SPC tension Arms failed - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

gostrider · 11-07-2012, 05:49 PM

After 8 months of DD my car with spc tension arms they are completely busted on both sides. I called SPC and all they could say is that they were installed incorrect

Not sure how these could be installed incorrect its just 3 bolts. I sent them photos in hopes of them replacing them under their life time warranty. Will update with out come on this matter.

BTW These were purchase new

xoxide · 11-07-2012, 05:54 PM

Well, that was a cool story.

zo0d · 11-07-2012, 05:59 PM

Tell it again, bro.

inopsey · 11-07-2012, 06:14 PM

they can definitely be installed incorrectly, they must be tightened with the vehicle on the ground otherwise the load isnt positioned proper on the bushing. this goes for all bushings and ime is a real pita with no lift.

Bushido · 11-07-2012, 06:26 PM

Rubber bushings... Go sperical.

mitcheyismyname · 11-07-2012, 10:08 PM

What inopsey said....or you could jack up the front until the suspension is fully compressed and then tighten down. My buddy has been riding on SPC tension rods for 2 1/2 years....the arms are just fine. Sucks to see that though. Wanna sell me them?

JSimpson · 11-07-2012, 11:07 PM

ya you definitely installed them wrong. car needs to be in the ground when they're tight. Shitty design anyway, suspension will be in a bind unless the car is sitting flat and still... dumb. Just go spherical. Ebay spherical work great and feels much much better

DRIFTER-M · 11-08-2012, 12:15 AM

I for one think this thread is interesting, people always want to see what will happen when products fail and warranty issues arise.

Though he MAY have installed them different than suggested, I don't see how it can be proved/ how they can refuse to cover it. If they do in fact refuse to cover it due to that reasoning, can't that simply be a blanket excuse for any and all problems in the future with this particular arm?

*brndck* · 11-08-2012, 01:48 AM

we had this happen at a shop i used to work at. they were installed correctly (ie, left loose until suspension compressed, then tightened and aligned) customer returned about 2 weeks later with complaints of clunking, both sides the bushings were completely torn up. After much complaining SPC sent us another set, but the customer wised up and just bought some tein tension rods.

my question is this, if oem ones can last as long as they do (usually 100k+) before they shit the bed, then why the fuck can't SPC make theirs do the same???

bc. · 11-08-2012, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRIFTER-M

Though he MAY have installed them different than suggested, I don't see how it can be proved/ how they can refuse to cover it. If they do in fact refuse to cover it due to that reasoning, can't that simply be a blanket excuse for any and all problems in the future with this particular arm?

Bingo. This is why warranties are useless, if they don't feel like upholding their end or you don't have proof of your correct use/installation, there is nothing saying they have to oblige by their warranty, besides ruining their name on the internet.

jesse_s13 · 11-08-2012, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brndck

we had this happen at a shop i used to work at. they were installed correctly (ie, left loose until suspension compressed, then tightened and aligned) customer returned about 2 weeks later with complaints of clunking, both sides the bushings were completely torn up. After much complaining SPC sent us another set, but the customer wised up and just bought some tein tension rods.

my question is this, if oem ones can last as long as they do (usually 100k+) before they shit the bed, then why the fuck can't SPC make theirs do the same???

bingo. Ebay ones last longer.

garagelu · 11-08-2012, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bc.

Bingo. This is why warranties are useless, if they don't feel like upholding their end or you don't have proof of your correct use/installation, there is nothing saying they have to oblige by their warranty, besides ruining their name on the internet.

Buy SPL parts arms and see what they say when you call them with any problems. They stand behind their product 100%.

*brndck* · 11-08-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garagelu

Buy SPL parts arms and see what they say when you call them with any problems. They stand behind their product 100%.

Also, you won't have to worry about stupid bullshit problems with Spl parts, their stuff is top quality, straight outta the box.

johnnysombrero · 11-08-2012, 09:44 AM

SPL Fitment is top notch. Buy once and be done with it.

MamangSorbetero · 11-08-2012, 10:42 AM

I bought my 240SX with these arms installed

They have failed even though they were installed correctly. Being a cheap-ass I just bought Energy Suspension bushings for it; hopefully I can press them in. Super dangerous not being able to turn correctly or break evenly.

kOOpA · 11-08-2012, 10:54 AM

I had a sustained brain fart and assumed this thread was about SPL for the first few minutes. Lol wtf is SPC?

ComicArtist · 11-08-2012, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kOOpA

I had a sustained brain fart and assumed this thread was about SPL for the first few minutes. Lol wtf is SPC?

Lol same here. I was under the impression that SPL used spherical bushings until I caught onto the SPL/SPC thing...

bc. · 11-08-2012, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garagelu

Buy SPL parts arms and see what they say when you call them with any problems. They stand behind their product 100%.

