2015+ Subaru STI Power Steering Rack Retrofit (08-14 Subaru WRX/STI)
Vložit
- čas přidán 24. 08. 2022
- This Video has been requested since I picked up this 2014 Subaru WRX Hatch. Today we are installing a 2015 Plus Subaru WRX STI Steering rack into the 2014 hatch. The main reason I am doing this swap is that my stock rack is literally peeing Power steering fluid everywhere. So if you have to or want to swap your rack I highly suggest the 2015+ rack. The newer STI rack has a much better ratio and is about the same price. For the most part, it will bolt right up into a 08-14 WRX and STI without issue. Now if you are a wrx owner I highly suggest getting the STI U Joint Steering linkage as well.
Save Some Coin at Rally Sport Direct Using Code "Smeedia"
www.rallysportdirect.com/
2015+ Power Steering Rack: bit.ly/3AlQWg7
Power Steering Fluid: amzn.to/3ALdjNg
STI Steering U Joint: bit.ly/3QUnXXN
Cotter Pins: amzn.to/3CsXso3
The suction thing for old fluid: amzn.to/3RaiWtM
Quick Jacks Because they are nice: amzn.to/3Ki2vta
Tools For The Garage:
Special Oil Funnel: amzn.to/3oeyiCq
Coolant Burping Tank: amzn.to/3iesMfn
3/8" Socket Seet: amzn.to/3uf2dLT
1/4" Socket Set: amzn.to/2XPEd5K
3/8" Impact Gun: amzn.to/3lYfO6q
3/8" Ratcheting Wrench: amzn.to/3ueQNYu
Batteries for those electric tools: amzn.to/3zQE5A5
Floor Jack: amzn.to/39KdE4y
Jack Stands: amzn.to/2WfVWCT
Gucci Screw Driver Set: amzn.to/3EXGTPN
Hook and Pick Set: amzn.to/3kJdeBJ
Audio:
Fungible - Hiracutch
Septermber Rain - YME
Fresh up - Tubebackr - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Update for those with VDC Lights (hill assist and traction control) after the swap. Subaru can reset the vdc system and clear the lights permanently. 6 months light free on mine
Literally was coming to this video for that info. Do they charge much for it?
Think it was about $60
@@Smeedia thank you! It’s like you helped me build my car I appreciate all that you do.
Do I get a two thousand fourteen or two thousand fifteen hubbaring assembly
Bump
A pro tip for anyone doing this🚨. I found it much easier to get the power steering lines on and off by disconnecting the main line directly from the power steering pump. That way you can just attach the lines with no restrictions. However, you will need to get a new gasket for the power steering line. If you’re going to the dealership to get fluid anyways you can just pick one up while you’re there.
I wish I would have don't it that way 😅
Another pro tip: if you have new or upgraded outer tie rods (I'm running a Whiteline RCA kit), you don't need to remove the front tires, just use a 14mm wrench to spin the inner tie rods out of the outer.
Also: if you drop the rack completely down, it makes it wayyyy easier to detach are reattach the lines from the rack. Lube the o-rings before reattching the lines.
It’s simply the fact that I love all your videos and will watch them all even if I don’t need the info. I enjoy learning
Here to spread what I know and what I find out 🤝🙏
I love that you covered this. Such a huge issue with ALL subarus. My rack is on its way out the door itself.
No fun 😢 hopefully the swap goes smoothly for you as well!
Best thing to wake up to in the morning for a coffee , stay blessed my man ! Sending love from aus
What kinda coffee you got today 👀🔥
Great job on the explanation, centering the rack still gets me. Looking forward to the next step.
One would assume that would come ore centered 😅
It's the simple things that always turn into a headache. Glad you got it centered and figured out. Can't wait for first start 🔥
Was about to throw that thing in the road 😅😅😅
@@Smeedia I probably would have 😅
Honestly I'm watching this simply because I love you're content and the knowledge you share, definitely not something I can tackle on my 07 but it does help with diagnosis and understanding the system even better than I've been taught at the shops I worked in. A+ all the way man great video
Eyyyy always appreciate it my friend 💪🤝 always hate dealing with the power steering system 😮💨
@@Smeedia it's such a pain
Bro irony I came on CZcams too look up a steering rack swap and this was the first video on my recommendations 😮
😳😳😳
this is in the works for my '11 STi hatback also! perfect timing my guy!
