Treehouse Racing CABs **UPDATE**

[RCWells]

Well, they weren't exactly broken, but they were popping like crazy and the front end was way loose, even to the point of being dangerous imo.

As it was, when I installed them, according to literature that I had read, I didn't preload the cabs by tightening them down while the front was still in the air. According to instructions, I dropped the front end back down on the ground, THEN tightened the bushings down nice and snug.

This was NOT the thing to do apparently. The popping was unbearable and the steering was TEH SUCK! So I couldn't stand it anymore (and facing a road trip this weekend) I went over to Alecs' house and jacked it up. Looking at the ends of the control arms, they were going into the bushings at an angle and that's where most of the popping was stemming from as well as the crap steering.

So, I took the cabs off, re-sanded the ends of the arms(just to be sure) and re-installed them. This time though, I tightened the shit outta them while the front was still jacked. As soon as I started backing out and turning the wheel, I could feel a difference in the steering. Going down the road then, 90% of the popping was gone and the steering is fixed.

I can't believe what a difference these bushings make now that they are installed "proper". Amazing. That little bit of an angle and the bind it put on the arms/bushings, totally screwed the steering and was obviously responsible for the majority of the popping noises.

I post this so that if anyone else has or does encounter the same issues, they'll know what NOT to do.

[erik325i]

It's good to hear that you got it worked out.

[King Luis]

there should be more posts like yours. most people will post a problem, then later figure out what it was and not post to keep it documented.

[parkerbink]

I guess thats why mine were fine I didn't know it but I did it this way.

Thanks!

[RCWells]

Well after another day of driving, the popping still exists. New bushings are on the way, so I'll follow up post-install.

[PeaveyBassist]

Getting new THR ones right Bobby?

Will

[RCWells]

yes.

[Alecs MacDonald]

E30 piloti? Are you buying my shoes or what?

[RCWells]

That is reference to the fact that I pilot an E30, not your shoes and I don't know yet.

[RCWells]

I received my new bushing material from Treehouse yesterday, and last night with a torch to heat the CABs and the material removed the old material and inserted the new stuff.

The difference is incredible, absolutely NO NOISE, POPPING, SQUEAKING, CREAKING OR ANY NOISES OF ANY KIND that can be related to the CABs, themselves. AND, I think they improved the overall feel of the steering over the old material as well.

A HUGE thank you is in order to Jon and Rob(skafrog) at Treehouse for their follow-up on this, coming up with a solution, and actually sending out the material free of charge. That guys, is how you do business!! Treehouse is obviously a top-notch organization and I would gladly do business with them anytime!

So, what I've learned:
1. Treehouse CABs are the bomb (if you have the white bushing material)
2. Jon and Rob are aces
3. If you have the old material, GET THE NEW STUFF PRONTO!
4. To remove the old black material, you need to heat with a torch
5. When installing the TH CABs, torque the bolts down while the front is in the air

Any questions on this, call Jon or Rob at Treehouse, I am sure they will be glad to help you out. OR, if you have any other questions, I will be glad to offer up what I know.

[ilia]

Yea, I just put on the new bushing material CABs recently, and torqued em in the air. No popping, great improvement in feel and response. Treehouse is indeed sweet, it's a much more nicely engineered part than ANYTHING they're competing against.

[parkerbink]

Just got off the phone with he Jon could not have been nicer, had the new material units in his hand and is sending them right out!

Gracias Jon!!!