[Dave84]

We had a brief chat about the coilover kit making the noise on the rear still after getting a brand new damper from Bilstein. After speaking to Chris who has said he would offer to sell the rears for me I am still unhappy. There is no issue with my chassis on my car at all or the boot boot lid. Saying the kit does not work on my car is not acceptable, the kit doesn't fit the later cars and should not be sold.

I would like to know If I took the kit off would it be possible for a full refund? This kit has been a nightmare, the noise from the damper is completely not acceptable. Stevie at 8 speed has spent lots of hours messing with this kit swapping things around, also wasted lots of fuel driving backwards and forwards taking days off work to get this looked at. I am considering going to my local citizens advise and getting the trading standards involved. It is embarrassing driving people around in an 09 plate car which makes a rattling noise of a 30 year old escort. Possibly provide me some rears from a kw v1 kit maybe?my idea was to improve the handling of the fn2 by buying a coilover kit not to have half an updated damper kit and be told you can sell my rears.

I am not going to let this matter pass until I have either a refund or an alternative solution. Hope you understand my frustration and disappointment with my experience.

Regards,
David

 

[ABP Motorsport]

We had a brief chat about the coilover kit making the noise on the rear still after getting a brand new damper from Bilstein. After speaking to Chris who has said he would offer to sell the rears for me I am still unhappy. There is no issue with my chassis on my car at all or the boot boot lid. Saying the kit does not work on my car is not acceptable, the kit doesn't fit the later cars and should not be sold.

I would like to know If I took the kit off would it be possible for a full refund? This kit has been a nightmare, the noise from the damper is completely not acceptable. Stevie at 8 speed has spent lots of hours messing with this kit swapping things around, also wasted lots of fuel driving backwards and forwards taking days off work to get this looked at. I am considering going to my local citizens advise and getting the trading standards involved. It is embarrassing driving people around in an 09 plate car which makes a rattling noise of a 30 year old escort. Possibly provide me some rears from a kw v1 kit maybe?my idea was to improve the handling of the fn2 by buying a coilover kit not to have half an updated damper kit and be told you can sell my rears.

I am not going to let this matter pass until I have either a refund or an alternative solution. Hope you understand my frustration and disappointment with my experience.

Regards,
David

David

Firstly I appreciate and understand your frustration with the noise that is evident on the N/S/R of your car since the Bilstein suspension kit was fitted. However I must clarify exactly what was discussed and explain the options available to you.

We have now sold 47 of these kits both in the UK and exported Worldwide. They have been fitted to all years of cars from early 2007 right through to very late 2011 cars and Mugen M200 models.

You actually purchsaed the kit from Eight Speed.

When you initially reported a noise from the NSR we suggesed the best possible plan of action which would clearly identify what was causing the noise. This was also communicated with Stevie at EightSpeed who you purchased the kit from. I specifically advised that the rear shockers were swapped side to side to see if the noise moved but despite my request the NSR shocker was removed and returnred to Bilstein UK for a warranty inspection. Bilstein checked the shock absorber and found no defect with the actual damper but did note that the top-nut had been overtightened causing the top-washer to distort and this was seen as a likely cause of a light knocking noise. The unit was returned directly to you with a new top-washer and nut and was subsequently re-fitted. Whilst the car was fitted with its original NSR shocker it was quiet in operation. I now believe that with the Bilstein shocker re-fitted the noise has returned. During conversations with you and Stevie who you bought the kit from at no point have the rear Bilstein shockers been swapped sude to side as I requested on numerous occasions.

By doing this swap it would be proven once and for all if the issue is with the actual individual shock or the noise is present on the actual NSR of the car and is only audible once the suspension / dampers are uprated and the car becomes stiffer.

