Well, if you read the posts prior to your's. &nbsp;People have mentioned ways of preventing the coilovers from rusting.

1) Just don't drive with 'em on in the winter
2) Keep your car clean.
3) Spray...Pam? &nbsp;Of all things. *shrug*

Contact Tein for your questions about that.

[sspikey]

thanx for your help. i was thinking also i am pobably getting a pressure washer in a couple of days. if i ever were to drive in winter what if i would blast them with some water after i get into the garage im sure that would be alright........

[DrDubbleB]

Just be sure to wipe them down also. &nbsp;Just simply spraying them with water probably would not be enough, go the extra step to wipe some/most of the water off afterwards also.

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (sspikey @ Mar. 23 2002,9:38)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">thanx for your help. i was thinking also i am pobably getting a pressure washer in a couple of days. if i ever were to drive in winter what if i would blast them with some water after i get into the garage im sure that would be alright........</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
If I were you, I'd save the extra bit of money and buy something that was not going to change how you treat your car - just for a slight savings (Zeal or JIC). &nbsp;As much as it snows there and as bad as it would be to have to replace these things after ONE year if you 1) were in a rush and didn't have a chance to wash them; 2) felt tired and left them alone for a few days; 3) thought it was too cold... I'll do it tommorow; etc.

I dunno - I would not be willing to add a 10 minute ritual for every time I drive my car just to save a $150 (w/ pillo mounts).

[sspikey]

yeah but are those as good as tein's ? i want the tein's he or ha's because of the stiffness and drifting aspect of them.

[lostprojects]

does 15% of list price sound go to everyone for the groupbuy?

[Takumi]

15% off the list price for Type Flex? &nbsp;Sure.