You'll love the feel from the new rack 🤝
I am an E and just wanted to watch it. It is good seeing the work on the WRX and as always the STI.
Eyyyy, always appreciate the support Aaron 🤝🙏
15+ is the best cost effective steering upgrade in the older cars. 13:1 for the win!
It's a noticeable diffrenece swapping to them 🔥
@@Smeedia absolutely! even more so when coming from the older 15:1 racks
Right on time! You are a lifesaver! About to have to do this on my 03 bugeye. She’s leaking just as bad as the hatch was in this video. The Subaru community is blessed to have you on their side 🙏🏽.
Trying to help where I can 🤝💪
Does this work on 02-07s or only 08-14s?
@MightandMagic88 yes works on GDs just gotta do a lot of research on the forums
F: I watch every Smeedia video because Tanner makes amazing content that makes me want to build Subarus.
My man ❤️🤝
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!! I’ve heard about this swap but there isn’t a good guide out there. I’m about to do a full engine and PS rack build and was debating doing this.
Definitely worth doing if your swapping it out 🥳
Good as always, doing everything I wish I could be doing just don't have the money or the garage. Keep killing it man
Takes time but you can get there 🔥💪
D.E.F.G - Enjoy all your videos even if they don't directly pertain to my Subie. Will always watch and support the channel.
Eyyy always appreciate the continued support my friend 🙏❤️
Killing it with the uploads lately man! I love it!
Eyyyy, thank you Andy 🤝🤝🤝
Literally just did this last month. Absolute PITA to do solo but swapping the u-joint, bushings, and rack was so worth it. Beats still having my rack puke fluid everywhere
Almost anything is better than a pukey rack 😅🙏
Hey! I just did this too my car. Is it normal for the steering to feel super stiff??
man I just got a 2012 wrx hatchback 3 weeks ago I am really enjoying these videos :)
Eyyyy how have you been liking it?!
@@Smeedia i am in love lol!
your so far into your build already, so damn happy for you!
I'm finally putting the sti motor back in tomorrow then it's time to oil up and fill the new rad, get a etune base map and start the revision process!
Ohhhhh excited to get it going?! 🥳🥳
@@Smeedia very, I spent 14 hours putting it back in, doing all the hosing and wiring harness since I was also doing custom fuel lines blind. it doesn't turn over but everything kicks on
I watch every one of your videos because you’re awesome.
Oh, and great information also. 👍🏽
Thank you George! 🥳
Did it to my 2014 STI, got the cusco steering rack brace with is also, and a huge big difference! Nice!
That brace and bushings are on my to do list 🤝
@charlie589 did you have to change to a 2015+ U link as well? Trying to do this to my 2014 sti
@TraumAx11 all I did was pull out my old steering rack out and put in the 15 sti steering rack in that's all I did with the cusco steering brace.
Maybe we are subscribed and just enjoy seeing what you come up with and where you are going.
Eyyyy always appreciate the support Damien ❤️💪
That’s actually really funny with the steering center. I did an alignment on a jeep today, everything went great. Nice and easy. I go to pull it off my rack at work and it won’t turn left at all😂 it turns right 2 full turns lmao. I’ve don’t keeps and never had an issue. I lift it back up and notice they have an adjustable aftermarket steering damper! It’s like a strut that attaches to steering to make a jeeps steering wheel more controllable. Easily fixed it but I was laughing so hard at this 😂
Lmao sounds about hoe mine was when I tried to turn the wheel 😅😅😅
I literally just got mine yesterday perfect timing!!!!!
Eyyyyyy 🥳🥳🥳🥳
Just here to watch. Supporting the channel dawg. Keep up the grind 💪🏻
Always appreciated Chad ❤️
You can thank flatiron for adding that to their website when I did this a couple years back haha. Colorado represent! chase bays makes a nice kit for the res too. I'm on the fence about doing am electric driven pump eventually too. had to rebuild a pump. 2008 gt but I had the whiteline tie rods and just needed the smaller jam nuts instead of trimming
A great video brother. Man labor intensive on that steering rack.
