johnmacdonald

Don, will keep Yuasa in mind for the future - I know they have a good reputation.  Amazing though, Merc C350 still running on its original seven year old battery,  often it's not used for seven days or more and always starts first time!  Mind you, still have an old WRX battery that's now 12 years old and still charges up and retains voltage for months on end.  But then, the Imprezas didn't need all of the non essential electronic kit!

Pleased to hear that you have potentially solved the problem.  You may find my post originating 17th July "2015 WRX STi flat battery" of interest.

1. Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed!!! Fortunately the Merc C350 still needs its key inserted to start!  Recently bought a Stoplock Elite steering wheel bar and two Faraday pouches for the STi fobs as extra protection against theft.  Bring back the raw and simple pleasure of the classic Impreza...

Why did Subaru go for keyless?  Totally unnecessary...

Thanks ccrien, I am fairly certain that the current STi quick rack is hydraulic, rather than electric.  Oddly enough, before you posted, I had decided to seek a second opinion and the car will go to ex. Subaru dealership, Quenbys of Baldock.  They still have two of their original Subaru technicians, who have been with the firm for many years and they still service and repair loyal Subaru owners' cars. 

Cambridge Subaru have today diagnosed a worn steering rack, which I find a little difficult to comprehend. And as previously stated, the STi has only done 21,000. The knocking occurs noticeably at slow speed, forward and reverse and with no steering input. I had always thought that signs of a rack problem were evident on significant steering input??  Am awaiting an estimate with some trepidation...

STi to be looked at Subaru Cambridge on Thursday. They have suggested that if not struts or shocks, could be a droplink issue. Does that make sense?

Ours has done its miles on mainly disintegrating Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire B roads. Doesn't sound promising then...

And it's only done 21,000 miles and agree that rear suspension is different to newage.

Hi Don, 

As usual, it's difficult to decide where the knocking is coming from, particularly with the H&S desilienced centre section! However, the noise is reminiscent of the failed struts on previous 2005 WRX STi and Hawk WRX PPP, both with Prodrive spring kits. Following fitting of Eibach springs to the current STi, I had 4 wheel alignment carried out by Cambridge Performance Tyres to Eibach's settings.  Will see what transpires at Subaru Cambridge...

I have a horrible feeling that driving slowly over rough surfaces,  knocking noise may be due to strut failure.   Will be going to Subaru Cambridge for investigation and if it is what I fear, I know that OEM replacements will be at totally inflated price.  I have looked online for KYB gas, but can't find any sellers.  Any ideas please or am I facing the old KYB/Subaru agreement not to supply to the public for current models?

Must say that the WRX STi's roadholding in the wet is markedly superior to our previous five Imprezas - almost appears impossible to lose grip at the very fastest roundabout entry and exit.  On rails as they say!  Fitting of Eibach PRO-KIT springs and their recommended four wheel alignment settings have definitely had an effect.  And very impressed with the Dunlop Sport Maxx RTs, having previousy stuck with Pirelli P Zeros.  Will always recall some scary moments with the RB5 PPP and widetrack Impreza STi PPP, even on dry roads!  Must admit that when Mrs Mac is driving enthusiastically, I do feel a little nervous - unfair, as she has driven Scoobies since 1998 and never had an accident in 50 years...

Also so good to drive such a relatively rare car.

Mrs Mac works three days a week and drives very capably to and fro and I am left with the C350 AMG Coupe. However, yesterday, took her in the STi over to Bishops Stortford for her annual (expensive ) Christmas shop with a friend  to London. Due to massively disruptive road works on the A120 left me with the opportunity to dial in sport mode (sport sharp too extreme) and tackle the narrow, wet, greasy back lanes back to Braughing. Fabulous and a reminder of the latest STi's capabilities in the wet. Return evening pick up equally amazing, only marred by Mrs Mac's imploring me to slow down. I guess it does not appear so enjoyable from the passenger seat!

I will stick to 300bhp!

Beat you. We are now on our sixth since 1998!

Recommend a WRX Hawkeye with PPP.  Cheaper than an STi, but excellent performance.

Good to have you back.  Good looking Hawk there...

Very interesting and reassuring! 

Agreed!

Our 2015 WRX STi shows similar on full lock, even now with new Dunlop Sport Maxxes alround. Just live with it I guess.

Bought our EJ25 2.5 hawkeye WRX PPP in 2006 and replaced 2016 with current 2.5 WRX STi. No problems whatsoever, but never driven enthusiastically until warmed up, rev limit not exceeded and always run with relatively expensive Millers competition oil...

Could have so many uses if we suffer another extreme winter...

Amazing!

As previously said, I have been leaving the alarm unset while on holidays, although garaged, not an ideal arrangement. With the CTEK I can carefuĺy close the bonnet, set the alarm and rest in peace!

Looks good, but the 2015 on WRXSTi has so many (too many) settings options, I guess I would lose all pre-sets, as happened last three times the battery died and not totally logical to reinstate. Bring back the good old simplistic days of the Classic...

Although moderately expensive, I believe the CTEK will be ideal for me.