2016+ STI's - Still have Pitch Stop Brace issues?

10702 Views 17 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Steemax, Mar 21, 2017

archon

Discussion Starter · Mar 16, 2017 (Edited)

I ordered a pitch stop just now but I read that the welds on the firewall have been known to break on the 2015 model. I read there was a recall to fix this issue but I haven't been able to find any info on whether or not this issue has been fixed on the 2016+? Should I not install the pitch stop without a pitch stop brace?

Would it be better to get engine/transmission mounts instead of changing the pitch stop? (Ignoring higher NVH)

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

WRX-maniac

· #2 · Mar 16, 2017

I would invest in the pitch stop brace as well if you are doing the pitch stop mount, as I am unaware of anything being done to fix this problem. The mount is not what is failing, it is the brace that holds the mount. Therefore just replacing the mount with a stronger aftermarket one wont really help with the possibility of a broken brace. I would order the pitch stop brace from Perrin. I think they are the only ones that make one right now. Not sure though.

Pitch Stop Brace for 2015-17 WRX/STI

irickchad

· #3 · Mar 16, 2017

I wouldn't waste your money. I had one on my 11 WRX and it didn't do much, maybe a bit smoother shifting, but all I needed was the brace itself, for around $100.

If I had to invest in a mount AND the brace, and risk ripping the whole thing out of the firewall anyway, I wouldn't waste the money. I'd invest in a trans mount.

archon

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 16, 2017

irickchad said:
but all I needed was the brace itself, for around $100.

The pitch stop is $110, the pitch stop brace is $280. Are you referring to the pitch stop only? On the newer models people have reported the brackets cracking when they used only the pitch stop.

I don't mind the cost, I just want something that would be beneficial, with no risk of damage, and doesn't introduce too much NVH. Putting in an engine/transmission mount would cost the same as the pitch stop + brace, but most likely result in a louder, harsher drive.

nsibanez

· #5 · Mar 16, 2017

Well this is all new to me (granted I've been out of the game for a while)
Is it every year then with bad braces, not just the stock pitch stop? I'd imagine if the 15s had issues, and I'm sure it's the same pitch stop each year and then assume the braces are the same?

archon

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 16, 2017

nsibanez said:
Well this is all new to me (granted I've been out of the game for a while)
Is it every year then with bad braces, not just the stock pitch stop? I'd imagine if the 15s had issues, and I'm sure it's the same pitch stop each year and then assume the braces are the same?

The issue came up with 15's, and I read they did a recall to fix it? But I don't know if they changed it on the 2016+ or not. I'm assuming they didn't.

You can check here for more info Other Broken firewall pitch Stop mounting point? - Subaru Impreza WRX STI Forums: IWSTI.com

irickchad

· #7 · Mar 16, 2017

archon said:
The pitch stop is $110, the pitch stop brace is $280. Are you referring to the pitch stop only? On the newer models people have reported the brackets cracking when they used only the pitch stop.

I don't mind the cost, I just want something that would be beneficial, with no risk of damage, and doesn't introduce too much NVH. Putting in an engine/transmission mount would cost the same as the pitch stop + brace, but most likely result in a louder, harsher drive.

Yeah, my bad, on mine all that was needed was the pitching stopper mount. No brace was needed... but like I said, for around $100 ( I think it was actually 120ish, it was the Beatrush Forged one), I felt like I wasted money, so if I spent another 300 bucks on a brace for it, I'd have been better off setting my money on fire... in my opinion.

archon

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 16, 2017

irickchad said:
Yeah, my bad, on mine all that was needed was the pitching stopper mount. No brace was needed... but like I said, for around $100 ( I think it was actually 120ish, it was the Beatrush Forged one), I felt like I wasted money, so if I spent another 300 bucks on a brace for it, I'd have been better off setting my money on fire... in my opinion.

Oh, so you're saying you didn't feel much benefits from it?

nsibanez

· #9 · Mar 16, 2017

That Beatrush mount was great on my 09. I'd buy it again
But I couldn't say no to the Perrin for the price I paid

nsibanez

· #10 · Mar 17, 2017

archon said:
The issue came up with 15's, and I read they did a recall to fix it? But I don't know if they changed it on the 2016+ or not. I'm assuming they didn't.

