Control arm/transverse link bushing replacement = alignment?

[wtdash]

After replacing my passenger side bushing for the 2nd time, I upgraded both of my liquid-filled bushings to the STi ones as the pass. one had started leaking some of that secret Subie gel again.

Here's the STi vs. a WRX (very similar to Legacy):


The pass. side was easy in/out and holes lined up. The driver's side was a PITA as the holes didn't line up. I turned it 180 (around the center/not front to back) and it seemed better, but I still had to use a lever to get it to align....not a lot of pressure but enough to move it about 1/2 of the bolt hole.

EDIT: I had an install issue on another car......just to clarify: the taper / chamfer in the bore of each bushing is visible below - the tapered end goes forward toward front of car.

Now while driving the car pulls to the right.


Did I mess something up or just need an alignment?

Thanks

P.S. Here are Part numbers as the old ones are obsolete:
1. RIGHT
NEW
PART NO. PART NAME QTY
20201FA050 BUSH AY-T/V LINK 1
20540FA010 BOLT CT/V LINK 2
OLD
20201AA031 OR 20201AA030 BUSH AY-T/V 1


2. LEFT
NEW
20201FA060 BUSH AY-T/V LINK 1
20540FA010 BOLT C-T/V LINK 2

OLD
20201AA041 OR 20201AA040 BUSH AY-T/V 1

STI (cheaper, too!)
Here are the STI transverse link bushings. The part numbers are:
left: B0200FE010
right:B0200FE000

Note the taper between the two.






You can see how the taper on the control arm in this pic:

[entirelyturbo]

My guess would be that the last time you did an alignment, the tech adjusted something beyond its normal spec to compensate for the screwed-up bushing, thus keeping the car from pulling.

Now, with the new bushings, and everything lining up the way it should, your previously-straight alignment is now off.

So probably just a new alignment is in order.

[Legacy777]

There's enough play when doing those bushings that your alignment is probably off.

I just did the exact same thing on the Impreza because the passenger side bushing was leaking.

I need to get the car aligned after I get new tires.

[glennda5id]

I know this is an old thread, but is the STI bushing supposed to be a drop in replacement for the normal bushing on a legacy? It sounds like the original poster had a hard time getting the bushing in. I'm curious because I need new ones but wound't mind saving a few bucks.

[wtdash]

Being the OP, I should remember...but I don't recall HOW I fixed it...I did also put in WRX struts about this same time, so I'm guessing I just got an alignment to fix it....still running the same setup and it's been fine.

Also, the STI bushings seemed to cause my car to turn-in quicker, so be ready.

If interested in the STi ones, look for anti lift kit/ ALK/Transverse Link Bushings in the Classifieds on NASIOC.

GL,
Td

[92legacyprocess]

thanks guys, even tho i didnt post in this, it still helped me alot. my leggy's Tv Links were leaky and i couldnt find replacements(on the net) for the life of me. and i wasnt about to go pull some of some old salvage yard car. B0200FE000(Lh) and b0200FE010(rh) are the part numbers on the Sti bushings if anyone else needs.

[Legacy777]

Welcome to the BBS.

Glad to hear the thread helped you out.

[tireboy]

thank you very much it helped me a lot. this thread is very helpful! I got still a little problem on my control arm but this really helped me a lot thanks

[ciper]

In case anyone cares you can use OE 98-02 forester bushings for an OE looking ALK.