Suspension on this car feels... squirmy?

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Feb 14, 2012 | 12:11 AM
  #1  
Ok, so its been about a year since i've had this car. Coming from a WRX, so this is a totally different animal to me.

One of the major things I noticed though was that the suspension seems squirmy... I noticed it was more noticeable on rainy days when i hit a bump or a groove in the road, the car almost feels like its about the lose control... the suspension itself seems really... i dunno, i cant even describe it.. almost as if its too springy maybe? and seems to have a bit of bounce when only one side of the car hits a bump.. seems like the rears are squirmier than the fronts.

does anyone know what im talking about?

for sake of info, i have a set of 20x8.5/10.5 with 245/35 and 275/30. The suspension seems to be on stock shocks/struts with what looks to be Tein H Techs. It also has some unknown suspension components responsible for adjusting camber. At the very least the ones in the back are red (if that even helps)...
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Feb 14, 2012 | 12:21 AM
  #2  
I have stock suspension and I experience that all the time. It's kind of annoying. feels like my back end wants to slide out just because of a bump.
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Feb 14, 2012 | 02:04 AM
  #3  
I hate driving my car in the rain. I upgraded tires recently, that helped a ton. But the fact doesn't change. Our cars aren't confidence inspiring in the wet. How many miles does the car have? Have you had an alignment. Make sure its in spec. Alignment specs can change a lot, but its most noticible in the wet.
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Feb 14, 2012 | 02:15 AM
  #4  
Driving a AWD car in the WRX on rainy days help a ton compared to driving a G.
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Feb 14, 2012 | 09:00 AM
  #5  
I have 95k on it right now... I guess I should have the alignment checked, hadn't done that since buying the car...

Even if it is comparing to the wrx, the car should still feel more stable than this.. I don't think I know any other car that feels this nervous
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Feb 14, 2012 | 09:28 AM
  #6  
Part of the instability you're feeling may be due to worn shocks/suspension with those kinda miles on her clock. Quality tires will also remove the squirmy feeling your receiving. I can drive SLICK in terrible weather all day long and she's solid never showing any unwanted responses. Spend the extra $$ for Michelin tires, you'll be glad you did....Gary
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Feb 14, 2012 | 01:37 PM
  #7  
Quote: I have 95k on it right now... I guess I should have the alignment checked, hadn't done that since buying the car...

Even if it is comparing to the wrx, the car should still feel more stable than this.. I don't think I know any other car that feels this nervous
I second what Gary said. Also, post a pic up of your new G. I'm in SA too, may have seen you around.
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Feb 14, 2012 | 03:38 PM
  #8  
When my toe was off, it was DEFINITELY noticeable on bumps and especially rain. I would definitely get a lifetime at firestone or something if you can clear their rack.

But alignment may be your problem.
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Feb 14, 2012 | 03:46 PM
  #9  
When my Toe was out a combined 8mm, the car felt like that in the rain/snow. It was dropped and I was waiting for the springs to settle before doing an alignment.

Now that everything is back to spec, it doesn't feel like that at all. Tires will definitely help also.
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Feb 15, 2012 | 03:19 AM
  #10  
interesting... i did suspect my alignment was off, noticed a bit more wear on the rear drivers tire. i'll definitely have to check that out..
Thanks fellas
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Feb 15, 2012 | 07:06 AM
  #11  
Adding a set of sway bars is also a way of dramatically improving the way the car drives. +1000000 on alignment and worn out suspension. Those 2 things will make you feel like you're driving a 30 year old Buick.
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Feb 15, 2012 | 08:42 AM
  #12  
moving to a 19 or 18 inch rim with thicker side walls will also reduce the impact over the bumps. I would also check your shocks make sure there not blown.

Also having good grippy tires on rwd cars are much more important then awd cars since the power is being split between all 4 wheels.
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Feb 15, 2012 | 11:37 AM
  #13  
Welcome to RWD. That squirmy feeling you get becomes that more "fun" feeling in the future. LOL

Good luck!
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Feb 15, 2012 | 12:14 PM
  #14  
+1 on what blue said, when I put my rear hotchkis sway on (rode with just the front one for a while and stock back), it really reduced the oversteer to make it feel more balanced. Can feel the bumps more now, even on my stock 18s.
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Feb 15, 2012 | 01:37 PM
  #15  
Mine felt like that before I replaced my rear end links and got new tires. Coming from a Subie it's probably a lot more noticeable lol
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