I just came from the alignment shop and they told me that my rack n pinion bushing is weak and that its best if i replaced it. They told me to get polyurethane and that it'll fix my steering wheel problem ( not aligned straight after a turn). Can i please get some help.. thanks

 

Whiteline makes polyeurethane steering rack bushings for our cars, and they're definitely a cost effective and worthwhile mod, but it's unlikely that they'll fix a crooked steering wheel problem.

When you stated that the steering wheel wasn't aligned straignt after a turn, did you mean that it doesn't return to center, or that the steering wheel is crooked when the car is moving in a straight line? A crooked steering wheel is most commonly caused by incorrect toe settings, and most alignment shops should be able to fix it relatively easily. Steering wheel returnability problems are typically caused by loose, worn or damaged suspension components, or a really off wheel alignment. I recommend finding another alignment shop.

 

"( not aligned straight after a turn)"

The allignment shop is correct. Our allignment guy finds the same issue with many subaru's.
Subaru redesigned its steering rack for 05 STI's and Legacy's. It now bolts up differently without bushings. The stock rubber bushings are soft and wear out quickly. It translates to chatter and slugish steering response. It can also cause the steering wheel to be slightly crooked after a hard turn.

We install the steering rack bushings into many of our customers cars. It is a inexpensive and worthwhile upgrade.

 

Hmm, that's a new one (to me at least). I wouldn't expect bushings in an '04 to wear out that quickly.

Will, steering rack bushings are ~$30, and a few I-Club vendors sell them.

 

Well, the STi is heavier, the rack ratio is faster, and STi's encourage NOT slow driving if it's any consolation. My steering rack bushings were literally worn through in under 12k miles. They are pretty soft from the factory.

 

So is that mostly a problem on STi's, or is it common on WRX's as well? I'll have to take a look at mine whenever I get around to installing my new bushings. I'm curious as to what they'll look like after almost 50k miles of abuse.

 

The problem is on Subaru's. Many STi owners have appreciated the upgrade greatly with the slight ratio advantage. The steering feedback and improved response is small and effective mod for handling.

The stock bushings will wear differently depending on the basic factors: mileage, driving style, tire selection, roads driven.......blah blah blah the kinda stuff that wears any suspension part. I feel that the tire contact patch and stickyness have alot to do with this, just my $0.02

 

u guys know anyone around socal that sells and install these whiteline bushings?? i dont trust myself with tools

 

I know MPJ Performance sells them, and I'd venture to guess that other I-Club vendors do too. As for shops, would your alignment place install 'em? I don't know of any SoCal shops, sorry.