Forester - steering feels woolly
Discussion
My 2007 Forester has started to feel a bit woolly around corners - the steering feels a bit slack, and its not as precise as it used to be. A bit like there's too little air in the tyres - which are all good.
I'm guessing that some bushes are now worn - nothing has been touched in the suspension since it was built - but what are the likely culprits? Its coming up for its annual rego check, so might get it up on some ramps for a look, but a few handy hints up front would be great.
I'm guessing that some bushes are now worn - nothing has been touched in the suspension since it was built - but what are the likely culprits? Its coming up for its annual rego check, so might get it up on some ramps for a look, but a few handy hints up front would be great.
Lee, this depends not so much on age of the Forester, but the mileage. How many miles? Logically, bushes do start to wear at 60k+ and if you're to change them it is worth upgrading...but, be careful not to over sharpen the steering/suspension as this will ruin the ride of a Forester. If you've standard suspension the usual is to upgrade the rear ARB at the same time. Also, Subaru's can be a little harsh on the steering fluid and this is rarely changed. Once bushes changed be sure to get correct geometry re-set...if you're needing new tyres do this post tyre fitting. PS if suspension needing looking at, how are the brakes...changed the brake fluid recently? Upgraded to st/st braided flexible's?
Thanks for that lot. Car is not an XT, just an N/A 2.5 and has travelled about 85,000kms, but they've been generally tough kms - in, through and over the urban jungle, so I'm not surprised at bits wearing out. All fluids changed about 2 years ago, brakes seem fine, no real advantage to st/braided for me. I won't be stiffening or sharpening anything beyond the stock level - the car is primarily a family car that so far has absorbed everything thrown at it. Wheels are std 16" steelies with 215/65 tyres.
I'll have a look when I get it on a ramp, presumably any wear will show as some sort of excess play - its been a while since I've looked at suspension stuff.
I'll have a look when I get it on a ramp, presumably any wear will show as some sort of excess play - its been a while since I've looked at suspension stuff.
PomBstard said:
New tyres fitted this morning - back to being a fun car again! No suspension probs noted. The old ones were still a way off the wear blocks, but I'm putting it down to the urban work the car does - potholes, steering at a standstill, speed bumps and so on.
Great to hear all sorted. A nice resolution to the thread!Gassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff