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Old 09-04-2020, 01:51 PM   #1
BoxerLover
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Default car is braking on its own when turning left

I know it might be a long shot asking the internet on what my issue could be, but figured what else do I have to lose.

Car is a 2011 wrx with feal coilovers. Steering rack was rebuilt after finding leaks.

I've been trying to chase this issue where my car will feel like its braking on its own on left hand turns only. Right hand turns are perfectly fine. Happens typically on certain off/on ramps going at moderate to fast speeds. It almost feels like the abs is engaging, but at times no traction control lights come on. If I turn off the traction control, the symptoms disappear.

I've had the car mechanically checked (bearings, abs module, ecu scanned, speed sensors) rebuilt the steering rack thinking that was the issue, had alignments, and the issue still remains.

If I were to drive the car through some twisties, I'm always afraid of left hand turns because the car will act erratically by forcing me to brake, throwing around the weight of the car.

From my research I've heard that people having similar issues found the clock spring to be the issue, while others had issues with their speed sensors, or abs sensors. The shop I've taken the car to said they've looked into those things and cant find any issues. Kind of lost as to what to look into next to rule out.
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Old 09-04-2020, 02:35 PM   #2
T-37
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A clock spring would have been my first guess too...but I would think your turn signal cancel would give that away

Is there a G-sensor somewhere associated with stability control?
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Old 09-04-2020, 07:30 PM   #3
BoxerLover
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T-37 View Post
A clock spring would have been my first guess too...but I would think your turn signal cancel would give that away

Is there a G-sensor somewhere associated with stability control?
To be honest, I’m not a 100% sure. I’m sure there is though. Just don’t know how that system works. The shop that I’ve taken the car to did a quick drive around with a monitor connected to the ecu. Said he couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary like drop in signals from sensors or any codes.
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Old 09-05-2020, 01:52 PM   #4
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check and see if the inside edge of the front left tire is rubbing against the framerail on turns.
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Old 09-06-2020, 11:42 PM   #5
CaptainSlowbaru
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My '13 WRX is doing the exact same thing, left turns only. I noticed it as soon as I installed a '15 STi rack after the original leaked. I'm beginning to suspect the steering angle sensor needs a re-calibration, but I haven't spent enough time on it yet. Unfortunately for me I'm on my own trying to figure it out, being a Subaru dealer tech and all...

I'll keep this thread updated when I get some answers.
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Old 09-10-2020, 01:10 PM   #6
BoxerLover
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainSlowbaru View Post
My '13 WRX is doing the exact same thing, left turns only. I noticed it as soon as I installed a '15 STi rack after the original leaked. I'm beginning to suspect the steering angle sensor needs a re-calibration, but I haven't spent enough time on it yet. Unfortunately for me I'm on my own trying to figure it out, being a Subaru dealer tech and all...

I'll keep this thread updated when I get some answers.

Great. Please keep me posted. Is that steering angle sensor something that would go bad over time? Or is that some type of gremlin that just pops up randomly?

I dont know how to approach the shop Ive had my car checked about checking the steering sensor because they say everything looks normal. I kind of want them to just reset it just for the hell of it to see if it does anything.

Another thing they said might be going bad is the abs module located next to the intake. They recommended ordering a used/good condition module since those things are pretty expensive new from subaru.
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Old 09-10-2020, 02:13 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cboggess View Post
check and see if the inside edge of the front left tire is rubbing against the framerail on turns.

Thanks! I'll definitely look into that, but I dont think its any form of rubbing. Especially since it only happens turning left and not when im turning right. I've done a bunch of oil changes and always make sure to do a visual inspection and havent seen any evidence of rubbing. Chasing down this issue, I've literally laid underneath my car for long periods of time just trying to see if anything seems out of the ordinary. Visually it looks fine. Its frustrating. My wrx handles like doo doo.
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Old 09-10-2020, 03:10 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BoxerLover View Post
Thanks! I'll definitely look into that, but I dont think its any form of rubbing. Especially since it only happens turning left and not when im turning right. I've done a bunch of oil changes and always make sure to do a visual inspection and havent seen any evidence of rubbing. Chasing down this issue, I've literally laid underneath my car for long periods of time just trying to see if anything seems out of the ordinary. Visually it looks fine. Its frustrating. My wrx handles like doo doo.
There is a plate that is bolted to the inner tie rod that is under the boot. It's a rack travel limiter.

I have seen people either not put them on or put them in the wrong place. Too close, and you don't get full angle. Too far and a wide tire will rub the frame rail. Hence my suggestion.

Please check it out and update the thread as it seems you're not the only person with this issue.
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Old 09-11-2020, 03:27 PM   #9
BoxerLover
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Thanks! Good suggestion. Is it something that can be seen visually? Or is it somewhat buried in the rack. Also, the symptoms go away when I turn the track control off which is why I am not sure if it is a mechanical or electrical issue.
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Old 09-17-2020, 12:16 PM   #10
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bump....



does anyone know if a bad clockspring will show any type of code on the ecu that shows its out of calibration?
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Old 09-18-2020, 08:31 PM   #11
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Small update:

I drove my car with the scan tool recording... When it acted up, there was relay activity with the TCS- I still need to interpret what that means exactly.

On the plus side, the wheel speed sensors, G sensor, yaw sensor and steering angle sensor all acted normal throughout. I can't rule out a mechanical issue, but I think it's extremely unlikely.

At this point, I'm still at a loss, but I'll keep on diagnosing it when I have time. I'll keep you all posted.
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Old 09-22-2020, 04:04 PM   #12
BoxerLover
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainSlowbaru View Post
Small update:

I drove my car with the scan tool recording... When it acted up, there was relay activity with the TCS- I still need to interpret what that means exactly.

On the plus side, the wheel speed sensors, G sensor, yaw sensor and steering angle sensor all acted normal throughout. I can't rule out a mechanical issue, but I think it's extremely unlikely.

At this point, I'm still at a loss, but I'll keep on diagnosing it when I have time. I'll keep you all posted.

Sweet. Hope you get it figured out and can give me at least some direction on what to look into. Appreciate you keeping this in mind.
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Old 09-22-2020, 04:08 PM   #13
NighthawkSTI
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be careful that its not the lower control arm hitting the inside of the wheel from a worn out ball joint!
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Old 09-25-2020, 09:38 PM   #14
BoxerLover
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NighthawkSTI View Post
be careful that its not the lower control arm hitting the inside of the wheel from a worn out ball joint!
Thanks man. I will take a look underneath the car when I do my next oil change. I havent noticed any rubbing on the wheel. I have rims on the car and havent noticed any scuffs or gashes on the inner barrel or inner lip of the rim. I will look into the control arm and ball joins though.
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Old 10-19-2021, 12:25 PM   #15
coolbluedab
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Any solution? My 11 wrx is doing same thing. Also after 15+ steering rack.
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