Halp! Wrx is stiff when I make a U turn or sharp turns.

Old 12-13-2013, 09:08 AM
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Halp! Wrx is stiff when I make a U turn or sharp turns.

Maybe someone here knows what the dealio is. I have a 05 wrx 1st owner never wrecked, with 60k miles. I just noticed the other day as I was making a U turn. The steering wheel is kind of stiff and it feels like the front wheels are rubbing but I dont think they are it just feels like it. My initial thoughts were maybe a belt is loose or something. No clicking noise and I didn't notice any leaks. Also I am sitting on Cobb springs, original struts, 18x8.95 Rota Grids which never gave any issues.

Last edited by Manny408; 12-13-2013 at 09:11 AM.
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Old 12-13-2013, 09:15 AM
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as a person that has 2 05's that's normal.
when you turn really sharp like that your are just meeting the mechanical limits of the steering components. nothing to worry about young padawan.
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Old 12-13-2013, 09:31 AM
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maybe rack and pinion leaking?
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Old 12-13-2013, 09:56 AM
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That means its ready to blow up! you should stop driving it, buy a Prius, and sell me your Subaru for $1 :P
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Old 12-13-2013, 10:09 AM
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Lol Overbear...yea those low miles are nice for the year huh?

Thanks guys I'm gonna take her in just be safe. I am hoping its nothing but I did just notice it which raised the red flag.

Last edited by Manny408; 12-13-2013 at 10:14 AM.
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Old 12-13-2013, 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by jblanco325
as a person that has 2 05's that's normal.
when you turn really sharp like that your are just meeting the mechanical limits of the steering components. nothing to worry about young padawan.
This, my 05 had the turning radius of a potato. Id have to 3 step U turns while my gfs lancer could make it in one shot easy.
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Old 12-13-2013, 10:27 AM
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fluid flush in order?
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Old 12-13-2013, 11:03 AM
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You didn't notice leaks, but did you check the fluid level? Just because you don't see a leak doesn't mean one isn't happening on these cars.
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Old 12-14-2013, 05:46 AM
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Originally Posted by FXTbrah
This, my 05 had the turning radius of a potato. Id have to 3 step U turns while my gfs lancer could make it in one shot easy.
Perhaps you need a reduction so you no longer need a brah...
or a tighter rack...



In all seriousness, I have a hybrid STi steering rack in my Forester, and it turns wider than most at low speed, but I'm rarely at low speed making sharp turns.

Last edited by Roo; 12-14-2013 at 05:52 AM.
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Old 12-14-2013, 01:00 PM
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Originally Posted by FXTbrah
This, my 05 had the turning radius of a potato. Id have to 3 step U turns while my gfs lancer could make it in one shot easy.
A FWD lancer or an Evo? The Evos I've driven are WAY wider turning radius than my WRX.
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Old 12-14-2013, 01:19 PM
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swap your ps fluid and see again
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Old 12-14-2013, 02:06 PM
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If the feeling in your steering wheel changes stiffness, then it could be the notorious power steering pump symptoms. There can be binding on the pulley and belt, it could be fluid and air bubbles, or it could be that the power steering pump will be getting shot soon (irregardless of the miles on it).

Does it happen when its cold, warm, etc? Provide more descriptive symptoms. Have someone look at your PS pump when you are turning the wheel full lock left and right, or have someone turn while you look for any signs of odd behavior.
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Old 12-14-2013, 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Concillian
A FWD lancer or an Evo? The Evos I've driven are WAY wider turning radius than my WRX.
FWD. Out of all the cars I've owned, my wrx had the widest turning radius. My FXT turns better than that thing did.
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