Subaru Subaru WRX 1992-2001 Suspension Specifications
Explore the complete suspension specifications for the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX, including spring rates, shock types, sway bar dimensions, and alignment settings. Ideal for maintenance, repair, and performance upgrades.
Overview Specifications
This document provides detailed specifications and technical information about the suspension system of the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX. It is designed to assist enthusiasts, mechanics, and engineers in understanding the suspension setup, including key components, dimensions, and performance characteristics. Use the search and navigation instructions to quickly locate specific details or browse through sections for a comprehensive understanding of the WRX's suspension system.
How to Use
Use the search bar to find specific terms or components related to the suspension system. Enter keywords like 'spring rate' or 'strut type' for quick results.
Navigate through the document using the section titles and subsections. Click on a section to expand it and view detailed information about specific suspension components.
Key Specifications
Front Spring Rate
3.5 kg/mm
Rear Spring Rate
2.8 kg/mm
Front Strut Diameter
50 mm
Rear Strut Diameter
45 mm
Ride Height
150 mm
Available Specifications
Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX features a MacPherson strut design, known for its balance of performance and durability. This section covers the key components, including struts, springs, and control arms, along with their specifications and functions.
Front Suspension
The front suspension of the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX features a MacPherson strut design, known for its balance of performance and durability. This section covers the key components, including struts, springs, and control arms, along with their specifications and functions.
Strut Assembly
- MacPherson strut design with integrated coil spring
- Strut diameter: 50 mm
- Adjustable damping on performance models
- Rubber mounts for vibration isolation
- Optional inverted strut design on STI variants
Spring Specifications
- Spring rate: 3.5 kg/mm (standard)
- Progressive spring design for improved ride quality
- Front spring length: 300 mm
- Material: High-tensile steel
- Optional lowering springs available
Control Arms and Bushings
- Forged aluminum lower control arms
- Bushing material: Rubber (standard), polyurethane (optional)
- Control arm length: 450 mm
- Anti-roll bar mounting points integrated
- Reinforced for rally and track use
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension system of the WRX utilizes a multi-link setup, providing excellent handling and stability. This section details the components, including the rear struts, springs, and lateral links, along with their technical specifications.
Rear Suspension
The rear suspension system of the WRX utilizes a multi-link setup, providing excellent handling and stability. This section details the components, including the rear struts, springs, and lateral links, along with their technical specifications.
Strut and Spring Assembly
- MacPherson strut with separate coil spring
- Strut diameter: 45 mm
- Spring rate: 2.8 kg/mm (standard)
- Rear spring length: 320 mm
- Adjustable camber plates on performance models
Lateral Links and Trailing Arms
- Steel lateral links with rubber bushings
- Trailing arm length: 500 mm
- Adjustable lateral links for camber and toe
- Reinforced for high-performance applications
- Optional polyurethane bushings for improved response
Anti-Roll Bar
- Rear anti-roll bar diameter: 20 mm
- Adjustable end links for fine-tuning
- Material: Hollow steel for weight reduction
- Mounting points integrated into subframe
- Optional thicker bars for track use
Suspension Geometry
The suspension geometry of the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX is optimized for both rally and road performance. This section covers key measurements, including camber, caster, and toe, along with their impact on handling and tire wear.
Suspension Geometry
The suspension geometry of the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX is optimized for both rally and road performance. This section covers key measurements, including camber, caster, and toe, along with their impact on handling and tire wear.
Camber and Caster
- Front camber: -0.5° to -1.5° (adjustable)
- Rear camber: -1.0° to -2.0° (adjustable)
- Front caster: 4.5°
- Caster adjustable via aftermarket kits
- Impact on tire wear and cornering grip
Toe Settings
- Front toe: 0° to +0.2° (factory setting)
- Rear toe: 0° to +0.1° (factory setting)
- Adjustable toe via aftermarket components
- Impact on straight-line stability and turn-in response
- Recommended settings for track use
Ride Height and Ground Clearance
- Factory ride height: 150 mm
- Ground clearance: 160 mm
- Lowering options reduce height by 20-40 mm
- Impact on center of gravity and handling
- Rally-spec setups increase clearance
Search Specifications
Search by specification name, value, or description
Type to search through torque specifications. Results will appear below as you type.