Honestly wasn't too bad, mainly atruggled with the centering portion 😅
C, D lol my 13 STI already has a 18+ steering rack in, since mine started leaking from the steering column seal so i blew the $600 on a new one from subaru in 2018, changes the feel of the car thats for sure coming from the OEM 15:1 to the 15+ 13:1, I love it.
Glad to hear it's been treating you well, those newer racks are wayyy better 🔥
Another awesome video. I'm having a slow leak around the reservoir (looks like) from the side facing the firewall.
Pimping out the hatch. Great install
Welcome to today's episode of pimp my hatch 😅🤝
dude this thing is gonna be so sick it’s sooo close 😮💨😮💨
Should be starting up today 🔥💪
Just did this swap, figured out that the steering linkage is able to slide up on the steering wheel linkage to disconnect easily from the steering rack. 🎉
You're making me realize I should just go to Subaru to get all my random parts and fluids instead of trying to find compatible parts and fluids... So much less headache
Oem is the way, makes things so much easier 😅 for the most part subarus are like Legos
Always making improvements!! Name of the game! Keep on keepin on 👊🏻😎
Gotta keep the progress rolling 🥳🤝
The timing of this is amazing. I replace my leakin WRX steering rack with a used and “rebuilt” STI RnP anddddd a brand new leak started again about a week ago. FML…been carrying a massive jug of power steering fluid in case this day came again 😖 i can agree, fck those lines.
Ughhhhh sorry to hear about the rebuilt rack being all leaky 😢
Well im very glad you let us know to Center the Rack cause I could tell mine was off a few inches so time to drop it and re center it before I put the tranny back in and start bleeding the system. :D
Definitely get that done before getting more stuff in the way 😅
@@Smeedia Hey Sooooooooooo Question. I do not know If I tightened the the Serpentine Belt to much or What but I've bled the System after install and "Full Bled" it but since Im not a smart guy I did Everything my self considering. Anyways, I have a slight Unease "Is the best way to Explain" on the Steering Wheel when turning into basically anything Seems like it Stumbles I still need an Alignment but other than that everything and anything I thought it was Bled. But it seems Like im missing something. No leaks nothing but when full Lock to Lock when the engine Turned off the Reservoir of the PS Fluid Flows to the Top not sure if its too much PS fluid or what my 2010 WRX was much easier to Work on LOL (P.S Power Steering Pump was Replaced as Well and Return and Feed Lines for PS and new 15+ Rack was installed)
C. I am just here so i have something to watch during my lunch break😂
What was for lunch 👀
@@Smeedia ham sandwich, chips and jerky. Cheap and basic!
Oh boy… first off, great video.. SECONDLY!! I don’t think I checked my rotational turns to all the way left to all the way right.. soooo now I’ve got some PTSD going on… haven’t had any issues and have great turning radius!!
For anyone who doesn’t have any crows feet and just happens to have stubby wrenches. That’s what I used and they worked just fine. Just gotta finesse them lines a little!!
Just drove out to the parking lot at work to check.. WE’RE GOOD!!!!!
Also, any of you who want to do this swap. You can grab a wretched strap and strap the steering wheel down. Just wrap it around your brake pedal and the 12 o’clock position of the steering wheel. Be careful not to overlap the strap with your horn because when you tighten it down you’ll compress the horn and make some noise.. as funny as it was it was definitely a blonde moment!
@@FNG_Lon19 dude the horn would scare the shit out if me if I was not expecting it 😅😅😅
@@Smeedia definitely surprised me! 😂😅
Did this on my 14 sti hatch after it developed a leak. Fantastic mod!
Notice a diffrenece? 👀🔥
@@Smeedia subtle, but yeah.
Hey! I did this to mine just recently and my steering is pretty stiff. Is this normal??
C and D. You’re entertaining mate, love your videos. 👍
I just had the shop do mine haha. But if I would have had this video then who knows. Definitely wouldn't be as fun on jack stands outside. Still cool to watch ✌
Definitely not a fun time but very do able 😅🤝
I just replaced the seals last week in my sti. So far no leaks 🙏🏽
🤞🤞🤞
Option F:) I wanted to follow along in the series of hatch videos! =)
Eyyyy my man's coming in clutch over here 🤝💪
A. I watch every video B. Im doing my steering rack bushings rn C. I want to put the 15’+ rack in future D. Im on Workers comp sitting at home E. it’s Smeedia 😜. I have to. Love u bro.
