Author Topic: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues  (Read 1481 times)

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Offline b2536

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Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« on: September 10, 2017, 05:00:40 pm »
I just bought a 2001 forester sf5 sti, and have encountered a couple of issues I'd like some outside opinions on.

I noticed when taking turns the wheel will jerk to the opposite side of the direction I'm trying to turn. It's like it wants to straighten out unless I hold the wheel fairly firmly. The previous owner said it was an alignment issues but from what reading I've been doing that seems unlikely considering there's no pull either way when going straight.

I've also noticed a severe stutter and almost a flapping noise when I start to get close to boost. If I slam the gas pedal it jumps to about 2000, then up to 2500 ish back to 2300 ish, then up to 3000, and back to 2700 ish. It does this until I hit around 4-5k rpm.
I don't notice it daily driving except when I'm trying to accelerate through an intersection turn.
Previous owner said it was a spark plug, which I was gonna do anyways.
How likely do you think it's just the spark plugs and not some sort of boost leak?

Any outside opinions are greatly appreciated, thanks!

Offline Coops1313

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2017, 10:29:08 am »
I can't speak on the steering issue but i have the same vehicle and i was getting pretty heavy hesitations and break up on moderate acceleration so i changed the spark plugs and they were pooched! really helped the engine. I do not suggest you "slam" on the gas until you find the problem or you will not a have an engine to slam a gas pedal on.

when i got the car i did a few things that really helped make the engine feel super healthy:

new fuel filter & fluids
Cleaned and di-electric greased coil pack and spark plug wires
Cleaned throttle body and IACV
spark plugs
boost gauge for diagnostics
plugged in black test connectors under dash to read old check engine lights


Cheers,
03' WRX - written off (his fault)
97' STi - sold
01' Forester STi :)

Offline b2536

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2017, 03:43:24 pm »
Thanks for the advice, I was really hoping spark plugs would be the issue but that doesn't seem to be the case.

I replaced the plugs with ngk iridiums and am still getting a stutter and severe hesitation.

I test drove it after replacing the plugs and when i hit the gas hard, it hesitates at 2000 rpm, and then jumps to 3000 after a second or two, and then stutters the rest of the way up.

One thing I forgot to mention, this doesn't happen while in park and revving the engine. The rpms climb perfectly when parked.

Offline Coops1313

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2017, 05:59:24 pm »
check engine lights?
03' WRX - written off (his fault)
97' STi - sold
01' Forester STi :)

Offline Jay89

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2017, 08:17:56 pm »
Is this a manual?

341awhp ~330awtq
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Offline b2536

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2017, 09:18:36 pm »
It's automatic.

No codes at all.

I didn't change the plug wires so that's my next step I suppose. They looked like they were in good shape and don't have any arcing when I spray them so I assumed they were fine.

Also going to clean my MAF, otherwise im stumped

Offline Coops1313

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2017, 11:06:44 am »
I have a spare working MAF for your car if you want to try/buy it.

let me know.

Cheers
03' WRX - written off (his fault)
97' STi - sold
01' Forester STi :)

Offline b2536

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2017, 12:11:09 pm »
Thanks for the offer but I don't think it's the MAF.

I finally got a CEL code today, number 22, so I may need a new knock sensor. Would that' have anything to do with the stuttering?

Offline b2536

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #8 on: September 14, 2017, 07:15:57 pm »
Replaced the knock sensor... and now my car is in limp mode and won't idle at all.

I start it up and it bounces between 100-1000rpm then just dies.

Offline Coops1313

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #9 on: September 15, 2017, 10:17:43 am »
I would check the installment, you have to clock the connector into the exact same position the old one was in so i sits perfectly flush against the block because is it like a stethoscope for the engine.

did you clean the area the sensor goes? did the old sensor have any hairline cracks?

I had to replace mine but i didnt run into a problem like that.
03' WRX - written off (his fault)
97' STi - sold
01' Forester STi :)

Offline b2536

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #10 on: September 15, 2017, 01:38:39 pm »
It's definitely facing the same way. Either way I wouldn't think it would cause this

Offline VTAKLOL

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #11 on: September 15, 2017, 02:48:48 pm »
Correct orientation and torque are critical when installing a new knock sensor, so it is possible.

Offline darthekai

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #12 on: September 15, 2017, 03:33:28 pm »
test your coil pack. pull knock sensor and clean and check for cracks and re-install watching torque. test plug wires end to end ohms. Clean IACV. Check MAF output. Hard to tell why it would die without a) a boost/vac gauge and b) an AFR gauge.

Alignment could be the problem with steering. excessive castor or toe on one wheel and not the other might cause symptoms like that. I would also check health of wheel bearings and half-shafts.
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Offline b2536

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Re: Opinions on steering and stuttering issues
« Reply #13 on: September 15, 2017, 07:38:21 pm »
Fixed! Turned out to be a bad MAF combined with a loose screw on the I/c.

Thanks to Coops1313 for coming by to help me find the issue and bringing me a new MAF