Hi people, drive a wrx ppp 53plate, standard suspension/wheels setup. Noticed car was handling very poor around corners in way of feeling as though car was going to lose grip, and sometimes did an i mean at low speeds! Took to Sub garage for check - they said need new tyres ( i knew they needed to be changed but didn't think they were the prob). So just fitted F1 GS D3's all round, and still feel as though car is going to lose grip around bends, steering feels lighter than it used too. Tyre pressures are 34f, 32b so are ok. Anyone an idea to what is happening? When i had test drive the car gripped so much better round a roundabout. Cheers

 

New tyres take a while to bed in. Plus, at this time of year, 'performance tyres' take a while to warm up.
Also, have you had you geometry checked?

 

No never had the geometry checked - do i need to visit a specialist garage to check it? Yeah, it could be tyres need wearing in but feels more than that. How much for geometry and what does it do exactly?

 

I have had yokohama parada 2's on for a few months now, they were great when it was dry and warm, now its cold and damp they are very very slippy, have turned out of a few junctions on about half power and the car has tried to 180 in the middle of the road. Will certainly be taking it very carefully for the next few months.

 

IMHO:

Get the alignment checked by a good specialist, certainly not a Subaru dealer or Quik-Fit etc.
The change in weather will be very noticable now, all slime, deisel soot and crud so not much traction for the car's performance.

As you get to know the car you will also get used to the performance, hence fab grip when you first had the car in the summer, but now no so sharp.

This is why so many Imprezas are modified in the serch for better everything.

You can enhance the chassis no end with a few cheap mods. Ask the alignment shop for advice. If they know Impreza's they know what to fit.

Alignment is about 2 to 3 hours at most.

 

had a simular problem ages back turned out one of the drop links had snapped so makes it drive rubish

 

Geometry is the best £100 (maybe a bit less) that you will ever spend.

Not only will it get the car handling, turning in, driving right but the money you save in tyre wear will pay for itself within the first year.

 

I had F1's on my WRX and it handled like a wardrobe, probably the worst tyres i have ever used so i am on Pirelli P7000's now and it handles better, but i would still get it checked for any worn bushed etc.

 

I've had a similar problem a month and a half ago. Suddenly, the handling and cornering was terrible and going around corners I had to cut speed dramatically.

Had the mechanic check the suspension - found no leak etc, check alignment - ok. Changed tires - no improvment, added alk - quicker turn in but still terrible handling and cornering...

Out of desparation, I swapped out my entire '06 WRX suspension (entire strut/spring/bearing etc) for an one month old '07 WRX and viola.... everything back to normal.

AND my stock WRX suspension is only used for 37000km ! But most done at high highway speeds (or rather bouncing up and down). With no apparent leak or damage... Still don't know if it's the struts or spring or top mount.... have not get it dismantled yet...

 

Roads are very cold and slimey at the moment. I've also noticed the handlig go off a bit, but it's what I expected and would expect on the OP's car with his current setup.