How'd the bushings go? 👀👀👀
@@Smeedia didn’t finish. Had a hell of a time getting old one out with the tool they gave. Wish car was jacked higher. In the midst of still finishing. Also realized need a new boot. The rack was new before ai bough it with a stock one. So about 20k km on it. So not much. Really greasy and oily. Have done fluid changes so maybe why. I don’t think it’s leaking. I’m gonna try and recruit help
A-Z keep it up! Content is on 🔥🔥📈👌
We gor the whole alphabet going on 🔥🔥🔥
F. I'm just here to support my favorite youtuber.
My man ❤️ always appreciate the support💪
I’m with the choice of D….. just here for the you guys
My man Mike ❤️💪
This probably is obvious but I made this mistake. The steering linkage only goes on ONE way. If you don't line up the flat side with the bolt, you will fuck up a few splines and also ruin the bolt. I did this not paying attention and flattened a few splines the width of the bolt. This in turn also caused the linkage thread to become messed up.
I had to re-tap the threads on the linkage. I finally realized there was a flat side (it was facing up towards the engine bay) and it went on no problem.
Few splines flattened but, it still slide on fine and it was a very small portion of a full 360 degree. I got pretty lucky.
Lessons to be learned here.
I did this swap on my 11 WRX. One thing to be aware of with the WRX is that the VDC system is combined with the traction control unlike the STI where you can turn them on and off individually. What happens is with traction control on the VDC freaks out because the wheel speed variation between the two front sensors no longer matches the input from the steering angle sensor and it thinks the car is losing traction causing the traction control to kick on prematurely. Not the best thing when you're in the middle of an intersection trying to make a turn before oncoming cars. It's only rare occasions with abrupt inputs that causes it to happen though. The solution is driving with the traction control OFF because this also disables the VDC. Alternatively you can program an arduino to scale the signal from the steering angle sensor to fool the ECU into thinking everything is good. I don't mind TC being off but if it's something that bothers you it should be considered with a WRX. This isn't an issue with the STI because you can control the VDC individually. Aside from that I absolutely love this mod. It really wakes the car up in the corners.
I went through the same thing with the uncentered rack when I got mine from Subaru. Thankfully I had already learned from my mistakes where I accidentally uncentered racks in previous installs so it wasn't much of an issue.
Good to know, I've heard this is hit or miss with some WRXs out there (don't know how true this may be though but I'll be keeping an eye on it)
The uncontested rack was not a fun time tk re-enter in car 😅
You can activate the vdc individually buy the computer to Male sure they are functioning correctly. Also to let the rest of the air in the system.
Haney ducking Loma.
@@Smeedia I was actually one of the first people to do this swap back in late 2015 when the racks first became available and provided a bunch of feedback on the forums. So I've spoken with quite a few people about it and it does seem pretty hit or miss with some never experiencing it at all. I'm wondering if it's right on the threshold for variations in the allowable signal range. Either that or maybe it has something to do with suspension and wheel/tire setups being different.
Mine came on today 😅 goinf to try and use ssm to see if I can recal the thresholds to sort it
Killing it man!!!! Grub and rest up!!
Eyyy thank you my friend 🥳
It definitely a great upgrade for the LegacyGT.
Yassssss 😁😁😁😁
I went with hardrace tierods and the whiteline bump steer correction kit and mounting bushings. TBH its hard to tell how much better it is as the car just handles so god damn well, you gotta be going dangerously fast to lose traction. Looks mint underneath now tho.
I was on the fence about doing thrm bur decided I'd put it off for a bit 😅
Going to attempt this on my 05 STi. Wish me luck!🙃
Good luck 🥳🥳🥳
Doing this right now on my 13 wrx 🥲 appreciate this video and the links to flatiron to get the parts needed
We just love watching ur videos bro.....🤝🙏
❤️❤️❤️❤️
If ya need the alignment bud best in WA is Rob out at Clark's Wheel alignment in Kirkland. Well worth the drive. Wide body evo at the paint shop is sick. 315s on it.
