STI Steering Universal Joint, Perrin stiffener, and Quick Steering Column

[Sgt.Gator]

I wanted to throw three ideas out there, mostly for the R builders, but may apply to S builders.

Perrin has just announced a new steering stiffener that fits into the WRX - Legacy universal steering joint to remove the rubber slop. Two members on the LGT forum have tried it and both love it. It's a simple and fast install.

http://perrinperformance.com/images/M141217262

http://perrinperformance.com/i-22342620-steering-dampener-lockdown.html
$81

Other LGT forum members pointed out that the new 2014 -2015 OEM STI universal steering joint is a solid joint, no rubber, and it swaps perfectly for the older WRX and LGT universal. Same spline count, same length.
The install is a little more involved but would be a piece of cake during an 818 build. 2015 STI U Joint: 34170VA030 . $197 msrp.

And finally, there is a company making quick turn Subaru steering columns. 2 turns lock to lock! Without powersteering the S builders are probably going to hate it for daily driving. It might be great for R builders though.
http://www.landefabrication.com/steering.html

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I wanted to throw three ideas out there, mostly for the R builders, but may apply to S builders.

Perrin has just announced a new steering stiffener that fits into the WRX - Legacy universal steering joint to remove the rubber slop. Two members on the LGT forum have tried it and both love it. It's a simple and fast install.

http://perrinperformance.com/images/M141217262

http://perrinperformance.com/i-22342620-steering-dampener-lockdown.html
$81

Other LGT forum members pointed out that the new 2014 -2015 OEM STI universal steering joint is a solid joint, no rubber, and it swaps perfectly for the older WRX and LGT universal. Same spline count, same length.
The install is a little more involved but would be a piece of cake during an 818 build. 2015 STI U Joint: 34170VA030 . $197 msrp.

And finally, there is a company making quick turn Subaru steering columns. 2 turns lock to lock! Without powersteering the S builders are probably going to hate it for daily driving. It might be great for R builders though.
http://www.landefabrication.com/steering.html

Good find gator.
I did NOT weld valve in my steering rack. I didn't even open my rack.
My steering in unbelievably tight. I can't move the steering wheel all without the car reacting.
I can't imagine what it would feel like with this stiffener added.
Bob

[longislandwrx]

I believe the pn is 34170FE050

they go for about $75 used and are included with most used sti racks you purchase.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-2007-SUBARU-IMPREZA-WRX-STI-STEERING-KNUCKLE-U-JOINT-FACTORY-OEM-04-07-/111881030394?hash=item1a0ca10afa:g:0k4AAOSwKtlWoD0 u&vxp=mtr

[FFRSpec72]

I wanted to throw three ideas out there, mostly for the R builders, but may apply to S builders.


So far I have just gone with a modified PS steering rack (welded), so I'm going to wait a bit and see how that works on the track, but thanks for the heads up as these are interesting additions if I find too much slop

[Hindsight]

I believe the pn is 34170FE050

they go for about $75 used and are included with most used sti racks you purchase.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-2007-SUBARU-IMPREZA-WRX-STI-STEERING-KNUCKLE-U-JOINT-FACTORY-OEM-04-07-/111881030394?hash=item1a0ca10afa:g:0k4AAOSwKtlWoD0 u&vxp=mtr

I got one of those for mine. Install was literally 60 seconds. Maybe 30 seconds. Paid about $75 for mine as well, off eBay.

[Santiago]

I also got mine off of an STi rack - so "free" for me (price of the used rack isn't much different with/without it). Definitely nicer than the rubber piece.

[tmoretta]

My complaint on my completed 818S is not the steering - it is responsive and light enough. My brakes though (2002 WRX with Hawk HP plus pads) are terrible. Big pedal effort and not impressive braking. I have installed the ABS system but been unable to engage. Any suggestions - bigger rear calipers etc.?

[Hindsight]

I would suggest different pads. I know Chad complained a lot about the same issue and once he changed the pads, he mentioned the brakes were outstanding. Even the 2002 brakes should be MORE than enough on the light 818. Are you sure the pads are bed? I have Hawk pads on mine and so far I'm not at all happy, but I can't judge them yet because they are not bed and I've only put a mile on them go-karting around the neighborhood.

[tmoretta]

About 300 street miles on the pads. I bought the HPplus to use for occasional track use. I may either renew the rear rotors or have them machined - the front rotors are new.

[wleehendrick]

Big pedal effort and not impressive braking. Any suggestions?

https://impersonaltrainers.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/legs-dumbbell-squat-animated.gif


:p

j/k, as discussed before, pad selection/bedding has helped a lot of other builders. I haven't go-carted yet, so can't provide direct feedback, but the same set-up I'm using (06 WRX brakes, turned donor rotors with StopTech SP pads) reported good braking performance for street use.