Subaru Impreza WRX

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  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Actually, one of the TeamIAC.com members is a lawyer and former Brooklyn DA. So he has plenty of lawyer friends for yah :)

    -mike
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    After replacing steering rack bushings, the steering wheel still remained tilted to the direction of last hard turn...After new steering rack (dealer had the car for 7 days) the memory tilt is gone but now my steering wheel is always tilted to the left. going back next week for another alignment.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,564
    Near Columbia? nah, I'm a little further down. I live in the 80's between Broadway & Amsterdam. Last night was fun (in the darkness of the blackout) wasn't it? I had the pleasure of driving from the bronx back into the city on Thursday night when None of the traffice lights were operational. Power came back on about 6AM Friday.

    Just to stay on topic, I saw a Red WRX Sedan ('04) in a dealer's showroom on Long Island tonight. Very sharp color.

    9/21...ok, just keep reminding me:)

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    memory steer has returned. Anyone else other than Kens have this problem? I love the wrx but a steering wheel that never settles in the same spot isn't something I am willing to live with.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Are you banging it against the stops? Because it's normal for the wheel to get a temporary offset if it's cranked hard one way or the other. Should return to normal after a while. It's because of the way Subaru designs the rack mounts and bushings.

    I've only noticed this once on my first Outback a couple of years ago, after making a hard turn in a confined space. Everything was back to normal a couple hours later.

    Craig
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    hunter, All I need to do is take a turn hard. The wheel comes back to its neutral position after a while. It bothers me that something is loose and that the steering could be more precise without the movement...not to metion the safety issues of a loose rack.
  • robs213robs213 Member Posts: 4
    I have this exact same problem in my '03 wrx. I've taken it to the dealer a couple of times and tried to have it aligned at a local shop and none of them could come up with a fix for it. I guess Ive just kind of gotten used to it now. Let me know if you figure out something that works, id def like to know.

    Rob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Cool, my GF's sister and bro-in law live over on 72 near Amsterdam. I love hitting patsy's :)

    I drove into work from NJ actually, took me 1/4 the time it normally does flew right into wall-street w/o a problem.

    We'll keep reminding you about the 21st :)

    And to keep it on topic, drove my SVX to work last thurs :)

    -mike
  • bkaiser1bkaiser1 Member Posts: 464
    My 04 wrx has had a crooked steering wheel since I did a hard left one day -- it sits at roughly 11:50 instead of 12:00 if it were a clock. It's been about 4K miles since that hard turn, and it still hasn't fixed itself. The car feels like it's aligned well, but it feels and looks weird to have the wheel offcenter. Maybe one day I'll try a hard right turn to shift the rack back into place!

    B
  • ladnekladnek Member Posts: 8
    Hello, My 03 WRX Wagon steering wheel tilts to the left as well. I haven't noticed it moving with a hard turn either. Just always been that way. I was hoping an alignment would fix it, sounds like it wont.

    Ladnek
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just take off your steering wheel and put it back on on a different spot. Should take about 20 minutes.

    -mike
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    paisan, the notches on the steering wheel sometimes are not the correct degrees apart for that fix...and it would be fine if the steering wheel was off a constant amount.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The splines on the subaru steering wheels are pretty close, as an absolute worst case you could yank the 2 bolts on the steering shaft u-joint under the hood and move it there again that is splined as well.

    -mike
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    If it is the bushings (which I bet it is) don't mess with the hardware -- try to reseat the rack with an opposite turn.

    Like I said a few posts back, I have seen this before, but it was never permanent.

    Craig
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    Craig, my memory steer happens all the time. Every hard or sharp turn (even a simple right at intersections) will leave the steering off. With new bushings it's less so for about 10 to 20 u turns but after that it's back. I drive with my thumbs hooked on the 3 and 9 oclock and so I notice it and with my anal personality it bothers me.
    Don
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    I understand about "noticing" things. So far my WRX has been perfect, but someday I know I will discover something wrong and grow an ulcer. The only thing I can say is join the club -- we have a whole cross-section of obcessive car nuts here!!

    I guess I probably don't do enough hard turns or U turns to notice this problem.

