Subaru Impreza Coilovers

Subaru recall 11V464 (WVX-34) covers front lower arms that can rust and break at the hanger brackets, on cars living or ever registered in 20 salt states and DC. Dealers test the arms, then rustproof or replace both. A rusted arm is a safety problem coilovers will not fix, and that arm is right next to the strut.

Before you install: Run the VIN for this recall and check the lower arm hanger brackets for rust before fitting coilovers.

Subaru bulletin 05-61-16 covers a popping sound from the front strut mounts on low speed turns. Dealers check the date code under each mount and replace mounts made before December 25, 2015 with a revised design. If it pops now, the factory mount may be the cause, so check whether your kit reuses it or replaces it.

Before you install: Note any popping on slow turns before the install, and check which top mounts your kit uses so the old mount is not carried over.

Subaru bulletin 05-75-20 covers a cracking sound when turning, traced to the front coil spring touching the strut bearing. The fix is a redesigned front spring with slightly more coils. Spring to bearing contact makes noise, so the spring must seat correctly against its upper mount.

Before you install: Seat the spring ends in their perches and set preload to the kit maker's figure. Then turn lock to lock at a stop and listen.

A GC owner on I-Club says lowering springs left about one degree of negative rear camber, versus a factory figure he gives as half a degree. A lowered 2005 STI owner on ScoobyNet reports minus 1.75, the factory adjustment limit. The factory rear adjustment is small, so a big drop can hurt tire wear.

Before you install: Plan the ride height first, and ask us whether your kit's rear mounts adjust camber or whether rear camber plates or bolts are needed.