Front control arm bushing & caster upgrade
Have recently fitted a set of SuperPro polyurethane bushings to the front lower wishbone of my STi wagon, with some rather decent results I thought would be good to share...
The idea is an increase in caster, as well as a more direct steering feel and increased front (& rear) grip level
What's changed?
The rear control arm mount bush

Here's the bush and housing

The bushing is removed and replaced for the harder, pu one. The bush centre hole is eccentrically located enabling the fitter to dial in extra caster. This is done by fitting the bush in the housing, with the hole for the control arm pin located furthest away from the centre line of the car, effectively moving the rear of the arm outwards and thus moving the wheel/strut assembly forwards, increasing caster.

The wheel probably moves 20mm forwards in the wheel arch

The other thing I did is flipped the rear mount pin 180° which gives another 1/2° of caster. I've ended up with 5° of caster
Have a look at this pic. The locater pin is offset, so flipping it so the flat part is now away from the arm gives the extra, as can be seen in this nearside pic

Next is the inside control arm bushing and front bushing

I also fitted a set of rack bushings. Again, this improves steering wheel feedback and directness
The idea is an increase in caster, as well as a more direct steering feel and increased front (& rear) grip level
What's changed?
The rear control arm mount bush
Here's the bush and housing

The bushing is removed and replaced for the harder, pu one. The bush centre hole is eccentrically located enabling the fitter to dial in extra caster. This is done by fitting the bush in the housing, with the hole for the control arm pin located furthest away from the centre line of the car, effectively moving the rear of the arm outwards and thus moving the wheel/strut assembly forwards, increasing caster.

The wheel probably moves 20mm forwards in the wheel arch

The other thing I did is flipped the rear mount pin 180° which gives another 1/2° of caster. I've ended up with 5° of caster
Have a look at this pic. The locater pin is offset, so flipping it so the flat part is now away from the arm gives the extra, as can be seen in this nearside pic

Next is the inside control arm bushing and front bushing
I also fitted a set of rack bushings. Again, this improves steering wheel feedback and directness
Last edited by bonesetter; Mar 11, 2012 at 09:00 PM.
I am.
My prime aim with this car was steering feel and directness. The way it is now a smooth driving style is rewarded best. I wanted it to complement my slightly more raw, sharper, and alot more nimble Type R
My prime aim with this car was steering feel and directness. The way it is now a smooth driving style is rewarded best. I wanted it to complement my slightly more raw, sharper, and alot more nimble Type R
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