05 STi Geometry - Prodrive ?
14 November 2006, 11:11 AM
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05 STi Geometry - Prodrive ?
My 2005 STi type UK is starting to wear the outside edges of the front tyres after 5k miles of mainly commuting so not too "spirited" driving. Running standard wheels/re070 tyres so am I right in thinking this is most likely a geometry problem?
I got it booked into Gatwick Subaru on Friday for them to check the geo and I've read a lot on here about Standard Vs Prodrive settings - what is the difference and will a main dealer offer both as options?
Cheers in advance.
I got it booked into Gatwick Subaru on Friday for them to check the geo and I've read a lot on here about Standard Vs Prodrive settings - what is the difference and will a main dealer offer both as options?
Cheers in advance.
16 November 2006, 04:30 PM
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My 05 STI did the same - ripped the front tyres outer edges off after 6000 miles.One side was worse than the other.The dealer said at the service this is common - this is meant to be checked as part of the PDI but obviously they dont bother.As the alignment needed checking anyway I fitted Prodrive springs and bump stops and had the geometry reset - there is two settings for the Prodrive springs - one for 17 inch wheels and one for 18 inch wheels.Have done another 3000 miles with the new set up and everything is fine and the car looks far better being lowered.I dont know if the Prodrive settings will work on standard springs as the Prodrive springs lower the car by 20 - 30mm but the dealer will know.
16 November 2006, 05:13 PM
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Cheers bmac for the info. Prodrive springs are on the list for post Christmas so be interested so see what improvement (or not!) you found with these.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
16 November 2006, 06:21 PM
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Certainly handles better now but I dont know how much is down to the springs and how much to the geometry getting reset which must have been miles out.Makes a big difference to the looks especially to the front which must have been lowered 30mm or so.
16 November 2006, 07:49 PM
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The kit needed to properly check the major alignment settings - camber, castor, toe let alone the minor settings - set back, ride height etc is fairly specialised and not that many dealers seem to have it.
After I had my Prodrive springs fitted I went to an independent specialist with full laser alignment. Both front camber and toe were miles out.
The car had been so much better and more consistent since I had it done and the next Scoob I have will be alignment checked straight away.
Most specialists have a database of settings for a variety of cars and applications although generally the Prodrive settings will be more aggressive than the standard ones with greater negative camber (can't remember how toe differs though)
Hope this helps.
After I had my Prodrive springs fitted I went to an independent specialist with full laser alignment. Both front camber and toe were miles out.
The car had been so much better and more consistent since I had it done and the next Scoob I have will be alignment checked straight away.
Most specialists have a database of settings for a variety of cars and applications although generally the Prodrive settings will be more aggressive than the standard ones with greater negative camber (can't remember how toe differs though)
Hope this helps.
Last edited by scoobydog; 16 November 2006 at 07:52 PM.
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17 November 2006, 07:40 AM
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I last had mine done at Gatwick (05 wrx, prodrive springs); they have a couple of settings I believe - they have a modified prodrive setup which they seem to like.
I went for the full monty though...
Roundabouts have knackered my tyres; nearside front has some of the sidewall letters worn down...
I went for the full monty though...
Roundabouts have knackered my tyres; nearside front has some of the sidewall letters worn down...
17 November 2006, 11:49 AM
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Well just back from Gatwick Subaru after the geo check and car is completely different, in a good way !
Geo was out both back and front so this has been sorted. Not running the standard settings, gone a bit more aggessive on the negative camber on the front and turns in nice and tight now, much more grippy.
Tramlining drastically reduced so am well happy !
Big YES vote for the guys at Gatwick Subaru, very efficient & took the time to ask what I wanted, what kind of driving and milage I do before suggesting set-up - considerably cheaper than Cheam Motors as well
Geo was out both back and front so this has been sorted. Not running the standard settings, gone a bit more aggessive on the negative camber on the front and turns in nice and tight now, much more grippy.
Tramlining drastically reduced so am well happy !
Big YES vote for the guys at Gatwick Subaru, very efficient & took the time to ask what I wanted, what kind of driving and milage I do before suggesting set-up - considerably cheaper than Cheam Motors as well
17 November 2006, 02:52 PM
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It does make a difference doesn't it 
One thing I've noticed since having mine done is that after a few thousand miles the handling goes off but is easily restored by rotating the tyres front to back as per the handbook.
Don't really know but I put it down to the fact that most of my mileage is also daily commute stuff and given that the car is set up more for handling down twisty roads means that with the negative camber the insides of the tyres wear. I guess that if I were to drive on more mixed roads I would get more even tyre wear.
When I've rotated the tyre the effects of the negative camber on the front are noticable and swapping with the more evenly worn back ones seems to even things up a lot.
But other than that the grip generated with the set up is amazing.
One thing I've noticed since having mine done is that after a few thousand miles the handling goes off but is easily restored by rotating the tyres front to back as per the handbook.
Don't really know but I put it down to the fact that most of my mileage is also daily commute stuff and given that the car is set up more for handling down twisty roads means that with the negative camber the insides of the tyres wear. I guess that if I were to drive on more mixed roads I would get more even tyre wear.
When I've rotated the tyre the effects of the negative camber on the front are noticable and swapping with the more evenly worn back ones seems to even things up a lot.
But other than that the grip generated with the set up is amazing.
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