[YesOfficer]

Hello!

I am currently replacing the stock lower control arms on my 2012 STi Hatch. The passenger side went in really easy, then I moved to the drivers side:

The part number of the product I am installing is SuperPro ALOY0015K with the caster offsets as seen in the link below

2011-2014 Subaru WRX STI ALL - ALOY0015K - SuperPro Suspension Parts

Product Detail Placeholder DO NOT DELETE THIS PAGE

www.superprousa.com

I connected the rear bushing with a few threads of the replacement bolt twisted in, and it doesn't seem to fit:

I compared it to the old stock arm to see if there were any glaring differences and I couldn't find any. The stock cross-member (or subframe) does not look bent compared to the other side.

To those who have installed the superpro front LCAs with the caster offsets, did you have this issue? and how did you get yours to fit?

 

[YesOfficer]

Alright, so after some additional investigation, I don't know if the bushing is installed in the correct orientation.

here is the passenger side, which fits like a glove:

And here is the driver's side:

To help me confirm this if you have a 2008-14 hatchback with these installed, may you please post a picture of the orientation of the bushing?

 

[ChefPhil]

I have these control arms on my 2010 hatch. Went on without issue. I will be changing oil in the next day or two and take a picture of the bushings. Have you tried starting with the other connections first and see if it would line up if the bushing was rotated?

 

[YesOfficer]

I have! Everything else lines up perfectly, I really think that the rear bushing is not correctly installed.

 

[ChefPhil]

Here are close up pics.

 

[eaglehunter]

Did you get it sorted? I did mine a couple months ago and all went in relatively smooth. I do have slight shudder on the front wheels when I turn the steering wheel at standstill, or when pulling away while turning (like when doing a u-turn), but I am not sure if that is due to the LCA's, new swaybar or bushings, or something else...

 

[YesOfficer]

Using the pictures that ChefPhil provided, I put together a big email and sent it to SuperPro. I have not heard back. I am working with a machine shop locally to see if they can remove and reinsert the caster bushing.

I'll make a post when I get it installed, and I'll let you know if I have the shudder that you are experiencing.

 

[eaglehunter]

Sounds good thanks. As an fyi, mine looked essentially the same as in the pic that was shared.

 

[Jedi03]

mine also went in great...was sent wrong bolts so that was no fun but luckily i have great tap an die set that corrected that aspect...will be interested to see what issue was...

 

[YesOfficer]

Update

I took my control arm to a local machine shop that was able to press the bearing out and reseat it in the proper orientation. When correctly installed, the lower control arm fits in like a glove.

I forwarded this to SuperPro, they were able to make sure this wouldn't happen on their end again. The Guys I spoke with at SuperPro were great. Now its time to get an alignment!

 

[eaglehunter]

Now that you’ve had them correctly installed for a while, what are your thoughts? Happy with the end-result?

I am taking my car for the 2015 steering rack install and getting a proper alignment done on Thursday. But since I’m also doing the steering rack, I am not sure I will be able to pinpoint the difference they make on their own.

Since I installed them I would say for me the steering feels a little more direct and sharper, but I havent really been able to push and play much, primarily due to the alignment not being 100% and not having been out with the car the last couple months. Primarily a garage queen these days. And I also did swaybars at the same time, which doesn’t help separate out the improvement directly attributable to the LCAs...

 

[ChefPhil]

I think the first impression with these control arms is mostly about the steering wanting to straighten out quicker. The turn in is better and handling on corners is improved, but steering is much heavier with the old steering rack. With a 2015 rack, I like them more. Maybe I am more used to the heaviness in corners, but I think the combination works great.

 

[Jedi03]

i found when i did them acted like i had just installed large front sway bar...i need to do the newer rack too just have to get wife to approve lol

 

[eaglehunter]

I installed them together with the larger sway bar and bushings, which is why it is difficult for me to know what to attribute to each. Looking forward to having the new rack installed on Thursday. Its a nice long drive to the shop and back, so should have ample time to compare the before and after.

 

[eaglehunter]

I think the first impression with these control arms is mostly about the steering wanting to straighten out quicker. The turn in is better and handling on corners is improved, but steering is much heavier with the old steering rack. With a 2015 rack, I like them more. Maybe I am more used to the heaviness in corners, but I think the combination works great.

After getting the new rack installed and with a proper alignment, this is exactly my first impressions as well. The 2015 rack really brings everything together very nicely and I love how the car drives and responds now. I am a very happy chappie.