I have SPL arms, almost exclusively. I know they stand by their product and have good quality. But I don't know who SPC is and don't recommend trusting warranties for any other e-bay, wannabe parts company.

gostrider · 11-08-2012, 02:19 PM

Spc is willng to sell me a set of arms for 78$..thats what they will do to help the issue..

Drift_86 · 11-08-2012, 03:20 PM

Dose any one know if you can install energy bushing on Spl tension rod

Bushido · 11-08-2012, 03:55 PM

^SPL tension rods dont have bushings, they have a spherical bearing.

gostrider · 11-08-2012, 04:32 PM

question is should I buy these again or go with megan racing or another brand?

Bushido · 11-08-2012, 04:49 PM

get part shop max tension rods, i've had mine for 5 years, no complaints

KA24DESOneThree · 11-08-2012, 04:57 PM

Buy SPL tension rods. Kuah and gang take good care of us, why not take good care of them?

PSM is another good brand and those guys care about the community as well.

Drift_86 · 11-08-2012, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushido

^SPL tension rods dont have bushings, they have a spherical bearing.

I mean spc....

codyace · 11-08-2012, 09:51 PM

In the tension arms, I see no true fix this side of a real deal spherical bearing, regardless of brand. However elsewhere I see no issue running SPC. I've had their parts on my car, and other cars for years, with MANY track days, without issue...in fact I wish their rear toe arms were spherical as they are much nicer than even the cheapest junk.

With most parts, you need to consider their usage and warranty. Stinks SPC won't cover it, but if your car is slammed and not aligned, I can't blame them either.

dudermagee · 11-08-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MamangSorbetero

I bought my 240SX with these arms installed

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/drtHH.png[/IM]

They have failed even though they were installed correctly. Being a cheap-ass I just bought Energy Suspension bushings for it; hopefully I can press them in. Super dangerous not being able to turn correctly or break evenly.

If you bought them installed, how do you know they were done correctly?
Also stay the fuck away from ES, unless you want to lube them up every 6k miles or so

az_240 · 11-08-2012, 11:41 PM

NISMO makes a bushing that goes in the stock tension arm. I've had mine for a while and they still look good. They are nice to have when driving on the streets and it's really not hard to tighten the bolt with the car on blocks of wood.

I tried the 3 piece ES ones. Didn't like them.

kOOpA · 11-09-2012, 09:36 AM

Buy quality parts, and have less problems when/IF they need to be replaced.

Buy crap parts, and you'll be creating threads like this.

If you're such a smart guy by saving the money, but you are about to buy pair #2 of whatever crap you can find, it wasn't so smart, eh?

Hoffman5982 · 11-09-2012, 03:45 PM

Are people here really calling SPC an ebay wannabe brand??

You guys need to do some fucking research. SPC is for people who want full adjustability with an OEM-like feel, hence the rubber bushings.

11-07-2012, 05:49 PM	#1
gostrider Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: CFL Age: 11 Posts: 638 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	SPC tension Arms failed After 8 months of DD my car with spc tension arms they are completely busted on both sides. I called SPC and all they could say is that they were installed incorrect Not sure how these could be installed incorrect its just 3 bolts. I sent them photos in hopes of them replacing them under their life time warranty. Will update with out come on this matter. BTW These were purchase new __________________ *240 with illegal engine mod.*

11-07-2012, 06:26 PM	#5
Bushido Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: SFL Posts: 3,563 Trader Rating: (10) Feedback Score: 10 reviews	Rubber bushings... Go sperical. __________________

11-08-2012, 12:15 AM	#8
DRIFTER-M Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: in my car Posts: 711 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I for one think this thread is interesting, people always want to see what will happen when products fail and warranty issues arise. Though he MAY have installed them different than suggested, I don't see how it can be proved/ how they can refuse to cover it. If they do in fact refuse to cover it due to that reasoning, can't that simply be a blanket excuse for any and all problems in the future with this particular arm? __________________ I Love Drifting Thread > Drifting is Stupid thread

11-08-2012, 10:54 AM	#16
kOOpA Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Atlanta Age: 37 Posts: 472 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I had a sustained brain fart and assumed this thread was about SPL for the first few minutes. Lol wtf is SPC? __________________

11-08-2012, 02:19 PM	#19
gostrider Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: CFL Age: 11 Posts: 638 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	Spc is willng to sell me a set of arms for 78$..thats what they will do to help the issue.. __________________ *240 with illegal engine mod.*

11-07-2012, 05:54 PM	#2
xoxide Post Whore! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 2,807 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	Well, that was a cool story.

11-07-2012, 05:59 PM	#3
zo0d Zilvia Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey Age: 34 Posts: 259 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Tell it again, bro.