    Craig
  • #noname#noname Member Posts: 58
    Subaru says that a "little movement is normal".
    I am not sure that ~10 degrees of variation is "little". The dealer (Flemington in NJ) was much more helpful and agreed to install aftermarket bushings at no cost if I provided the bushings. Irvine Subaru actually stocks and sells the bushings for $25.
    Anyone get cold steam out their vents when using the AC without the recirc off?
    Do your rear tires wear faster than the fronts?

    Should I be posting in the repair/maint. section instead of here?

    Don
  • ppekppek Member Posts: 58
    I often get cold steam out of my vents when I switch my A/C from recirc to fresh air, or when I turn my A/C on after a briefly turning it off (I often switch my A/C off when I'm passing or taking off quickly to get more power).

    I also had my A/C freeze up recently on a hot and humid day, and was wondering if this is worth taking in for service?

    Paul
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    It's condensation forming out of your humid cabin air when the cold A/C hits it.

    Yes, you should get your A/C checked if it's freezing up. I believe there was a TSB from Subaru on this for '02 models.
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    ---
    Subaru says that a "little movement is normal".
    I am not sure that ~10 degrees of variation is "little". The dealer (Flemington in NJ) was much more helpful and agreed to install aftermarket bushings at no cost if I provided the bushings. Irvine Subaru actually stocks and sells the bushings for $25.
    ---

    Definitely worth a try. Do you know for a fact that the aftermarket bushings are more rigid?

    I bet it's more than 10deg if it's bothering you. 10deg is not a whole lot (1/36 of the whole wheel).

    ---
    Anyone get cold steam out their vents when using the AC without the recirc off?
    ---

    This (condenstation) has happened on every car I have owned with AC. It's because of the humidity in the outside air.

    ---
     Do your rear tires wear faster than the fronts?
    ---

    I'll answer this in the context of my other Subarus, since my WRX only has 3K on it. Yes, I notice that the tires wear differently front to back (can't say which is more), but it should not be an issue if you rotate every 7500 miles as called for in the owner's manual. If you stick to this schedule, the tires should be pretty evenly worn by the time you have to replace them.
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I've also asked around several dealers and they all came back saying it's normal for the steering rack to shift a little after a hard turn.

    A local alignment speciality shop told me that the wider the tires, the more pronounced the effect. He's seen several WRXs with wide tires and the steering wheel well beyond 10 degrees off center.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's weird, I have 225mm tires and no problem whatsoever with my steering.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    juice,

    Try taking a U-turn and then drive straight. See if your steering wheel is centered.

    It doesn't happen with every Subie, but a lot of them.

    Ken
  • ppekppek Member Posts: 58
    Does anyone have any details on the TSB that is for 2002 WRX's? It's always nice to have the number or actual copy when bringing it in for service?

    Thanks,

    Paul
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I do U-turns all the time, my steering wheels has never been anything but true north.

    -juice
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    juice-
    probably the threads on your tires countered the quirk :)

    -Dave
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Flemington has been in business for a long time, so that information should be correct (unless you got one of the noobs :-)).

    Speak with Diane (Svc Mgr) if you still have concerns. Yes, you can also post in Subaru Crew: Maint. Patti from SoA checks these boards and knows Diane. You're in good hands at Flemington IMHO.

    -Dennis
  • stoner420stoner420 Member Posts: 165
    21500 miles and no problems.. already got my clutch replaced per the TSB.. so... I think it's finally time to install me an uppipe and turboback! Going to go with TurboXS, their Stealthback system will mate directly with my Prodrive exhaust.

    Based on what I've read, between my previous adjustments, this ought to take me up to 280-300hp range.. muaahahaha >:-)
  • akwrxakwrx Member Posts: 9
    Has anyone here had more than the usual difficulty getting into reverse? I have an '02 WRX wagon and it is frequently quite difficult to get into reverse. I often have to go through several other gears and/or engage the clutch a couple of times to get it to go in. Has Subaru acknowledged any problems in this area, or do I have my own personal issue?

    -akwrx
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    For what it's worth, it's never been totally easy to get into reverse on any 5-spd car I have owned. Some are worse than others (I'd say the WRX is on the worse side).

    I usually do the equivalent of a double-clutch, and it slides in.

