[TarmacST1]

Some tecs are kinda slow eh? strange tho... my dealer checked everything was working and in good order before I took the car off the lot. it took them 6 hrs to complete everything..

[solovus]

Got my car back from the dealer today...drives straight as an arrow. no "torque steer" or anything.

[GeorgeWrx]

Now perplexed... I called two alignment shops who said the same thing. They didn't think that by the symptoms (pulls left on gas, right off gas) that alignment is the problem. One said if you put the car in neutral while coasting on a level road and it pulls to one side, then alignment will fix it. But if it tracks straight in neutral and pulls only on power change, then it is torque steer and alignment won't fix it. He said it is an uneven application of power and suggested putting it on record at the dealer that that I am not satisfied with this so that someday when they figure it out or there is a recall or something fails etc. I will have a case.

[solovus]

^ why would you have torque steer and no one else...did you buy the only race tuned STi in the US??? Take that car back and make them align it if its f'd up.....

[Digitalfiend]

Originally Posted by GeorgeWrx

Now perplexed... I called two alignment shops who said the same thing. They didn't think that by the symptoms (pulls left on gas, right off gas) that alignment is the problem. One said if you put the car in neutral while coasting on a level road and it pulls to one side, then alignment will fix it. But if it tracks straight in neutral and pulls only on power change, then it is torque steer and alignment won't fix it. He said it is an uneven application of power and suggested putting it on record at the dealer that that I am not satisfied with this so that someday when they figure it out or there is a recall or something fails etc. I will have a case.

My stage 2 '05 had just over 400lb-ft at the crank and had ZERO torque steer, from a low roll or even from a launch.

Take the car to a real alignment shop, get them to give you your current alignment numbers, then ask them to set your toe to 0 deg all around. Also, try rotating your tires front to back. It's possible you could have a problem with one of your tires.

[wrxsti03]

Do you have a strut bar installed ? MY04 pulled a bit I checked the tires, had it aligned in couple different places and it was never really fixed. One day I removed the strut bar and the issue cleared.

[GeorgeWrx]

The story continues... (fact correction: it was another person in the service dept. who said it was unequal shafts, not the mechanic himself) Just got back from a good alignment shop this morning who had new laser based equipment. Only thing they found was a toe setting that was off a bit, but that didn't fix the fundamental problem. I went with the technician for a test drive after this new and very accurate alignment. He noted that while holding the wheel straight and going on and off the throttle on the highway, the car would try to go left and then right. With an even throttle, the car would be pretty straight. He said it was torque steer and appeared to be a problem with the drive train. Now its back to the dealer with this new information and independent opinion. At least I know I'm not crazy! Just wanted to drive and enjoy this car and not have to confront the dealer Thanks for all your advice, I will let you know what happens.

[Subw00er]

Did you check tire pressures accurately

[Digitalfiend]

Did you try moving the tires front to back?

[GeorgeWrx]

Tire pressure is 35 all around. I was tempted to try to move the tires myself this weekend, but the dealer needs to fix the problem. Also, I may need a history of attempted fixes if it's something like one of the front or rear differentials delivering unequal power. I have another appointment tomorrow.

[shipsaegi]

First I want to say that this is a sucky thing to have to deal with. You just got the car and can't enjoy it. I haven't had any problems like your describing on my 08 STi and after reading all the replies it seems like you might have been the unlucky one in getting a bum ride. As rare as it could be, you might have a manu defect in the driveline itself. You said you tested another STi at the dealer and it didn't have the problem, youve gotten second opinions, it seems like they should be tearing the driveline down and looking deeper. What a crappy thing to go through bro and I hope this doesn't discourage others from buying the 08. I've thoroughly enjoyed mine and hope you can too and soon. GL man!
-D

P.s. Good color choice =D

[GeorgeWrx]

Thanks shipsaegi... as soon as this gets resolved I will be joining you in making very positive comments because this car is really amazing. This morning before my appointment I spent 45 minutes driving around to find the best road surface to reveal the problem (didn't do that last time and the tech wasn't thoroughly convinced). I found that the right lane (slight right pitch down) on the highway seems the best (i.e. worst). The service manager drove it and did agree there was a problem especially when he took his foot off the gas and the car would go right if he wasn't holding the wheel (steady on the gas and it goes straight). He called Subaru tech and is waiting for a response. I know there is a solution because a ride with this defect would never work on a track. Just stressing a bit because it was a lot of money and there is no way I can live with the problem. So far the dealer has been very good and I am hoping for a quick resolution so I can move on to some upgrades (speakers, sub, tint, sport grill etc.).

[shipsaegi]

I'm still waiting for my iPod interface =/ I bought the car in Texas and got moved to Cali before it arrived. Now I have to wait for it to get to Texas then they'll mail it to me. Woulda been nice having it on the 1700 mile road trip out here =P Just hang in there! This is my first Subaru and I was nervous dropping that much money on it but it has been worth every penny. I don't think I'm ever gonna buy anything other than Subaru from now on ^_^ The good thing about being in Cali now is access to a lot more car shops. Tint and an AP tune are the first on my list of things to do. I'm waiting for tirerack.com to update their site with our spark silver mettalic color so I can see what will look best =D

[GeorgeWrx]

Digitalfiend, you had the right idea. The dealer rotated the tires and now I am hard pressed to duplicate the problem. In fact I could have sworn that a couple times it went the opposite (off the gas pulled left slightly instead of right on a certain road angle). The dealer has been very good and is getting a new set of tires which I should have soon. The ride stability and tracking should then be solid. I am still amazed that a new tire could be bad in some non-visible way and have this characteristic.

[Digitalfiend]

Originally Posted by GeorgeWrx

Digitalfiend, you had the right idea. The dealer rotated the tires and now I am hard pressed to duplicate the problem. In fact I could have sworn that a couple times it went the opposite (off the gas pulled left slightly instead of right on a certain road angle). The dealer has been very good and is getting a new set of tires which I should have soon. The ride stability and tracking should then be solid. I am still amazed that a new tire could be bad in some non-visible way and have this characteristic.

Let us know how it turns out.