Tips & Tricks: How To Maintain Your WRX Suspension

Maintaining the Subaru WRX’s legendary handling requires consistent suspension system care. From tackling tight hairpin turns to subduing bumps on a daily drive, the suspension works relentlessly to keep each ride smooth, stable, and controlled.

A maintained suspension system supports maximum tire contact with the road and precise steering response. Neglecting the suspension can cause premature wear and compromised handling.

To avoid expensive auto repairs down the line, learn the top tips and tricks for maintaining your WRX suspension. From routine inspections to strategic upgrades, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your suspension system running at peak performance.

The Foundation of Suspension Maintenance

Inspect Suspension Components Regularly

Inspect the suspension every few months. Look for oil leaks around the struts and shocks, which indicate worn seals that need attention. Check for rust, corrosion, or damage to suspension arms and mounting points. Pay special attention to rubber bushings that might crack or deteriorate over time.

Run your hands along the shock absorbers and struts to feel for any oil residue. Even small amounts of fluid indicate internal wear that will worsen without intervention. During your inspection, examine the coil springs for cracks or signs of sagging, particularly if your WRX has high mileage.

Keep an Eye on Wheel Alignment

Misaligned wheels negatively affect the suspension’s longevity and the vehicle’s handling capabilities. They force suspension components to work harder, causing uneven tire wear and premature failure.

Check the alignment if you notice the WRX pulling to one side, the steering wheel vibrating, or uneven tire wear patterns.

Don’t Ignore Strange Noises

Your WRX suspension system communicates through sound. Clunking noises over bumps commonly indicate worn strut mounts or damaged sway bar links. Squeaking during turns typically points to worn bushings or ball joints that need lubrication or replacement.

Grinding sounds during steering or suspension movement require immediate attention, as they usually indicate metal-on-metal contact from severely worn components. Address these sounds promptly to prevent more extensive damage to your suspension system.

Replace Suspension Parts on Schedule

It’s best to follow Subaru’s recommended replacement intervals for suspension parts. However, you can adjust the intervals based on your driving habits.

Performance driving, rough roads, and harsh weather accelerate component wear. Struts and shocks typically need replacement between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

Replace suspension components in pairs to maintain balanced handling. When one strut fails, its partner on the same axle has likely experienced similar wear. Replace the strut and axle simultaneously for the best results.

For enthusiasts, we like to upgrade many of the wear components. These components may have varying repair or replacement timeframes. It is recommended to check with the manufacturer regarding their recommended maintenance schedules.

Elevate Your Ride With Aftermarket Suspension Upgrades

Coilovers

Coilovers represent the ultimate level of suspension customization for your WRX. These systems combine springs and dampers into a single unit to offer adjustable ride height and damping characteristics.

A quality coilover allows you to fine-tune the suspension to accommodate various driving conditions. Street-focused options achieve sharper cornering and a tailored ride feel, while track-oriented setups prioritize vehicle performance over ride comfort and quality.

Upgraded Sway Bars

Aftermarket sway bars significantly improve your WRX’s cornering capabilities by reducing body roll during aggressive driving. Thicker sway bars transfer load more effectively between wheels. Upgraded sway bars provide better tire contact with the pavement through turns.

Performance Bushings

Replacing factory rubber bushings with polyurethane alternatives improves suspension precision and longevity. Performance bushings reduce flex in suspension mounting points to provide more direct feedback and improved handling response.

Lowering Springs

For WRX owners seeking improved aesthetics and handling without the complexity of coilovers, quality lowering springs offer an excellent compromise. A well-designed Subaru suspension kit with properly matched springs and dampers can lower your vehicle’s center of gravity for a sportier stance and better road grip.

Strut Tower Brace

Strut tower braces connect the tops of your front struts, reducing chassis flex during cornering. This relatively simple modification improves steering precision and can help maintain wheel alignment under hard driving conditions.

Key Benefits of Upgrading the Suspension

Enhanced Control

Aftermarket suspension components provide superior control over your WRX’s handling dynamics. Adjustable dampers allow you to dial in the perfect balance between comfort and performance. Upgraded springs and sway bars reduce unwanted body movement during aggressive driving.

Improved Ride Comfort

Quality aftermarket suspension parts can improve ride comfort. Performance dampers offer sophisticated valving that provides support over small bumps. Drivers will maintain control during considerable suspension movements.

Customized Setup

Performance suspension allows you to tailor your WRX’s characteristics to your specific preferences and driving style. Track enthusiasts can prioritize maximum grip and minimal body roll, while daily drivers can focus on balancing performance with comfort.

High Durability

Are your current suspension parts made from superior materials and construction? Premium aftermarket modifications often provide better quality than factory parts. Stainless steel construction, advanced damper designs, and high-quality bushings can provide years of reliable performance under demanding conditions.

Maintenance Tips for Aftermarket Upgrades

Aftermarket suspension requires slightly different maintenance approaches than factory components. Regularly clean coilovers with adjustable settings to prevent dirt and salt from affecting the adjustment mechanisms. Apply appropriate lubricants to threaded adjustment collars to ensure proper operation.

Performance bushings may require periodic lubrication with specific compounds recommended by the manufacturer. Some polyurethane bushings benefit from specialized greases that reduce squeaking.

Monitor aftermarket components closely during the first few thousand miles after installation. Initial settling may require minor adjustments to maintain performance and ride quality.

WRXDaily’s Unmatched Quality

Maintaining your WRX’s suspension requires a balance of care, attention, and the right parts to ensure a responsive and confidence-inspiring ride. By focusing on proactive maintenance and exploring the range of high-quality upgrades available, you can unlock the full potential of your WRX. With the right tips and tricks for maintaining your WRX suspension, you can help keep your vehicle performing flawlessly, no matter how demanding the road ahead might be.

When it comes to sourcing premium aftermarket modifications for your WRX, WRXDaily stands out as a trusted authority. With a curated selection of industry-leading suspension components, from adjustable coilovers to high-performance sway bars, WRXDaily ensures every product meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Our commitment to automotive excellence and dedication to our loyal customers make us the ideal partner for elevating your WRX’s handling and reliability. Turn to WRXDaily for a seamless experience and the expertise you need to take your WRX suspension up a notch.