I took my USWRX to get it aligned and fitted with Yoko A032Rs (R compound rubber) in the stock size on the stock 16" wheels. Immediately after getting the car back, I noticed that the steering seemed vague and imprecise. (I'm not talking about tramlining, which I expected with the tires). I took the car back, and the owner of the alignment shop later told me that the sticky tires were overpowering the bushings (I think you Brits call them bushes)between the rack and the subframe. He told me that he "built up" the clamps holding the bushings in place. I haven't had a chance to put it up on jack stands and see exactly what he did, but the car certainly feels better: steering precision much improved.
I know some of you run slicks, and you have much more experience with setting up the suspension on Imprezas than anyone around here. Does this make any sense to any of you?

 

Hi there,

the subie has two U-shaped clamps that hold the rack in place.

Only one of the clamps stops it sliding from side to side, the other clamp just hold it up.

There is a piece of rubber (not really a bush) that is placed between the rack and the clamp (and rack and subframe), to minimise noise and vibration.

I have never known of anyone have problems with rack movement (clamp holds it in place).

I run slicks.. with no problems.

J.