Yeah, my WRX wore out the steering bushing, which was a rubber/plastic piece and simple enough....but installation was a bitch, one of the hardest things I had to ever try and wiggle into place, after dropping the front shocks and suspension. I was not happy after that, but the install worked like a charm.
Well, I am pulling the trigger
- Thread starter Kimberly Lazarski
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JSolo
2500 Posts Club!
How does this coupler influence straight line steering ?
It basically holds the steering rack on the chassis. As in if it's worn, the steering can wobble all back and forth with a big "dead spot", so it's hard to track straight. Just google WRX and steering rack bushing, you'll see plenty of people complaining about inability to go straight, haha. I replaced mine with an OEM subaru unit, but if I was keeping the car longer, I probably would have went with a stiffer aftermarket.
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dtrail7a
Member
The dead spot in mine the wheel would stick therefore having to apply added force, or counter steer just slightly and it wouldn't stick again as long as the wheel was continuously being moved ever so slightly. Once stopped it would stick again. Bought my car from a non-kia dealer. I took it there 3 times for the problem as I had an extended warranty. They couldn't figure it out so they took it to Kia dealer who fixed it right away.
GT Elite
Active Member
The steering coupler is part of the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly is typically two shafts. One is part of the steering column and this part passes through the firewall. The other shaft is connected to or is part of the steering rack. The steering coupler connects these two shafts together.and transmits the movement of the steering wheel to the steering rack. It serves two purposes. One is to accommodate the difference in angles between the two shafts…like a universal joint. The other is to prevent the steering wheel from moving backwards in a frontal crash. In essence, the coupler will break so that the two shafts are no longer connected.
When the coupler wears out, there is play in it and thus there is a “dead spot” on centre as the steering wheel must move a bit to take up the play in the coupler.before the movement is transferred to the steering rack.
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JSolo
2500 Posts Club!
Hmm... I can't imagine much being worn on a brand new car (<40 miles). Possible there was a minimal amount of play in there which caused a tiny drift requiring the correction.
GT Elite
Active Member
If you are getting a drift at that low mileage, I would expect the front alignment is out (I.e. toe). I have a 2022 GT Elite (Canada) and a four-wheel alignment was done at less than 200 kms. Front end toe was outside of specifications.
JSolo
2500 Posts Club!
^^The drift/corrections required were in the optima (2011). They alignment numbers were perfect. The entire front end was tight. However I'll buy that if this couple part had a minute amount of play in it, that would manifest itself as a car requiring constant corrections.