We have experienced this on only 1 other car in our workshop and after swapping the dampers left to right it was clear that the noise lay within the chassis and only became evident once it was effectively 'stiffened-up'. On this car we actually swapped out the complete rear Bilstein kit with the same parts of my car and the noise stayed on the customers car whilst mine stayed silent. This ultimately proved the underlying issue was a car issue as opposed to Bilstein component issue. This customer loved the benefits of the Bilstein kit (improved ride quality, handling and ride height adjustment) so decided to fit new original Honda rear shocks and we sold his Bilstein shocks on his behalf. These were 100% quiet in operation in the car that they were eventually fitted to effectively proving they were not faulty or noisy.

Therefore to conclude the noise present on your car is likely to be within the car itself and as a consequence of uprating the rear shocks it becomes evident in the car.

I only suggested that you sell the rear shocks and refit your Honda units as this is what the other owner ultimately decided to do as it was the best option for him to see the overall benefits and eliminate the noise.

I do understand your frustration and can only reiterate that the Bilstein kit which you purchased from Eight Speed does have a manufacturers warranty against defects. You are well within your rights and entiltled to return the whole suspension kit to Eight Speed who would in tune return the kit to Bilstein. However Bilstein do have a full engineering shop in the UK and the kit will be inspected (and stripped if required) and only if any fault is found would they repair or replace the individual component involved. They wouldn't offer a refund if a car has a noise that is not due to a faulty shocker and is consequential to the suspension being uprated.

When we do occasionally have a Bilstein warranty issue (which happens due to the components involved) they act very promptly in repairing or replacing any faulty components in a very quick and professional manner.

Please consider the options and consult with your supplier Stevie at Eight Speed on the best option moving forward.

Cheers, Chris

 

[Dave84]

Sorry but I cannot believe you are telling me to send this kit back to Bilstein. The black covers on the dampers have marks on both sides of this kit indicating these do no fit correctly. I am not willing to send these shocks back to Bilstein once again for them to make a stupid excuse that these have been over tightened.

I will be sending these back to you and expect a full refund! These do not fit the fn2 on the rear. You have bought these from Bilstein fully knowing these do not fit the fn2 and are actually rear dampers which are made to fit the 2.2 diesel civic not the fn2 type r. I have looked into this and it's against the trade descriptions act to sell something which doesn't fit correctly

I would like a refund or I am going to have to get the trading standards involved. I thought your company was based on great customer service, it appears not in this case and won't be purchasing anything again from you if this is not delt with. Bilstein are not interested in this kit because it's not made to fit the fn2 it's modified on the front. It appears it needs modifying on the rear too also. Could I please have the direct email adress for the owner of the company or phone number to discuss this matter?

Regards

David

 

[stoney]

Surely your problem is with 8speed as that is your point of sale?

 

[misterk]

Surely your problem is with 8speed as that is your point of sale?

Exactly what I was thinking, sounds like chris is being more than helpful despite you not buying the kit from him. Out of interest why won't you swap the rear shocks over to see if the noise swaps sides?? Pretty simple way of pin pointing what's to blame in my opinion


I'm not looking for an argument just simply curious

 

[MightyMatt]

Bought from Eight Speed, fitted by Eight Speed but giving ABP flack?

 

[devil84]

Surely your problem is with 8speed as that is your point of sale?

Exactly what I was thinking, sounds like chris is being more than helpful despite you not buying the kit from him. Out of interest why won't you swap the rear shocks over to see if the noise swaps sides?? Pretty simple way of pin pointing what's to blame in my opinion


I'm not looking for an argument just simply curious

Bought from Eight Speed, fitted by Eight Speed but giving ABP flack?

This. Dave84 did you buy it from abp or not????

 

[ABP Motorsport]

Sorry but I can not believe you are telling to send these back to Bilstein. The black covers are the dampers have marks on both sides of this kit indicating these do no fit correctly. I am not willing to send these shocks back to Bilstein once for them to make a stupid excuse that these have been over tightened.

