09 Forester suspension question

peta_x8x8 · 07-15-2008, 08:27 PM

Having my new Forester for a couple weeks now, I started to remember when I first test drove a 09 Forester, it didn't wobble hard like it is right now. the one I test drove was really smooth and felt just like a regular sedan. I'm not sure if the dealership tuned it just for the sake of test drive. But mine feels like the suspension is too soft (I don't know the correct terminology for it), not only it "jumps" up and down but also feels like it's sliding from right to left even when I drive on a highway. My friend says she didn't feel it when I changed lanes, but it's making her really dizzy now.

So my question is:
Can this problem be solved if the suspension unit is tuned to harder (?) and lower the base of car?
And if not, what else should I do to improve it?
I know it's an SUV, and I miss driving a sedan, to be honest.

Thanks a lot!

jgs99v · 07-16-2008, 01:47 PM

Peta - Yes I'm currently experiencing the boat effect now.
Waiting for spring / strut,shock releases.
For me this is dangerous - Just last weekend on an on-ramp the FXT leaned over so much the cars behind me starting breaking hard. I think they thought I might roll over :(

And yes my wife does get car sick on winding roads so I have to adjust the way I drive until I can fix this.

If something comes up I'll post what I find.

jgs99v

pmpski_1 · 07-16-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgs99v

Peta - Yes I'm currently experiencing the boat effect now.
Waiting for spring / strut,shock releases.
For me this is dangerous - Just last weekend on an on-ramp the FXT leaned over so much the cars behind me starting breaking hard. I think they thought I might roll over :(

And yes my wife does get car sick on winding roads so I have to adjust the way I drive until I can fix this.

If something comes up I'll post what I find.

jgs99v

You're waiting for aftermarket releases? Why not just get it fixed under warranty?

Are you both saying that something changed and it started handling worse since you bought it, or that you didn't test drive it hard enough? Maybe something broke? If something broke, I'd be at the dealer with my warranty card...

I've started pushing it on off\on ramps, just to see how it does compared to my wife's MB C230K. I haven't had anything scare me yet, and haven't noticed a boat effect as of yet.

peta_x8x8 · 07-16-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmpski_1

You're waiting for aftermarket releases? Why not just get it fixed under warranty?

Are you both saying that something changed and it started handling worse since you bought it, or that you didn't test drive it hard enough? Maybe something broke? If something broke, I'd be at the dealer with my warranty card...

I've started pushing it on off\on ramps, just to see how it does compared to my wife's MB C230K. I haven't had anything scare me yet, and haven't noticed a boat effect as of yet.

I did test drive one hard enough. I guess the one I test drove and mine are tuned differently. As soon as I bought mine and drove it home, I noticed the boat effect on a highway. And I didn't remember something falling off or breaking up along the way, so I guess it is how it was when I bought it then.

If I take my car back to the dealership, do the techs usually charge people for tuning and for how much generally? or since I bought it new, they won't charge me?

pmpski_1 · 07-16-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peta_x8x8

I did test drive one hard enough. I guess the one I test drove and mine are tuned differently. As soon as I bought mine and drove it home, I noticed the boat effect on a highway. And I didn't remember something falling off or breaking up along the way, so I guess it is how it was when I bought it then.

If I take my car back to the dealership, do the techs usually charge people for tuning and for how much generally? or since I bought it new, they won't charge me?

I would think that since you bought it brand new, it should still be under warranty. (You haven't driven 36000 miles yet, have you?) Be really nice, tell them the problem and include as much detail as possible - speed, what type of road, number of passengers (weight estimate), etc. Hopefully they can reproduce the problem and fix it or tune it right.

Maybe it's something you didn't notice during the test drive...I'm definitely keeping an eye out for this on my 09.

pleiad7 · 07-16-2008, 09:41 PM

By "tuning", do you guys mean suspension tuning? There's nothing to "tune" there... there are no adjustable OEM struts or coilovers, and all Forester models across the line get the same setup. This sounds like a weight distribution or alignment issue to me...

pleiad7 · 07-17-2008, 09:29 AM

On another note, check out this thread on NASIOC, in particular post #54 for suggestions on handling mods:

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigSTIck

With the change from stock tires to the Sumitomo's, I picked up about 6-8 mph on my favorite on-off ramp test. What I could do at 45 before can now be done at 52mph. That's about what I was expecting...so I am happy.:)

Changing the rear sway to the Perrin 22mm made a "dr jeckyl/mr hyde" kind of difference!:devil: The car now corners FLAT and handles transition much, much better. This was what I was hoping for, but not expecting...so I am super excited with the results!

