4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

So if the toe is out of whack does that create cupping on the inner edge? I wonder if that is what Rochester and I are experiencing. I just figured the camber was a bit off, but the rear was wearing fine from the same camber setting.

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

I just had snow tires installed on the wife's car. Went with General Altimax Artic 12.

So that means brand new snow tires, on a brand new Subaru Forester.

This year, I'm going to make Winter my b1tch.

Epiphany

My G is my first AWD car. Had a couple RWD cars before. First time really experiencing AWD and good winter tires was so amazing. I don't think I'd ever want to go back now.

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

Snow tires and AWD is an awesome mix in the winter. Now just add ridiculous amounts of power. My tuned STI and Evo were two of the most fun cars to drive in the winter I have ever had. Full throttle oversteer at opposite lock with complete control is tough to beat. I can do this in the G on snow tires, but it is at much lower speeds.

Epiphany

Easily the most fun I've ever had in a car in winter was a turbocharged Golf R32 on a frozen lake with studded winter tires.

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

That sounds like a blast. And the R32 has got to have one of the best sounding V6's ever

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Back a few pages in August, I was becoming increasingly aware of a persistent "eek-eek-eek" noise coming from the passenger rear. It was driving me nuts. I could only hear it when the car was moving around the driveway, but rear-seat passengers could hear it when driving. I was sure the problem was one of my rear Tein dampers.

In September, I found a new speed shop, and thought I'd give them a shot with the car. They diagnosed the problem as worn upper mounts, which seemed odd, but OK. So in November, I bought the OEM mounts, and the OEM bushings. I figured to get the bushings as well, and to do both sides, since when anything on one side goes, it's inevitable the other side will fail. And I made plans for December to do the work.

And today I finally had the shop swap parts. Spent a whole lot of energy, time and money on this annoying little project, for something that didn't really impact the functionality or safety of the car. But the suspension is quiet again... and that's what matters.

Funny, but I was actually used to the noise after a few months, so having a quiet rear suspension is a bit of a shock.

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

Glad to hear you finally found a fix to your squeak. I can relate to trying to track down an annoying noise. Remember all the jewelry beads I found under my seat?

2GoRNot2G

iTrader: (5)

Nice update, John. Glad to hear that you were able to track down and fix your noise.


4DRZ, I can relate to you on that... I had a similar instance when attempting to track down the source of a thunking sound from the rear suspension every time I went over a bump. I spent months trying to find the source and in the end it ended up that a bottle of water somehow got into my spare tire well and was bouncing and rolling around. LOL

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Thanks, guys.

I took the car out this evening for a thorough shake-down of these new mounts. (Actually, I went and got some ice cream. Chocolate Chip.) In crisp, 35 degree weather, driving familiar roads, all different speeds, intersections, hills, rough pavement, etc. And I'm happy to report, the suspension noise is entirely gone. Nothing but the gentle creaking of my armrest. Dammit.

What's shocked me is how MUCH more quiet things are, in all situations. That tells me I had become so used to the problem, that I wasn't aware how pervasive it was.

So... feeling pretty good about this now, as money well spent.

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

I know what you mean. In the process of tracking down my noise I discovered a screw rolling around under the spare tire and a quarter under the rear seat. Neither of which were the main culprit.

Isn't that funny how it feels like a brand new car now that you FINALLY track down that noise that was driving you nuts for so long?

(It's never too cold for ice cream.)

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Approaching my 7th year with this car sometime in January. Six years down, figure four to go, give or take a year. As always, plans are just plans, and life might get in the way. But so far, so good.

According to my records, I've spent $20,190 on this car in the last 6 years, excluding payments, gas and insurance. But everything else... mods, repairs, tires, oil, etc. Everything else adds up to $20k. Wow.

Going forward, plans get somewhat simple:

2018 - New front Conti's
2018 - EcuTek dyno tune
2018 - Two nearly invisible PDR issues that bug the **** out of me
2018 - New front snows

2019 - All new brakes; 2-piece rotors
2019 - Front CO's that have been gathering dust

2020 - Headlight customization
2020 - Poly Engine mounts

2021 - Save and research for Next Car

2022 - Jaguar

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

Fixed that for you.

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

Yeah. I suppose that's true. I pretty much have it figured out, at which point the only "research" necessary would be price and location. Price should be $40K or less, and location... meh. Doesn't matter.

2015+ Jaguar F-Type S Coupe 6MT, anything but black, preferably with either beige or saddle-brown leather seats. That would be 380 HP out of a supercharged 3.0L V6, with an active suspension, an active exhaust, and limited slip. Kind of partial to this orange here.



Now if I could just figure out how to get my girls through college *AND* get this car.

4DRZ

iTrader: (7)

Slight modification to the list for you.