Callum wrote:Hi All
I recently purchased a set of these Front Lower Control Arm Bushes from Phat. I was really excited about having them fitted to my 3.0R (based on this thread), but I have to say that I am more than a little disappointed with the results.
I must state that I am nothing more than an enthusiastic commuter and never take my car on the track. But it seems that since I have had the bushes fitted the steering is a lot lighter and the car feels less sure footed. And that's not why I choose to drive Subarus. Also the road noise with bumps or cats eyes is very aggressive and much louder. The car also sits 10mm higher over the front wheel arch than it does over the rear??? WTF I never noticed this before.
At the same time that I had the bushes fitted I got a new set of tyres (same as previous set) and had a wheel alignment done. The mechanic installed the bushes with the thin one on the bottom and the thicker one on the top. Does anyone know if the mechanic has got this right???
Maybe the alignment has something to do with it???
Total Toe +0.2mm
Ind. Toe -0.1mm -0.1mm
Camber -00.17 -00.87
Caster +05.99 +05.76
KPI (SAI) +14.32 +14.57
Included Angle
+14.15 +13.70
I am hoping to hell that my bad experience with these bushes is a result of them being fitted incorrectly by the mechanic here in Brisbane.
I would really appreciate some feedback from anyone who has something of value to add as to how these bushes and steering should be set up.
Cheers
Cal
Hi Cal
i have installed over 30 sets of these in all the range of Liberty's with out one complaint
you mechanic obviously didd'nt read my very simply instructions that i wrote on the pack in black marker
SMALL SHIM ON THE TOP AND THE MIDDLE SIZE ON THE BOTTOM (SO YOU SHOULD HAVE 4 OF THE LARGEST SHIMS LEFT OVER)
as for the light steering you will get that with the largest shim on top with almost no toe
as for the ride height the bush "can not" change the ride hight
the extra road noise was clearly out lined in the first post. As stated these bushes will give LESS road noise that all the other options out there
If your after very little noise you could go to Subaru and have stock bushs fitted at almost 3x the price
New tyres will always ride a bit firmer that worn out tyres
PS; if you had a problem you could have made a simple call to me and i would have helped out over the phone
Regards
Michael