I will be sending these back to you and expect a full refund? These do not fit the fn2 on the rear. You have bought these from Bilstein fully knowing these do not fit the fn2 and are actual rear dampers which are made to fit the 2.2 diesel civic. I have looked into this and it's against the trade descriptions act to sell something which doesn't fit correct.

I would like a refund or I am going to have to get the trading standards involved. I thought your company was based on great customer service, it appears not in this case and won't be purchasing anything again from your if this is not delt with.

David

As other forum users have mentioned you purchased the kit from Eight Speed so if you wish to return the kit it will have to be returned directly to them as that is who your contract is with.

The black dust covers on the rear shocks do come into contact with the bodies and this happens on all dampers of this type - Standard, Koni, Spax, Bilstein, KW etc etc. It is purely a dust shield and protecys the piston rod from road dirt. It is perfectly normal for these to leave marks on damper bodies and if you look at your original shocks you will see the same.

The rear shocks on all FN chassis Civics are structurely identical with the only difference on the Type R standard units being the pressure and damper settings. They do fit perfectly, I have them on my car as do 47 other Type R owners which is fairly conclusive. So to clarify they do fit correctly.

As I said before you are entitled to return them to the company you purchased them from and in turn they will return them to Bilstein. Bilstein are then legally entitled to inspect the suspension and act on their findings but the warranty only covers defects and Bilstein are entitled to repair or replace at their discretion.

We are doing everything we can to assist but there is a limit and your contract is with EIGHT SPEED not ABP so I'm not sure why you are venting your frustration on a public forum at us...?

Chris

 

[ABP Motorsport]

Sorry but I can not believe you are telling to send these back to Bilstein. The black covers are the dampers have marks on both sides of this kit indicating these do no fit correctly. I am not willing to send these shocks back to Bilstein once for them to make a stupid excuse that these have been over tightened.

I will be sending these back to you and expect a full refund? These do not fit the fn2 on the rear. You have bought these from Bilstein fully knowing these do not fit the fn2 and are actual rear dampers which are made to fit the 2.2 diesel civic. I have looked into this and it's against the trade descriptions act to sell something which doesn't fit correct.

I would like a refund or I am going to have to get the trading standards involved. I thought your company was based on great customer service, it appears not in this case and won't be purchasing anything again from your if this is not delt with.

Regards

David

This. Dave84 did you buy it from abp or not????

The suspension kit was purchased AND fitted by Eight Speed and not ABP. ABP did however supply the kit to Eight Speed as he couldn't buy this from Bilstein directly.

The legal contract is between the customer and Eight Speed.

However we are trying our very best to help...

Chris

 

[Andrew P]

Trading law is quite clear on this one, the contract exists between the supplier and the customer.
Therefore your WHOLE dispute lies totally with Eight Speed, if legal proceedings are taken and trading standards involved then this MUST all be directed at them.
Why you are so angry with ABP im not sure, they are not the manufacturers, simply a garage that supplies and fits a product they believe in.

I understand how frustrated you must be to have spent a lot of money and not getting what you were hoping for, but you must direct this in the proper direction of Eight Speed.

 

[Dave84]

All eight speed have done is fitted the kit that's all. It shouldn't make any difference to where I bought it from. The kit has been bought from 8 speed but abp have modified this kit as it is not a direct fit. So your saying I should get 8 speed to take this up with abp as 8 speed bought this kit from abp being the supplier.

 

[Dave84]

David

As other forum users have mentioned you purchased the kit from Eight Speed so if you wish to return the kit it will have to be returned directly to them as that is who your contract is with.

The black dust covers on the rear shocks do come into contact with the bodies and this happens on all dampers of this type - Standard, Koni, Spax, Bilstein, KW etc etc. It is purely a dust shield and protecys the piston rod from road dirt. It is perfectly normal for these to leave marks on damper bodies and if you look at your original shocks you will see the same.

The rear shocks on all FN chassis Civics are structurely identical with the only difference on the Type R standard units being the pressure and damper settings. They do fit perfectly, I have them on my car as do 47 other Type R owners which is fairly conclusive. So to clarify they do fit correctly.

