NiallWRX

When I am alone driving the car (a 2004 WRX with standard suspension - recent laser alignment) the handling is woolly - too much roll, imprecise steering feel and deflected slightly by bumps and cambers.

But, when I have 3 or 4 adults in the car it feels planted, secure, precise and true. I particularly notice improvement when there is weight in the back. Might all this be a sign my rear dampers are past their best? They don't knock or creak at all and there is no leakage - is there some other way to tell?

Thanks folks.

Arnie_1

Could be your dampers. Can you post what your alignment specs were?

NiallWRX

Yes, alignment settings. I recall now I had the more aggressive STi settings applied rather than the WRX ones - that might explain it.

Front cambers: -35 minutes
Rear cambers: -1 degree 30 minutes

Those are too extreme I assume? As I get someone sat in the rear, the car squats down and the rear camber is reduced??

NiallWRX

Or do I have it backwards? Will increasing weight on the back axle increase camber - i.e. my settings need to be more aggressive back there??

beastturbo

Having more weight increases camber to give the car more grip to compensate for the extra weight applied. I am no expert but I think u have got a Mild geometry setup compared to when iv spoke to my mates setting