WRX suspension question

[Mike]

Maybe a dumb question. But why do some cars tend to squat, or have the top
of the tire inward and the bottom outward if your looking at the rear of a
car? I know my WRX is like that and have noticed it on other WRX's. I see it
on Saabs, noticed it on a Lexus SUV yesterday and others cars. I know if you
lower a car and dont adjust the camber it will ride like that on the inside
edge. But should it be that noticable on a stock suspension ? Is there a
handleing beneifit to it ? I'm guessing if you are in a hard corner it would
help keep more tread surface on the ground, if not it would ride more on the
outside edge of the inside tire in a corner ? So what this is leading to
is..why does my drivers side rear tire seem to be sitting outward on the
bottom more then the passenger side. I dont think the camber is adjustable
on the WRX with out aftermarket camber bolts, lateral links or camber
plates.So would this maybe indicate a bent strut or something else ? There
is no play in the wheel when i jack up the car and try to wiggle it around
so i dont think it's a bad wheel bearing.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Maybe a dumb question. But why do some cars tend to squat, or have the top
of the tire inward and the bottom outward if your looking at the rear of a
car? I know my WRX is like that and have noticed it on other WRX's. I see it
on Saabs, noticed it on a Lexus SUV yesterday and others cars. I know if you
lower a car and dont adjust the camber it will ride like that on the inside
edge. But should it be that noticable on a stock suspension ? Is there a
handleing beneifit to it ? I'm guessing if you are in a hard corner it would
help keep more tread surface on the ground, if not it would ride more on the
outside edge of the inside tire in a corner ? So what this is leading to
is..why does my drivers side rear tire seem to be sitting outward on the
bottom more then the passenger side. I dont think the camber is adjustable
on the WRX with out aftermarket camber bolts, lateral links or camber
plates.So would this maybe indicate a bent strut or something else ? There
is no play in the wheel when i jack up the car and try to wiggle it around
so i dont think it's a bad wheel bearing.

You did sorta answer a lot of your own questions. In general, negative
camber is helpful in cornering. As you say, a large drop with
aftermarket springs/coilovers will often require some adtjustment back
to a better angle. Though spirited driving shouild help even out the
wear, it's likely sedate driving in a vehicle with higher than 'stock.
spec.' negative camber will wear inner tire edges.

The camber should be symmetrical though and you're car's alignment needs
checking if you can see a difference from one side to the other. Has
anyone else driven the car and 'tagged' a curb? Look for scars on the rim.

The 'sticky' or FAQ at www.nasioc.com 's suspension Forum contains
instructions on DIY alignment if you're interested.


Carl

 

[Mike]

Thanks, I will have to get it in sometime for an alignment No one else
drives the car, i would blame it on the speed bumps i drive over day in and
day out.