As I said before you are entitled to return them to the company you purchased them from and in turn they will return them to Bilstein. Bilstein are then legally entitled to inspect the suspension and act on their findings but the warranty only covers defects and Bilstein are entitled to repair or replace at their discretion.

We are doing everything we can to assist but there is a limit and your contract is with EIGHT SPEED not ABP so I'm not sure why you are venting your frustration on a public forum at us...?

Chris

Bilstein are simply not interested in this matter at all, all they say is that this kit is not a direct fitment for the fn2. Could you please contact them and advise?They tested the damper last time and there was no issue with this.

 

[MattLee]

All eight speed have done is fitted the kit that's all. It shouldn't make any difference to where I bought it from. The kit has been bought from 8 speed but abp have modified this kit as it is not a direct fit. So your saying I should get 8 speed to take this up with abp as 8 speed bought this kit from abp being the supplier.

If no money changed hands between you and ABP, and you only paid cash to Eight Speed then you have to take it up Eight Speed.

And of course it matters where the kit was purchased. You wouldn't take a fault TV you bought at Dixon's back to John Lewis. Your contract of sale is with Dixon's.

 

[FN2cub]

As far as the kit I have had it on my car for a while now buying from the first batch ABP supplied. The kit is 100% there are no issues with it including the fitment. Like said you need to take this up with the people you bought it from not ABP!

Don't let this put anyone off this kit for handling, adjustment and road comfort it is spot on, ABP's fitting service is second to non

 

[ABP Motorsport]

As far as the kit I have had it on my car for a while now buying from the first batch ABP supplied. The kit is 100% there are no issues with it including the fitment. Like said you need to take this up with the people you bought it from not ABP!

Don't let this put anyone off this kit for handling, adjustment and road comfort it is spot on, ABP's fitting service is second to non

Cheers Jacob

My car has the first Bilstein kit we had fitted and is perfect in every way. I've used various kits on my car over the last 5 years and the Bilstein is the very best by far.

As I detailed previously we did have another car with a suspected rear damper issue so swapped them out with the ones on my car. My car stayed quiet and with my Bilstein rears fitted to the other car there was a trim rattle from the NSR. Swapped them back again and the noise stayed on the other car and mine stayed quiet. This categorically proved that it was a car issue NOT damper issue.

Cheers, Chris

 

[Dave84]

I have swapped the dampers to the other side and it makes the noise on the side it has been swapped to.

 

[ABP Motorsport]

I have swapped the dampers to the other side and it makes the noise on the side it has been swapped to.

When we spoke the other day I was under the impression that either you hadn't swapped the dampers side to side OR after swapping the noise stayed on the NSR.

If you are sure that the noise swaps sides with the damper then that would indicate a possible individual rear shock absorber issue. These are covered under Bilstein warranty and the unit in question would need to be returned for inspection by Bilstein UK. Once inspected Bilstein are legally obliged to repair or replace as required.

Chris

 

[civicnewbie]

8speed are who your contract is with.
They in turn may have to take it up with ABP as they supplied to them, they in turn may need to take it up with Bilstein.
However it is absolutely clear that you should not be venting at ABP.

What if you bought a Sony TV from John Lewis and it was faulty, would you accept that they sent you to deal with another dealer who supplied them- NO! You would quite rightly insist on John Lewis sorting the issue and they seek redress from whoever supplied them.
Same issue, 8speed are who you contracted with and it it is they that you must deal with then leave them to sort it out with ABP/Bilstein

Strange how you have suddenly swapped them over after all this time.

Just my opinion

 

[FireBIade]

Dave speak to 8 Speed this is how the law works in this country, 8 speed should probably refund you and then they will take it up with ABP.

 

[Aqib]

Seems like someone is at it from my point of view, you bought the product from another company who also fitted it for you. And now you are expecting ABP to refund you? Doesn't work like that at all.