Normally I use VW of Auburn if im.not doing my own, only local shop with an kn ground rack 😮💨
@@Smeedia There rack is level and drive on as it sits in a pit so anything can drive on. All my low ass cars go there. Only place I recommend and I drive from Kitsap to get there and I've tried them all. Great paint shop next door as well Same owner.
good old seat belt trick if one is worried about steering wheel moving during removal
Debated doing that as well lol
Reason F: we’re awesome subs helping our boy out trying to get that sweet CZcams money.
My man, always appreciate the support❤️
I try my best
This was one of my favorite upgrade for my GR WRX. It was such a pain to get the lines connected though...
You definitely need to make sure that thing is centered before it's installed. When I did mine, I have to move the U-joint by one tooth to get the wheel perfectly straight. My alignment was already really close by counting threads when I got it aligned. I think the poly rack bushings also made a big difference in feel. No issue with the VDC freaking out or anything as some people in the forums have, it's perfect.
Same, so far no issues with VDC. I think VDC freaks out if center is seriously off when installing the rack
You should do a cosmetic upgrade with that crack in the front cover. Drill holes and crisscross zip ties to give it extra character.
Going to snag a new bumper lol
This is awesome, wonder if theres a way to install the STi hydraulic rack on the VA WRX make it work with the FA engine. that would be sweet!
Me coming back to this video because I just saw the boot on my steering rack blown 🥲
I wish this came out sooner, just recently got my steering rack replaced a couple months ago on my ''13 STI. I hear this gen has common steering leak issues.
Yesssss the racks tend to leak quite a bit 😮💨
Lmao same. Had my rack replaced couple months ago on my 13 STI
What happened in 2013 lol mine 2013 sti is spaying like old faithful
Have absolutely no need to watch this cause I have a va body 🤣 but still gonna support the channel and the build
Eyyyyy if your rack every goes out and you gotta swap it,its same same 😅🔥
@@Smeedia facts! But let's not speak on that it might hear us🤣
def doing this on my 2013 PBP felt like something was missing from the steering and i think its the link to replace the damper and the lower steering ratio. 13:1 sounds ideal
You'll love the diffrenece compared to the stock set up 🔥
Early af day i don’t remember 👍😂
Reason I’m watching is cause it’s a after work ritual 😂
Half hour early today 😅🙏
E: you are just hilarious and I needed some good entertainment.
Eyyyy I'm about it 💪🤝
👀👀👀 I personally struggle when installing these at work for customers lol the steering rack and pinion, some vehicles have pesky differences. And Im like 5ft tall installing these is a challenge 😂😂😂😂....
😭 .
They're always a PIA to do 😅
Watching at work for educational purposes
Smart man 🤝🤝🤝
Don't get caught lol
What the boss don’t know, don’t hurt the boss😂
I went the repair route with my 12, it was a hit for a while, now it's a miss. Regardless, little trick for the steering wheel, lock it in with the seat belt. lock it in straight and wrap the belt around it and just buckle her in. Or a ratchet strap around the bottom pillar of the wheel to the brake pedal, don't gotta go ham just enough tension to lock it down.
I debated doing this very was hesitant that it might damage the alcatera on the wheel 😅
@@Smeedia that's fair it doesn't require a ton of force applied. Wrap the alcantara with a clean used Tshirt you don't care about. I'm so excited for this build.
I’m here for ALL OF THE ABOVE. Plus smashing the LIKE BUTTON
MY DUUUUUDE 💪💪💪
18:10 Matt, the steering rack whisperer! 😆
Also, back filling the power steering pump can help to prime
Going to have to do that next time 🤝
I have a 2015+ steering rack in my 2008 STI it's great. Much tighter feel. Only part now is my power steering pump has a whine on cold start. Blargh.
Night and day difference between those racks 🤌
Matt the cause of this could be the pump seal is slowing starting to go or the ez fix the hose back to the res is supper old and hard. This hose should be soft allowing compression when hard turning. could also be the belt slipping a bit from age.
@@paulkorobkov3658 I’ve replaced the low pressure lines with Samco ones when I did a 2015 rack. Done the o-ring on the low pressure elbow. Still some whine 🫠
new to your channel so i haven’t found the video on it yet but may i ask what wheels those are? they look great.