Changing the front sway bar bushings made a subtle difference. It was a cheap mod, so I am glad I did it. Initial turn in respose was improved a tad.:unamused:

Tomorrow I'm getting a performance alignment done.....stay tuned for the specifications.......I am expecting a 1-2mph improvement in my on-off ramp test from this "mod" alone.:D

lfdal · 07-17-2008, 09:33 AM

Stupid question, so don't yell, but did everyone check their tire inflation?

MechEng · 07-17-2008, 10:33 AM

I suspect that much of the "boat" effect comes from the stock Geolander tires and their famously mushy sidewalls. When I replaced the Geolanders on my '05 FXT it made a world of difference.

With that in mind my first priority for the '09 was to bannish the Geolanders. I just got the new wheels and tires on today - 245/45-18 Toyo Proxes 4's - but I haven't had the chance to give them a good run yet. From swinging around a few corners in town however the difference is already apparent.

Next low budget mod will be a stiffer rear sway bar, which is already on order. That should make a big difference in body roll. I'll report back once it's installed :)

dumbass · 07-17-2008, 10:33 AM

buy some sway bar endlinks....you'll notice a huge difference in the corners.

MechEng · 07-17-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dumbass

buy some sway bar endlinks....you'll notice a huge difference in the corners.

I have upgraded end links coming with the new rear sway.

As for the front sway, I'm going to wait and see how the upgraded rear feels first. If I'm happy with the combination then I'll get new end links for the front bar. If I feel that I really need a stiffer front bar as well then I'll do both the bar and the links at the same time.

Also I'm trying to do one mod at a time, so that I can judge the effect of each one as I go.

BTW, has anyone figured out if front bars made for the '08 WRX will fit the '09 Forester?

RobG · 07-17-2008, 11:43 AM

I'm glad somebody already said check your tire pressures.

When I bought mine last weekend, I immediately drove it from Sacramento, up over I-80/Donner Summit (7200') to Reno. It handled amazingly well for a stock quasi-SUV. I intentionally pushed it pretty hard, to get a feel for it.

So far, a few hundred miles later, it's still handling well. I did check the tire pressures the next day, and found them at 46 psi. I dropped them to 35, but didn't notice a difference in handling.

I plan to put on a 25mm front bar and at least a 19mm rear bar, though from reading this thread, the 22mm may be the way to go. I'm hesitant to put too much rear bar on it, because it could make it tail-happy in slippery conditions.

I'm also eagerly awaiting Bilstein to get off their butts and get shocks out for both the Forester and my 08 WRX...

Oh, and I'll be able to post in a day or two if the front swaybars are interchangeable; I have my stock front swaybar from my WRX in the truck to take to Reno this weekend to see if it'll fit the Forester.

Rob

MechEng · 07-17-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobG

I'm hesitant to put too much rear bar on it, because it could make it tail-happy in slippery conditions.

Same here. I'm trying a 19 mm rear bar from Rallitek first.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobG

Oh, and I'll be able to post in a day or two if the front swaybars are interchangeable; I have my stock front swaybar from my WRX in the truck to take to Reno this weekend to see if it'll fit the Forester.

Rob

dumbass · 07-17-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechEng

I have upgraded end links coming with the new rear sway.

As for the front sway, I'm going to wait and see how the upgraded rear feels first. If I'm happy with the combination then I'll get new end links for the front bar. If I feel that I really need a stiffer front bar as well then I'll do both the bar and the links at the same time.

Also I'm trying to do one mod at a time, so that I can judge the effect of each one as I go.

BTW, has anyone figured out if front bars made for the '08 WRX will fit the '09 Forester?

Talk to Derek at GroupA...I'm pretty sure that he already knows the answer.

nevermind..I'll PM him on the Toronto Subaru Board and find out.

edit: he thinks they are, but he's not 100% sure right now.

importology · 07-17-2008, 01:20 PM

Talking about tires... what model did you test drove? and which one did you end up getting? I have a 2004 xt(16 inches wheels) and a 2007 xt(17 inches wheels)... for a while I really though it was the suspension thing than after i swap the wheels, man the 17 felt really nice. Both tires are Geolanders.

