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View Full Version : Steering issue on lowered 96 wagon



The_momo
06-30-2013, 09:57 AM
Well as my title states, I'm having a bit of a problem. My car is a 96 legacy wagon Brighton (if it matters) that I now have 2002 wrx sedan struts and tein s techs (hate if you want, I rather like them, and they aren't the issue as far as I can tell.) The problem I am having is it seems like I am getting some bind or shifting when I turn my wheels all the way to the left of right. If I say back out of my driveway, turn the wheel to the right then go straight, the wheels wants to stay to the right, and vice versa, both going forward and reverse.

I've checked the alignment (belle tire, had one done about a year ago, will get another once I figure this issue out as I don't want to get it done and not fix this, but the checked it about a week ago when I got my tires rotated) and the only things I had out of spec was my driver rear tire had slightly more positive camber than the other side (like .5 degree) and my steer ahead was off to the right. I adjusted the front toe using the tape measure method and they are dead even now, as is my camber (used a straight edge on the edges of the rims and a digital level)

So far I've narrowed it down to a few things it could be, or parts that would need replaced.
1: steering rack bushings are worn and are allowing the rack to shift. Haven't confirmed this.
2: My roll center is off and causing this, not sure how to confirm.
3: increased(decreased?) faster causing the wheel to "flop" on turns. The printout from belle tire said the faster is unaffected and within spec but still a possibility.

I really don't want to spend a fortune throwing parts on this as I got the suspension nearly free, plus my wife would likely kill me lol. I am getting camber bolts for the rear.

Also, I'm getting slight cupping on the inside of both driver side tires, leads me to believe there is a toe issue but by my (and their measurements) it's pretty dang close.

Any input would be greatly appreciated and if any other info is needed please let me know! Thanks in advance for the help!

r3v_v3ng3
06-30-2013, 11:54 AM
The bearing on the stut top hat might be bad

The_momo
06-30-2013, 01:39 PM
That's a possibility. I used the strut tops (all 4) that came with the struts. They all seemed to be fine but I might inspect a little closer.

I did some testing today and what I got was this: there is a very slight spring bind noise when turned to either side past one full wheel revolution, then it will stay to that side slightly, I have to hold the wheel maybe 5 degrees off center to go straight. I did check the hubs and no side to side or up and down play. Also I just replaced my one bad axle, so that should also be fine. The noise it makes lends credence to your speculation tho.

The_momo
06-30-2013, 09:19 PM
Well after thinking on it and doing more research I think I've come up with a strong possibility... Does anyone know of there is supposed to be a washer underneath the strut top hat, on top of the piston (where the but threads onto there is a small shelf that the bearing, or I'm assuming here a washer rides on?) I'm confident there isn't one there. I never even thought about it while assembling the new struts. Dang.

98legwag
07-01-2013, 07:46 AM
Well after thinking on it and doing more research I think I've come up with a strong possibility... Does anyone know of there is supposed to be a washer underneath the strut top hat, on top of the piston (where the but threads onto there is a small shelf that the bearing, or I'm assuming here a washer rides on?) I'm confident there isn't one there. I never even thought about it while assembling the new struts. Dang.

Yes there is supposed be a spacer/washer there. I noticed that when I assembled my WRX struts/springs. It gets really tight without it. Put it in and you notice a huge difference. It goes between the spring seat and the top hat.

The_momo
07-01-2013, 11:54 AM
Thanks! I'm gonna get those in there today. I shall report my findings back

The_momo
07-01-2013, 06:34 PM
Well I got some washers in there and...yes. That was the problem. My car doesn't feel like its broken now.

r3v_v3ng3
07-01-2013, 06:39 PM
Nice!

98legwag
07-02-2013, 09:18 PM
Sweet. I didn't put them in at first. Luckily my friend and I tried turning the top hat before putting them in the car. That is how I knew.