A heads up for anyone doing this! Double check your powersteering lines and make sure they arent rubbing on your exhaust when you are done. Painful and expensive lesson😅
Oh 😳😳😳
Id like to see a how to install and review of the driving feel differences of some body stiffening parts. Whether that's a bunch of the Cusco, soul function, kein or ultra racing chassis bracing parts.
I can make that happen in the near future 🤝
@@Smeedia dooooo iiiitttttt! While it would be more work installing and reviewing each piece individually would be really helpful for folks to know which braces help with which stock issues.
Did this on my 2011 wrx. Worked for about 3 days and lost all power steering. Been trying for almost 6 months to figure out what. New pump, fluid pumping through the lines. Vacuum bleed multiple times ect. Still nothing. Even had it at subaru and they can't figure it out. Sorry about to rip my hair out. Ready to go back to the oem rack. Thanks for any insight
This is the video I’ve been waiting for!!!! My steering rack leaks worse than the valve cover or my wife on the rag.
My man you are doing me a huge favor with this video!
Eyyyy glad that it will help 🤝🥳
Be happy its atf and not actual power steering fluid. That means you get to keep all your paint.
Corrosion is real 😮💨
When I had my 09 wrx the housing for the pinion gear (between the rack and the steering linkage, it bolts into the top of the rack) had a seal that blew and was leaking fluid. Changing that was the biggest PITA. I hate the smell of power steering fluid now.
I hate the feeling of it, after washing my hands it just still felt like it was there 😮💨
I don't think you mentioned it, but make sure the steering rack is centered. Mine came and was cranked almost all to one side. Made sure to center the rack so I didn't have to add a clock spring to the repair list.
Nevermind, hadn't finished the video. Haha great video btw
That's how mine was too 😅 thing was full turned left 😅
My answer is: E! I love build videos
❤️❤️❤️❤️
"Maybe you just wanna watch it"
Aint that the best reason? haha
That it is my friend 🤝🤝
Came here for the sexy vid. Did not disappoint. 👌
David 🍻
Do you know if this rack will fit/install the same for a 07 WRX? I currently have the engine and axles out so it should be easier to access the lines. Instead of cutting I’d imagine I could use 07 end links if they thread the same since they’ll be shorter. Trying to decide if I should buy the rack or not tho
Will you eventually be recording in 1440p or higher? Love the videos man! I fully plan to swap to a 15+ rack once mine goes out.
Yes, but I need to upgrade my PC to edit 4K, I can kinda edit 4K now but it takes forever to edit. I just don't have 2K to send on a graphics card and new possessor 😮💨
Or F.
You previously had a hatch with the dreaded leak after getting an alignment and dropped the rack to replace the seal...and it was fixed for about 2 weeks until it started eating fluid.
That's why I never even try with the seals 😢
Nice upgrade.... When's the first start-up now... Looking forward to seeing it run ... GLW Start-up
Started it up tonight 🥳 video should be out tomorrow afternoon 💪
Answer E because I watch all your vids haha
❤️❤️❤️
Thought the new rack and pinion with tighter turn ratio was last 3 of part number 121 not 120? Wrong?
Is the STI u-joint required for this swap? I got the Torqued Solution Steering Dampers instead.
will this work for the 09 wrx narrow body? my leaks like a sieve and would love to fix it
I have a hard time not trying to look at the outback while I can't see much it looks so clean
Even better a legacy gt
We got em all 👀🔥
My 2009 Subaru is right hand drive i wonder if it’s the same process.
It should come centered. Because every time I installed the steering rack it's always centered. But I do centered the steering wheel first before i removed it then lock it after its centered. Then measure the old rack/ the outer tierod end from the end of jam nut. subaru I I've done this alot it make it easy to centered the steering rack.
Can verify that mine was way off center, a few others said same thing happened with them 😅
@@Smeedia yes sometimes cause my coworkers installed a 2017 sti and it was off center. I called the warehouse they said something the worker doesn't check it correctly, and ending up shipping those rack off center.
I just did this replacement and is it normal that my steering is super stiff now? Please respond asap before i mess up my car😭
option f, big fan :)
Eyyyy, appreciate the support Jeff 🥳
Thanks Tanner
Anytime my friend 🙏🙏🙏