You can check here for more info Other Broken firewall pitch Stop mounting point? - Subaru Impreza WRX STI Forums: IWSTI.com

That's what I'm saying, why are the 15's affected and not earlier models too? I think it's all the same. At least I'm only assuming because the pitch stop works with all years

WRX-maniac

· #11 · Mar 17, 2017

I had a Perrin one on my WRX. It was nice, but the beatrush forged one will be the only one that goes on my STi. I will add that I personally felt no chance behind the wheel while driving. But it did work. I had a friend rev the engine a bit one day while I watched the engine and it moved a good bit less than before with the stock one. Now I think the pitch stop mount with added engine mounts and a transmission mount would make a world of difference.

Goose42

· #12 · Mar 17, 2017

It occurred on the GR's as well...

nsibanez

· #13 · Mar 17, 2017

WRX-maniac said:
I had a Perrin one on my WRX. It was nice, but the beatrush forged one will be the only one that goes on my STi. I will add that I personally felt no chance behind the wheel while driving. But it did work. I had a friend rev the engine a bit one day while I watched the engine and it moved a good bit less than before with the stock one. Now I think the pitch stop mount with added engine mounts and a transmission mount would make a world of difference.

I noticed some better shifting and plenty of nice nvh. I would get the Beatrush again. Couldn't pass up the deal for the Perrin though.

Goose42 said:
It occurred on the GR's as well...

Really? Where was I when those threads were going around? Never noticed an issue with mine

irickchad

· #14 · Mar 17, 2017

archon said:
Oh, so you're saying you didn't feel much benefits from it?

It made my car start louder, that was about it in my opinion.

Indecisives12

· #15 · Mar 17, 2017 (Edited)

the pitch stop mount issue is supposedly fixed on model with manufacturing dates 06/2016 and newer. The mount thickness was increased from 1mm to 2mm and I believe they have additional spot welds.

I read this information in the most recent TSB which was published in january of this year(or something recent). So basically it SHOULD be fixed in the MY2017 cars.

as far as I understand, this is a problem in the VA's because they reduced the thickness of the mount. there's speculation that this in addition to the engine/transmission mounts being softer/more compliant than previous generations is the root cause.

I'm still debating if I want to do change the pitch stop on my '17 CVT WRX...I've seen how much movement the drivetrain has from factory but not sure anything short of motor mounts will be of benefit (there's no upgraded transmission mount for the CVT)

edit: ....crap I just realized this is my first post here and I'm sitting here giving important information with zero credibility lol. Sorry all. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post links to things but I found the TSB by googling "Pitch Stop Mount WRX TSB" and there's a link to subispeed which is a PDF of the TSB dated January 23, 2017

Edit 2: taken from the TSB

The part number for the new pitching Stopper bracket is: 51234VA0809P. The new bracket is easily
identified as the thickness of the material used has been changed from 1mm to 2mm. There is also a
7/16” hole near the top on the driver’s side of the bracket above the weld nut for identification

See less See more

archon

Discussion Starter · #16 · Mar 20, 2017

Indecisives12 said:
the pitch stop mount issue is supposedly fixed on model with manufacturing dates 06/2016 and newer. The mount thickness was increased from 1mm to 2mm and I believe they have additional spot welds.

My car is definitely not in that range, so sounds like I'd need both. Perhaps I'll skip the pitch stop and go with the transmission mount instead.

zax

· #17 · Mar 20, 2017

Huh, I didn't realize this. Oh well, I'm not going to worry.

Steemax

· #18 · Mar 21, 2017

I went with the Group N Transmission mount at first to reduce movement at the pitch stop. The stock transmission mount was as soft as bubble gum, You can pretty much fold it over.

I just recently got the Group N pitch stop mount as well along side the Perrin pitch stop brace so lets see how this goes. I want the piece of mind only because fixing the darn thing requires removing the engine from what I gather.

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