    Craig
  • gvmelbrtygvmelbrty Member Posts: 64
    Paul,

    Make: SUBARU Model: IMPREZA Year: 2002
    (TSB) Service Bulletin Number: 10-72-02
     
    Summary Description: COUNTERMEASURE TO PREVENT ICING IN THE EVAPORATOR ON AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLES

    There is a possibility that icing could occur in the evaporator core of air conditioned equipped Impreza vehicles. During operation under warm, high humidity conditions the customer would notice a diminished output of air from the dash vents causing the cabin temperature to rise.

    Also, this PDF doc from Subaru, written for use by Subaru mechanics, goes into greater detail about this A/C problem. Read PAGE 2: "Evaporator Icing Countermeasure."

    -tom
  • stoner420stoner420 Member Posts: 165
    I usually shift to 1 then R.. I think it goes in better if you try to just let it slide in without forcing it.. Sometimes I do have to try several times and get irritated, I think it has gotten better over time though (21500 miles now)
  • ppekppek Member Posts: 58
    Tom,

    Thank you very much, that information is very helpful!

    Paul
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Try 2 to R, it usually worked in the Subies I've driven.
  • stoner420stoner420 Member Posts: 165
    My new turboback kit just arrived today.. HOLY COW! These pipes are *MASSIVE*! The downpipe is simply unreal. Beautiful workmanship too on the pieces. I have to wait now until next week when my uppipe arrives UPS from Seattle!@#$!#$ I can't wait to install, I'm stoked!!

    (ps, I ordered from worldoneperformance.com they had great prices and great customer service -- if you email them directly, they might be able to give you a better deal than published on their website.)
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Don't forget to have all your new gaskets in hand before your install. :)

    -Dave
  • andmoonandmoon Member Posts: 320
    stoner420, Are you installing the pipes yourself? I am very interested to see your results. Any other mods? Reflash? The reason I ask is because I have heard conflicting theories on whether it is the uppipe, downpipe or both that gave the best results. I am thinking of replacing the downpipe only but if the combo gives better spoolup then I have to rethink. How much were the pipes?
    Now if you run out of time while doing the installation put in the down pipe first and see what that does, then remove it and put in the uppipe, followed by both okay? just kidding about the partial installations but please do post your results.
    Don
  • stoner420stoner420 Member Posts: 165
    I'm getting two gaskets with the uppipe. They promised me up and down I will not need a new gasket for the downpipe.

    Going to do the install myself... waiting until the uppipe gets here next week to just do it all in one shot. The numbers I've seen thrown around are +10whp for the uppipe, plus it should also help the spool greatly, and TurboXS claims +26whp for the turboback. It's certainly cheaper to just do the downpipe, I was convinced by the guys on clubwrx to do the uppipe too while I'm working on the downpipe, you have to remove almost all the same parts anyhow, and I wanted to do the full TurboXS kit instead of just a downpipe.
  • axp696axp696 Member Posts: 90
    andmoon: The up-pipe will get you around 10 hp and dramatically speed up turbo spool-up. The down-pipe alone will get you a little power, maybe 10 hp, but not as much as the full turbo-back, and neither will change turbo spool-up much.

    stoner420: You should replace all the gaskets when putting on a new exhaust. They're only a couple bucks apiece from any of the Subaru wholesaler sites (www.subaruwrxparts.com or www.subaruparts.com) and are cheap insurance from having to re-do the entire install because you have a leaking exhaust.
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    stoner430-
    get all gaskets, new, don't skim...
    well, you should be able to get away with the old donut-gasket. :)

    -Dave
  • stoner420stoner420 Member Posts: 165
    Well yeah I was definitely thinking that too, but the guys at worldoneperformance swore up and down that I wouldn't need a new downpipe gasket, just the uppipe ones.. it would have only been more $$ for them anyhow, so.. ? I guess I'll see how it goes.. the downpipe is easier to remove than the uppipe, in case I do have a leak.. (The kit came with a new donut gasket, actually. Mmmm, donuts...)