11-07-2012, 06:14 PM	#4
inopsey Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: canada Posts: 1,701 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	they can definitely be installed incorrectly, they must be tightened with the vehicle on the ground otherwise the load isnt positioned proper on the bushing. this goes for all bushings and ime is a real pita with no lift.

11-07-2012, 10:08 PM	#6
mitcheyismyname Zilvia Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hawaii Posts: 208 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	What inopsey said....or you could jack up the front until the suspension is fully compressed and then tighten down. My buddy has been riding on SPC tension rods for 2 1/2 years....the arms are just fine. Sucks to see that though. Wanna sell me them?

11-07-2012, 11:07 PM	#7
JSimpson Banned from the Marketplace Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,009 Trader Rating: (15) Feedback Score: 15 reviews	ya you definitely installed them wrong. car needs to be in the ground when they're tight. Shitty design anyway, suspension will be in a bind unless the car is sitting flat and still... dumb. Just go spherical. Ebay spherical work great and feels much much better

11-08-2012, 09:44 AM	#14
johnnysombrero Zilvia Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 261 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	SPL Fitment is top notch. Buy once and be done with it.

11-08-2012, 10:42 AM	#15
MamangSorbetero Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: California Posts: 323 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	I bought my 240SX with these arms installed They have failed even though they were installed correctly. Being a cheap-ass I just bought Energy Suspension bushings for it; hopefully I can press them in. Super dangerous not being able to turn correctly or break evenly.

11-08-2012, 03:20 PM	#20
Drift_86 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Los Angeles, South Gate Age: 37 Posts: 3,682 Trader Rating: (60) Feedback Score: 60 reviews	Dose any one know if you can install energy bushing on Spl tension rod __________________ Want to roll fenders, custom gauge pod pm me

11-08-2012, 03:55 PM	#21
Bushido Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: SFL Posts: 3,563 Trader Rating: (10) Feedback Score: 10 reviews	^SPL tension rods dont have bushings, they have a spherical bearing. __________________

11-08-2012, 04:32 PM	#22
gostrider Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: CFL Age: 11 Posts: 638 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	question is should I buy these again or go with megan racing or another brand? __________________ *240 with illegal engine mod.*

11-08-2012, 04:49 PM	#23
Bushido Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: SFL Posts: 3,563 Trader Rating: (10) Feedback Score: 10 reviews	get part shop max tension rods, i've had mine for 5 years, no complaints __________________

11-08-2012, 04:57 PM	#24
KA24DESOneThree Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SD County SoCal Age: 38 Posts: 2,554 Trader Rating: (2) Rides Gallery: KA24DESOneThree Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Buy SPL tension rods. Kuah and gang take good care of us, why not take good care of them? PSM is another good brand and those guys care about the community as well.

11-08-2012, 09:51 PM	#26
codyace Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Poconos, PA Age: 39 Posts: 8,030 Trader Rating: (58) Feedback Score: 58 reviews	In the tension arms, I see no true fix this side of a real deal spherical bearing, regardless of brand. However elsewhere I see no issue running SPC. I've had their parts on my car, and other cars for years, with MANY track days, without issue...in fact I wish their rear toe arms were spherical as they are much nicer than even the cheapest junk. With most parts, you need to consider their usage and warranty. Stinks SPC won't cover it, but if your car is slammed and not aligned, I can't blame them either. __________________ *Want Air Conditioning in your SR20 Swapped car? Check out www.sr20acbrackets.com for more information! Quest Alternator Conversions for SR20!* Check my Group Buy! Tired of lousy internal gates? Go external wastegate with one of my manifolds, Check out my group buy

11-08-2012, 11:41 PM	#28
az_240 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phx Posts: 3,097 Trader Rating: (41) Feedback Score: 41 reviews	NISMO makes a bushing that goes in the stock tension arm. I've had mine for a while and they still look good. They are nice to have when driving on the streets and it's really not hard to tighten the bolt with the car on blocks of wood. I tried the 3 piece ES ones. Didn't like them.

11-09-2012, 09:36 AM	#29
kOOpA Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Atlanta Age: 37 Posts: 472 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Buy quality parts, and have less problems when/IF they need to be replaced. Buy crap parts, and you'll be creating threads like this. If you're such a smart guy by saving the money, but you are about to buy pair #2 of whatever crap you can find, it wasn't so smart, eh? __________________

11-09-2012, 03:45 PM	#30
Hoffman5982 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Definitely NOT FL.... Age: 32 Posts: 2,504 Trader Rating: (25) Feedback Score: 25 reviews	Are people here really calling SPC an ebay wannabe brand?? You guys need to do some fucking research. SPC is for people who want full adjustability with an OEM-like feel, hence the rubber bushings. __________________