pmarch

I spotted in the owners manual servicing schedule section that a 'geometry check' can be carried out as an extra optional service 'as requested by the customer'.

Before I ask how much extra it is to add the geometry check when the car is next serviced:

what does the check consist of?

what are the benefits?

are there any faults in car handling/behaviour to watch out for that may indicate you need to have a geometry check done?

I am assuming this on the basis that all tyres are exactly the same brand/tread pattern and similar tread depth.

corradoboy

Clicky

Well worth it if done well, possibly in conjunction with replacing the rear drop links. Dealers aren't generally regarded to be very good at it and the factory settings from new can be a country mile out.

Consider Power Engineering, TSL, Scoobyclinic et al. But not your dealer, unless they happen to be Palmers.

TelBoy

To make PowerStation rich.


No, seriously - well worth it. Do it.

ozzy

You were correct the first time

It's defo worth it, but there's no reason you should pay a fortune for it. Any respectable garage with a 4-wheel laser alignment rig should be able to tell you your existin settings and dial-in any you want.

Just what geometry you want will have a major affect on handling, but a lot is dependant on driving style, conditions of use, etc..

Stefan

pmarch

Thanks for helpful replies so far - but I'm wondering if I've opened a whole new can of worms.

Any ideas on likely cost? - and does anyone know if 'Subaru4You' is an OK place for doing a geometry check?

Anyway, to raise a few more questions to some of the comments so far:

Corradoboy said "Well worth it if done well, possibly in conjunction with replacing the rear drop links. Dealers aren't generally regarded to be very good at it and the factory settings from new can be a country mile out".

What are rear drop links? It sounds like expensive!!!
Are factory settings the ones to restore on a fully standard UK car?

Ozzy said "It's defo worth it, but there's no reason you should pay a fortune for it. Any respectable garage with a 4-wheel laser alignment rig should be able to tell you your existin settings and dial-in any you want. Just what geometry you want will have a major affect on handling, but a lot is dependant on driving style, conditions of use, etc."

Is there any info. on the range of settings available?
It would help to know what components the geometry check covers.

corradoboy

Anyone with a decent 4 wheel laser set-up can do any setting you want, and a quick search on here should find you the figures as the question has been asked before, many times (search in the suspension forum using keywords "prodrive geometry alignment settings" ). The benefit of paying a little more for it to be done by a specialist such as The Clinic or TSL is obviously their experience in this specific car and what is achieveable in relation to your requirements and expectations.

Drop links are about £40, and you could fit them yourself in about 20 mins before the alignment is done.

pmarch

Have looked in suspension section - thanks.

Does anyone have the standard Subaru settings? - for a totally standard UK spec. MY01 Bugeye WRX.

I am getting some new tyres on Saturday (at a Black Circles affiliated fitting centre), so might ask them if they have the 4 wheel laser alignment rig.

corradoboy

Found this, which I believe is the settings recommended by Prodrive for the Prodrive springs.....

Front camber -1 15' (-1.25deg)
Front toe total 0 00'
Rear toe 0 06' (0.1deg) per wheel toe in [0 12' (0.2deg) total toe in]

It mentions nothing about castor, and was suggested that it be test driven with the toe settings swapped front to rear to see which is preferable. Some also recommend a higher camber of between 1.5 and 1.75 deg.

I must add that I am no expert, just relaying what I've read on here.

redeye

i just got mine set to the prodive settings.what a difference it made,she feels like a new car,,the handling was much better,
well worth the £60.

pmarch

Does that mean I can get ProDrIVE settings on my standard WRX OE components? Where did you get it done for £60? What are the Prodrive settings out of interest?

Oh.. and.. PRODIVE - is that for underwater scoobs - AKA 'Scooba Diver'.

redeye

i got it done at target tyres in perth.apparantly they have the best machine in britain.
i cant remember what the settings are but the guy obviously knows.


oh i do apologise for my spelling

Leslie

Powerstation will do the whole job while you wait at a very fair price and their geometry settings are as good as you will get.

Les