    I was actually going to wait until the uppipe comes next week and then install everything next weekend, but then I realized this is a long weekend and maybe it'd be good practice to install just the turboback first..........
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You only need the UP gaskets, but the Turbo-xs downpipe requires different gaskets IIRC. I think it's a whole kit that comes with it. Zephyr who does all of our installs for AZP, just did a perrin UP and TurboXS DP and I believe the TXS needed some special DP gaskets.

    -mike
  • wrxfanboywrxfanboy Member Posts: 25
    Finally after about 2 years of researching I bought one. I think I got a great deal and walked away a happy WRX owner. With 5 options with destination and a ad fee $24,100. According to Edmunds numbers I got if for almost 2,000 less than TMV. With the premium sound, performance, popular equipment, armrest and spoiler.

    Plus I got them on a 7/100,000 extended no deductible for bottom dollar! I couldn't pass it up. After scouring the boards for so long it's encouraging all the helpful information people throw out around here. Thanks for helping me make my decision easier. I had my folder and the invoice numbers they were showing matched all my research. Man I am a happy man today.

    Thank you everyone.

    Doug
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Enjoy your new ride, and keep us posted! :)

    Bob
  • stoner420stoner420 Member Posts: 165
    Finished my turboback install today. Stock gasket was in great shape, and no leaks (though the turbo whistles so loudly now, I thought it was a leak at first :-O). The TXS kit comes with the necessary gaskets for the intermediate piping. Install was a @#$#@$, took most of Sunday and a little into Monday.. reinstalling the heat shields and attaching the rear pipe were the hardest parts. I got the catpipe, 50 miles and no CELs yet... will see what happens after the uppipe install though (I ordered a PEP MIL eliminator in advance, just in case).

    This thing is AWESOME!! Third gear is a monster! The sound is... YES!!

    BTW, the uppipe install looks like it will be even more of a @#$#@$, but should really bring this thing to the next level.. I'll probably end up waiting a few weeks now before doing that, anyhow, this was good practice, at least I'll have a little more of a clue for next time..

    Some pics available here: http://wrx.claud9.com/turboback/

    PS Congrats Doug #10052, hope you enjoy it, go easy for the breakin period ;-)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Zephyr and The Doc aka the Silent F in AZP did 2-upipes and the TXS Turbo back last week after work 7:00pm start time, 11:00pm finished and cleaned up the shop :)

    -mike
  • stoner420stoner420 Member Posts: 165
    Oh well.. it's hard to make a lot of progress with "Are you almost done yet? I'm bored, and the baby is cranky." every hour or so...
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Doug - Congrats on the Rex!

    Howard - Congrats on the install. Hey now, more power. Good pics too!

    -Dennis
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Sounds like my projects. My wife interrupts every hour or so, hinting about her project that will likely burn the house down or coat my TV room with an offensive color paint. So, I am constantly trying to run damage control for her while doing what I can in the garage. Makes it hard to be productive.....

    Let us know your ongoing experience with the exhaust mods. sounds like something I would want to do in the future.

    edit: thanks for the great pictures!

    Craig
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    OK, after three weeks with M1 gear oil in the transmission, I have to say it's as good or better than before. No negative impact as far as I can tell. Definitely shifts smoother when the transmission is cold, and seems a touch quieter too.

    I installed STi shifter trim this weekend, and a Subaru/Momo shift knob. They look great (need to take pics). The shift knob is about 1" lower than stock. Combined with the short shifter, it makes for nice quick throws. Now, I need to ditch the armrest extension -- it keeps getting in the way of my elbow.

    I also installed a DIY grounding kit on the engine. Got some 8ga silver "StreetWires" from Crutcfield (99 cents a foot) along with ring terminals and heat shrink tube from DigiKey. Total parts was about $25, including shipping. Spent about 3 hours fitting, cutting, soldering, and attaching the kit. Some people claim a small HP gain and smoother acceleration. The only thing I notice is that the engine seems much smoother when engine-braking. But, it was a fun easy project, and cost a heck of a lot less than the commercial grounding kits I have seen advertised (for equal or lesser quality than my job).

    Now, I need to work on the 17" rims next.....

    Still thinking about that Prodrive muffler too, or an STi muffler.... Rallispec has some takeoff STi mufflers for $250, which looks like a good deal.

    Craig
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