I currently have an '02 Bug and '05 Blob WRX

The steering on the Bug is noticeably heavier (in a good way) than the Blob.

It appears that there are a number of steering rack part numbers for WRX across the Newage years, however, from what I gather, they are all the same ratio = 16:1 (STi 15:1, JDM/Spec C 13:1) The later 05's as per mine received a revised cross-member for the steering rack but again, same ratios.

So the difference in steering weight can't be the racks, presumably if they are all the same ratio? So is there any difference in the PAS setup across the years, that assists the later cars more and makes the steering lighter?

Alternatively, my Bug runs a bit of additional castor but to counter that, it has WRX wheels, as opposed to the wider STi ones on my Blob. Can geometry changes make much of a difference in steering weight? I'm pretty sure that the Bug had heavier steering before the additional castor.

Or is my Bug PAS/rack simply tired/worn and that's why it's heavier....?


*** Can PAS fluid have any impact - viscosity/weight?