13 replies to this topic

[Andyjs2]

Alright, bear with me because this will be a little hard to explain
So since doing the ALK and STI springs in my 2008 liberty, I've noticed the steering feels... 'loose' I guess
Travelling at a normal speed (60+) and turning the wheel side to side (like a race car warming it's tyres) feels like there is almost a lag in the steering response, it's quite obvious
And also sometimes feels like the car is almost understanding when I throw it into a corner

Do I need a bump steer correction kit?

As far as I remember it didn't feel like this before the alk and springs

I'm also looking at whiteline steering rack bushes (for about $80 thought would be worth would be worth a shot)

[duncanm]

Did you get an alignment?

Toe can make a real difference to front end feel.

[Robert]

Alk should make the steering feel heavier

Sounds like something is off in the alignment

[Andyjs2]

Alignment was done straight after
And is fine
It's getting aligned again this week so I'll double check with them

[Samwise]

Steering rack bushes can be had for $30 from Pedders.

Same same as whiteline.

[Andyjs2]

Yea the 2008 ones are a bit more expensive $80

[Lukeoly]

ALK will change the feel of the steering. It's kind've hard to explain but it should feel like there's almost a tipping point in the steering past where it should feel like it's hooking into the corner.

Getting a second alignment could be worthwhile though if you think it feels off. Alignments can be a little hit and miss (even proper ones) but make sure you're going a specialist (I.E., not your local K-mart tyre and auto). I'm not saying all street cars need to be setup for the track but it's worth going to someone who can make the most out of the parts you've installed by dialling in a good compromise between performance, comfort and wear.

[Robbks]

The Gen4 has a heap of Caster from the factory, I wouldn't think it's a requirement for a street car.
with the STi springs the Roll-Centre Kit would be a better option.

Also what are your LCA bushes like. at 120K KM's, mine were stuffed.

Alignment with that much caster can be tricky aswell.
Zero toe and very little camber is needed, the big caster angle induces lots of camber when turning anyway.

[Andyjs2]

That was the alignment after yhe alk

And yea, the bushes were rooted hence why I did the alk

Would the small 15mm drop warrant the roll center kit?
If I'm spending like $220 on it I'd like to be able to justify it ya know haha,
what exactly does it do? I've obviously read up on them but still don't fully understand

[Robbks]

Camber is good.
too much front toe, zero that out.

the theory as to why is this.
"An axle will naturally toe-in when it has thrust applied to it."

so in an AWD, whenever you're doing any driving that is not just coasting, the wheels will toe-in all by themselves due to the torque from the axles.

Is your car a GT or GTB?
if it's got the Bilsteins then it's already lower than other models,
putting STi springs on it can push it down as low as ~30-40mm lower than other models, with no other changes in geometry from the factory

[Andyjs2]

It's a GTB
So yes to bilsteins

So what you're saying is yes, do the roll center kit?

[Robbks]

after owning a SpecB with the TB-STi Struts and springs, the suspension angles are far from optimal once they're down that low
yes it does handle very well, but could be better.

The rod ends and ball-joints (which is what the RC kit replaces)  may never have been changed and could start to wear anyway.
just pre-empting the inevitable with upgraded parts.

[Andyjs2]

Okay I see, good to hear from someone with direct experience

Did you do the rc kit?

I'll add that to the list of stuff to do
Then another alignment haha

Thanks for the info dude

[Robbks]

Never fitted the kit,
It only lasted that low for a short time before I put in 1" strut top spacers to get it off it's guts, but still retain the handling.
so that corrected the geometry back