07-15-2008, 08:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
peta_x8x8 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 14 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	09 Forester suspension question Having my new Forester for a couple weeks now, I started to remember when I first test drove a 09 Forester, it didn't wobble hard like it is right now. the one I test drove was really smooth and felt just like a regular sedan. I'm not sure if the dealership tuned it just for the sake of test drive. But mine feels like the suspension is too soft (I don't know the correct terminology for it), not only it "jumps" up and down but also feels like it's sliding from right to left even when I drive on a highway. My friend says she didn't feel it when I changed lanes, but it's making her really dizzy now. So my question is: Can this problem be solved if the suspension unit is tuned to harder (?) and lower the base of car? And if not, what else should I do to improve it? I know it's an SUV, and I miss driving a sedan, to be honest. Thanks a lot!

07-16-2008, 09:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
pleiad7 The Seventh Sister Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North of the Bay Posts: 17,217 Gallery: 21 Feedback Score: 29 reviews	By "tuning", do you guys mean suspension tuning? There's nothing to "tune" there... there are no adjustable OEM struts or coilovers, and all Forester models across the line get the same setup. This sounds like a weight distribution or alignment issue to me... __________________ -Silke 04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed" 98 Forester S ~ "Slynki"

07-17-2008, 09:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
lfdal Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 851 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Stupid question, so don't yell, but did everyone check their tire inflation? __________________ Larry D 08 OBW Ltd, Missing my 04 FXT 4EAT

07-17-2008, 11:43 AM	#12 (permalink)
RobG Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 37 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'm glad somebody already said check your tire pressures. When I bought mine last weekend, I immediately drove it from Sacramento, up over I-80/Donner Summit (7200') to Reno. It handled amazingly well for a stock quasi-SUV. I intentionally pushed it pretty hard, to get a feel for it. So far, a few hundred miles later, it's still handling well. I did check the tire pressures the next day, and found them at 46 psi. I dropped them to 35, but didn't notice a difference in handling. I plan to put on a 25mm front bar and at least a 19mm rear bar, though from reading this thread, the 22mm may be the way to go. I'm hesitant to put too much rear bar on it, because it could make it tail-happy in slippery conditions. I'm also eagerly awaiting Bilstein to get off their butts and get shocks out for both the Forester and my 08 WRX... Oh, and I'll be able to post in a day or two if the front swaybars are interchangeable; I have my stock front swaybar from my WRX in the truck to take to Reno this weekend to see if it'll fit the Forester. Rob __________________ '09 Forester 2.5X '08 WRX 5dr '05 Dodge RAM 3500

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07-16-2008, 01:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
jgs99v Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Fransisco Bay Area Posts: 18 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Peta - Yes I'm currently experiencing the boat effect now. Waiting for spring / strut,shock releases. For me this is dangerous - Just last weekend on an on-ramp the FXT leaned over so much the cars behind me starting breaking hard. I think they thought I might roll over :( And yes my wife does get car sick on winding roads so I have to adjust the way I drive until I can fix this. If something comes up I'll post what I find. jgs99v

07-17-2008, 10:33 AM	#9 (permalink)
MechEng Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 8 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I suspect that much of the "boat" effect comes from the stock Geolander tires and their famously mushy sidewalls. When I replaced the Geolanders on my '05 FXT it made a world of difference. With that in mind my first priority for the '09 was to bannish the Geolanders. I just got the new wheels and tires on today - 245/45-18 Toyo Proxes 4's - but I haven't had the chance to give them a good run yet. From swinging around a few corners in town however the difference is already apparent. Next low budget mod will be a stiffer rear sway bar, which is already on order. That should make a big difference in body roll. I'll report back once it's installed :)

07-17-2008, 10:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
dumbass Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 190 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	buy some sway bar endlinks....you'll notice a huge difference in the corners.

07-17-2008, 01:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
importology Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Seattle/Baltimore Posts: 194 Gallery: 0 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Talking about tires... what model did you test drove? and which one did you end up getting? I have a 2004 xt(16 inches wheels) and a 2007 xt(17 inches wheels)... for a while I really though it was the suspension thing than after i swap the wheels, man the 17 felt really nice. Both tires are Geolanders.