Component Specifications
Overview
- Type
- MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear
- Configuration
- Independent suspension
- Platform
- Subaru Impreza GC/GM/GF chassis
- Material
- High-strength steel and aluminum
- Location
- Front and rear axles
Dimensions
- Front Strut Length
- 22.5 inches (571.5 mm)
- Rear Shock Length
- 18.7 inches (475 mm)
- Spring Free Length Front
- 14.2 inches (360.7 mm)
- Spring Free Length Rear
- 13.8 inches (350.5 mm)
- Sway Bar Diameter Front
- 20 mm (0.79 in)
- Sway Bar Diameter Rear
- 18 mm (0.71 in)
- Track Width Front
- 58.3 inches (1481 mm)
- Track Width Rear
- 58.1 inches (1476 mm)
Materials
- Springs
- High-tensile steel
- Struts
- Steel with aluminum housings
- Bushings
- Rubber and polyurethane
- Control Arms
- Forged steel
- Sway Bars
- Hollow steel
Features
- Adjustability
-
- Ride height adjustable (aftermarket)
- Camber adjustment (front)
- Toe adjustment (rear)
- Damping
-
- Gas-filled shock absorbers
- Twin-tube design
- Progressive rate springs
- Stability
-
- Front and rear sway bars
- Reinforced subframe
- Anti-lift geometry
- Durability
-
- Corrosion-resistant coatings
- Sealed bearings
- Heavy-duty bushings
- Performance
-
- Optimized for rally conditions
- Enhanced roll resistance
- Improved weight distribution
Safety Features
- Structural integrity
-
- Reinforced mounting points
- Crash-resistant design
- Stability Control
-
- Integrated with ABS
- Enhanced roll stiffness
- Component Fail-Safes
-
- Redundant bushings
- Sealed joints
Comfort Features
- Noise Reduction
-
- Insulated bushings
- Vibration-dampening mounts
- Ride Quality
-
- Progressive spring rates
- Tuned damping
- Adjustability
-
- Optional coilovers
- Customizable ride height
- Temperature Resistance
-
- Heat-treated components
- Thermal-resistant coatings
Accessories
- Upgrades
-
- Coilover kits
- Adjustable sway bars
- Polyurethane bushings
- Tools
-
- Spring compressors
- Alignment kits
- Torque wrenches
- Maintenance
-
- Replacement struts
- Shock absorber rebuild kits
- Bushing lubricants
Maintenance
- Service interval
- Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
- Service Items
-
- Inspect struts and shocks for leaks
- Check bushings for wear
- Lubricate suspension joints
- Tighten all mounting bolts
- Inspect sway bar links
- Maintenance Notes
- Replace worn components immediately to prevent further damage.
Warranty
- Standard Warranty
- Miles: 36,000Years: 3Coverage: Manufacturer defects
- Extended Warranty
- Miles: 60,000Years: 5Coverage: Component failure
- Performance Warranty
- Miles: 50,000Years: 4Coverage: Aftermarket parts
- Corrosion Warranty
- Miles: UnlimitedYears: 5Coverage: Rust perforation
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Subaru Corporation
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Precision forging
- CNC machining
- Heat treatment
- Electrostatic coating
- Quality Control
- Testing: Durability testing, Load testing, Environmental testingStandards: ISO 9001 certified, JIS D 0101 compliant
- Sustainability Practices
-
- Recycled materials
- Low-emission coatings
- Energy-efficient manufacturing
- Production Metrics
- Annual Output: 500,000 unitsDefect Rate: 0.02%Lead Time: 4 weeks
Service Information for suspension Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect struts and shocks for leaks
- Check bushings for wear
- Lubricate suspension joints
- Tighten all mounting bolts
- Inspect sway bar links
Ensure proper torque specifications are followed.
