Hello all. I'm new to the JBO, as I'm sure you've no doubt guessed by now. I've been lurking for a little bit, and finally decided to register up. I'm 18 years old and I just bought a Silver 2002 Cavalier LS. The car is stock as of now, but I figured I'd get some pictures up for you all anyways.
As you can see, it's just snowed where I live, so the car is pretty nasty, especially with it being dropped, which brings me to a question.
I bought the car already lowered, and on the invoice it seems as if the car were factory lowered. Whenever I turn, however, I get a strange popping noise from my front right tire area. It may be both sides doing it occasionally, but I tend to notice the right side. It sounds as if the springs are adjusting, but in a violent manner. Any idea what's up with that? I know nothing of cars, but I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to do that. It seems like they dropped the car with stock springs on it, and the springs are all coiled up, constantly at maximum compression.
Also, if I take a turn pretty tight, I notice my tires scraping slightly (ouch) on the wheel well. Would that be fixable by shaving the insides of the well a little bit, or something to that effect? Sorry for the questions, hope they are not too stupid. Thanks.
I'd wait for other to chime in, but typically popping while turning is CV joints. Check the boots and see if they are intact. you can do this by turning the wheels all the way one way.
"The Blue Bullet"
Alrighty, I'll give that a looking at. Thanks.
Yeah, I highly doubt it was lowered by chevrolet, and if it was, it would have custom springs. They would not cut or heat the springs. If they had it pro lowered, you got good springs and struts. As far as the rubbing...I wouldnt go cutting anything. You may wanna just go with a slimmer tire which will lower the overall diameter. And logan is right. Check your axle.
Okay, thank you for the reinforcing post. Also, I'm not so sure about getting a slimmer tire, there's no other way to help the rubbing besides putting my car back up a few inches? I suppose I couldn't turn so sharp, but I'm already having an interesting time pulling into parking spots...
Well do you ever plan to get rims and tires? A set of 18s would prolly cure all your problems. Other than that, not much you can do. Either buy new springs, smaller tires, or leave it be. But cutting the inner fender will just lead to unwanted water in the engine bay.
nice clean start though gl
Alright, thank you very much for your help Gritz. I suppose I'll probably just get myself a new set of springs, as water in the engine bay doesn't sound too healthy. Also, thanks green98cav.
if you get aftermarket lowering springs, get aftermarket struts to handle the drop
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The boots are intact, so it's most definitely the springs that's making the popping noise then, right?
99redz24 wrote:if you get aftermarket lowering springs, get aftermarket struts to handle the drop
Thanks for that input. Although I'm sure it's obvious to all of you, I wouldn't have thought of that :\ Thanks again guys, for your help, and for the welcomes. Also, any particular brands/websites I might want to stay away from while shopping for the new springs/struts?
standard is the way to go!!!
Shane Ends wrote:standard is the way to go!!!
Haha, most definitely. Makes the car so much more fun to drive
For the springs/struts, check GravanaTuning.com, good products and they do some great stuff for the J platform. Overall, nice clean car, good start and good luck with everything man.
I had something really funny to put here but it was too long.
welcome to your new home, known simply as: the org!
nice clean start. id agree with what the others are saying but also check your struts. some people lower their car w/springs then dont change the stock struts to verify they are in good shape. as we know stock struts on a lowered car sucks!
de-badge
de-mold
for a even cleaner look, all in all very nice buy!
im sure the suspension will. but the intake wont. seems you clicked on the opion for 2.2 ohv. not the 2.2 ecotec
Im a Xbox 360 fanboy...and damn proud of it!!
there are 2 grease nipples on your car (one behind each wheel) you probably need a grease job. my sisters focus was making the same noise, i gave it a grease job a was good to go.
maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow....... but some day
Ah, thanks. I didn't know that 16v = Ecotec. Could you please explain to me what the "16v" means, I think I have an idea but I'm not sure and don't want to make a fool of myself. Thanks.
Sorry stock gt, you posted that just before I posted mine. Thanks for the input, I'll give it a check out, sounds a lot better than spending $600 on a new setup. Also, is there any way to edit my posts?
16 valves
Im a Xbox 360 fanboy...and damn proud of it!!
Ah, that's what I thought, but I wasn't sure
. That means that each cylinder has 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves then, right? Thanks again for all the help and info. Oh, and since I'm posting now anyways, I'd figure I'd include this question. With the mold/badge removal procedure listed in these forums, is there any chance of me scraping off some of my car in the process? Thanks again.
Quote:
With the mold/badge removal procedure listed in these forums, is there any chance of me scraping off some of my car in the process? Thanks again.
your worried about scrapping paint off the car? dont be. all i used was some dental floss to get the moldings off along with some heat. and then i used some goo gone adhesive remover
Im a Xbox 360 fanboy...and damn proud of it!!
Awesome, thanks for the reassurance.
ron!!!