Understeer/Steering problem

by **vp920b** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:38 pm

Hi all,

I maybe caught in another problem.

Just went from friends home then I drove back to my home, and I went through boxhill, using beside carrington rd.

Then I thought, it's been a long time I drove relax, then I tried to a bit fast in corner.

Then in 70-80 degrees turn, I put to 2nd gear, running on speed 40km/h, then I turned. But suddenly the car super-Understeer, I can't steer it, then it make noise like "gggrrrrrkkkkk", then I try to brake, then the car follow my instruction to the direction.

It's like 1 second steering lock, can't steer anywhere, but lucky me I didn't turn too fast, because I can end up in someone house.

Why is it? It's wet condition, showering tonight in Boxhill. Making weird sound from front left side of the car, then 1 second steering lock which never happened before, and super-duper Understeer? Got another problem?

What makes me scared is that I need to change another CV joints, which on the front left side of the wheel.

Need some input here. Tomorrow I will check underneath in the morning.

After that, I drive slowly and not really fast in corners(at respectful speed), and it's ok. But I'm still worried.

Thanks

Naldo

by **jdm rsk** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:50 pm

ahh good ol subaru understeer.

by **vp920b** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:52 pm

Is it normal or not?

Because it makes me wanna go to workshop and check my car.

Cheers

by **teK--** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:58 pm

Yeah super understeer is one way to call it. I call it front skid because your front wheels are basically skidding sideways and are skipping on the road surface.

Common with FWD and sometimes with AWD if you are cornering really tight/fast especially when its wet.

by **Kekotic** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:59 pm

To borrow a term someone used in a thread recently, I think in this situation the problem lies between the steering wheel and the drivers seat.

by **vp920b** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:04 pm

So it's normal Jim?

Or still I need to check it?

Yeah, it's kinda skidding and can't really steer it. Maybe sound from tyre that contact with the road.

Cheers Jim

by **teK--** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:20 pm

Sounds normal Naldo, surprised you haven't come across this before since you have owned AWD/FWD before!

by **vp920b** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:29 pm

Hmm, I never had this kind of problem.

Last time I was spin when drove with Mark and Libjam to mt.bawbaw, it's kinda a new experience in Melbourne.

Then I got this new experience, super understeer, when I can't really steer it.

Well, this is the first time I owned a Subaru and having this experience. I drove FWD car in Indonesia, but I never had this problem. Maybe I will stick to drive slowly, not hard, since I don't want to put another big costs for this car apart from the Clutch+flywheel.

Thanks Jim

Really appreciate for your input.

Naldo

by **Mr Cali** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:49 pm

Understeer is very predictable and easy to control once you get used to it. It's either you ease off the power or apply your brakes, you should be able to regain control.
My advice to you would be to fit a whiteline rear sway bar, this would greatly reduce the understeering of your car.

by **bambi** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 8:19 am

Were you braking through the corner, or braking just into the corner? This is what may have greatly added to the problem as all the weight would have been transferred to the front wheels. Also, when you started to lose it, I'm guessing you hit the brakes harder?

Remember, these awe cars need power to keep traction. Obviously don't floor it, but hitting the throttle is a better alternative to braking, at least then you can control the under/over steer if the car by adjusting your throttle.

And if that doesn't work (if you're in a manual) you can always try the good old left foot braking, always makes good fun

by **vp920b** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 9:23 am

I'm using engine brake without brakes at all.

I maintain the gas so that it will run around 40-50K's, but end up with Super understeer.

Btw, can I have suggestion. Better buy the whiteline rear swaybar or the whole billies that someone sell on the sell section? I just want to minimize the understeer. My shock n spring was fine.

Thanks

Naldo

by **Subie Boy** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 9:26 am

Hey where abouts in Indonesia are you from? I was born and raised in Sydney but my parents are from Jakarta!

by **vp920b** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 9:33 am

Hahaha..

I'm born in Jakarta mate...

So you're actually indonesian don't ya? But only born here?

by **Subie Boy** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 11:34 am

Yea mate, I can speak a little bit and understand as well but born and bred here in Sydney's Northern Beaches!

Good to see another fellow Indo here!

by **Jimmy S** » Thu Aug 05, 2010 11:59 am

Sounds like pretty normal understeer... Also sounds like you haven't had a lot of experience driving the car at the limit, which is significantly easier to reach in the wet!!

For the car, I would suggest an upgraded rear swaybar would certainly help reduce understeer, but for yourself, I would get to a skidpan day or track day to get a bit of experience learning the limits of the car in a controlled environment! As you pointed out, finding the limits of the car on the street can lead to much more damage being caused!