- Replace worn bushings
- Check alignment settings
- Inspect spring condition
- Test damping performance
- Verify subframe integrity
Use OEM or equivalent replacement parts.
- Replace struts and shocks
- Rebuild suspension joints
- Inspect and replace sway bars if necessary
- Perform full alignment
- Test ride height and geometry
Major service requires specialized tools and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What suspension components are compatible with the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
What suspension components are compatible with the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
The 1992-2001 Subaru WRX is compatible with a range of suspension components, including coilovers, struts, and lowering springs designed for the GC8 chassis. Key specifications include a front strut diameter of 50mm and a rear strut diameter of 48mm. Ensure compatibility with your specific model year, as variations exist between early and late GC8 models.
Q2 What maintenance is required for the suspension system of a 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
What maintenance is required for the suspension system of a 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
Regular maintenance includes inspecting struts, shocks, and bushings for wear every 30,000 miles. Replace worn components promptly to avoid uneven tire wear and handling issues. Lubricate suspension joints annually and check alignment after any suspension work. For coilovers, clean and inspect threads periodically to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth adjustment.
Q3 How do I replace the suspension struts on a 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
How do I replace the suspension struts on a 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
To replace the struts, first, safely lift the car and remove the wheels. Unbolt the strut from the knuckle and disconnect the top mount in the engine bay. Compress the spring using a spring compressor, then remove the top mount and transfer it to the new strut. Reassemble in reverse order, ensuring all bolts are torqued to factory specifications.
Q4 What are common suspension issues in the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
What are common suspension issues in the 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
Common issues include clunking noises from worn strut mounts or bushings, uneven tire wear due to misalignment, and sagging springs. Diagnose clunking by inspecting mounts and bushings for wear. Check alignment settings and replace worn components to resolve handling issues. Sagging springs may require replacement or upgrading to aftermarket options.
Q5 How can I optimize the suspension performance of my 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
How can I optimize the suspension performance of my 1992-2001 Subaru WRX?
Upgrade to adjustable coilovers for improved handling and ride height customization. Pair with polyurethane bushings for enhanced durability and responsiveness. Ensure proper alignment settings, such as -1.5° front camber and -1.0° rear camber, for optimal cornering performance. Regularly inspect and maintain components to sustain performance gains.
Factory Service Resources
Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.
1992-2001 Subaru WRX Service Manual
Coming SoonComprehensive guide covering suspension system maintenance, repair, and specifications for the GC8 chassis.
Subaru Technical Service Bulletin: Suspension Noise
Coming SoonAddresses common suspension noise issues and provides recommended solutions for 1992-2001 WRX models.
Subaru WRX Suspension Parts Catalog
Coming SoonDetailed catalog of OEM and aftermarket suspension components for the 1992-2001 WRX.
About the Author
Expert automotive knowledge and experience
Diagnostic
Specialized in advanced diagnostic techniques using modern scan tools and oscilloscopes.
Repair
Expert in both traditional mechanical repairs and modern vehicle systems.
Additional Expertise
Documentation
Created over 500 detailed repair guides and technical documents.
Training
Conducted technical training sessions and contributed to repair databases.
Certifications & Research
Certifications
- ASE Master Technician Certification
- Advanced Diagnostic Specialist
- Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Systems
- Performance Tuning Expert
Research & Community
Actively researches emerging technologies and contributes to automotive forums.
Legal Disclaimer
Important information about using this content
Always refer to your vehicle's service manual and take appropriate safety precautions when performing any maintenance or repairs.
General Information
Warranty & Liability
The content on this website is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or availability of the information.
We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of information on this website.
Technical Information
- All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
- Vehicle specifications and procedures may vary by model year, trim level, and region.
- Always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and safety precautions.
- Working on vehicles can be dangerous. Always take proper safety precautions and use appropriate safety equipment.
- If you're unsure about any procedure, consult a qualified professional mechanic.