I've noticed my '03 WRX steering has been slightly off-center for a few months. I have about 49k on the car. To keep it straight, I usually have to pull the steering wheel slightly to the left. It's so slight sometimes I think it might be the road, but I'm now noticing it more and more.

I got new tires (my old ones were worn) and an alignment, the steering was still slightly off. Put on Prodrive springs and got another alignment (to lower the car, but was hoping the steering problem would go away, too) but the steering issue remains.

Any idea what the issue is? It's not god-awful, but enough to be a little annoying. Thanks.

 

Have you changed the steering bushings? You may have memory steer and are only noticing it now. We all have it. The steering bushings from subaru is cow patty!

 

What tires did you go with by the way? Are they directionals?

 

Memory steer, interesting. Thanks for the heads up.

As for tires, I got Pirelli P Zero Neros which are asymmetrical. I upgraded to 17s with some Rotas wheels over my previous stocker 16s. How much does it usually run to replace the steering bushings?

 

Very cheap. I think if I remember correctly $55 buck at MPJ installed, maybe. Call Soren/Mark/Gino or Gruppe-S. Very much worth it. Good luck!

 

Thanks, would I need another alignment after I get the bushings installed?

 

I didn't need it, but see how it is after. Hopefully that fixes your issue.

 

who did your alignment?

reason i ask this is because i've heard of some places that claim to "align" your car but they do a crappy job at it.


i went to a well reputable place here in the bay area for my alignment. Prior to the alignment, my steering wheel was off centered as well, but after they aligned my car, the steering was straight again.

 

The first place I got it aligned at was Wheel Works. IThe second place was Big O.

I also just got the steering bushings replaced. The steering is definately a lot tighter and not as "loose," but the wheel still likes to go to the left slighlty to keep the car straight.

When I got my car aligned, I did it to Prodrive specs, which say I should do negative camber in the front (-1). Howver, they could do -1 on the left, but only -.03 on the right. Could this cause the problem?

 

I would have them match the camber. Try going to Auto Innovations in Milpitas. They do a very good job at alignment. Good luck.

 

i have this same problem, thanks for the useful information everyone!

also, i may be upgrading to a WRX momo wheel, should i do the bushings after i change wheels or before?

 

Are you talking about Momo steering wheel? If you are, there should be no difference there.

 

I have the same problem that you are having and if this fixes it that will be great. The wheel is off just a slight bit to make me go crazy. I found a WHITELINE Hardened Steering Rack Bushing set for $29. Were exactly do the 2 bushings go on the rack and how do you install them? http://www.hotsubarus.com/index.asp?...ProdID=38&HS=1

 

http://www.egansworld.com/oldsite/steer.html