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So, I was out carving up some twisties tonight, and was sort of delving into how the WRX handles while trail braking. Didn't take long to find out that is doesn't like it much, at least not while completely OEM. I dove into a gentle right followed by a sharp left- prime territory for trail braking- and even at a relatively conservative speed and angle, as soon as I applied pressure it felt a lot like the front clamped down a lot harder than the rear, resulting in a little bit of (seemingly) brake bias-induced snap oversteer. Whee- I'm glad I decided to test conservatively first! It was only a little wag, but if I'd been pushing it, it could have gotten out of hand real fast. (Please note, I'm pretty familar with trailbraking on these roads, especially that turn, and I know the WRX is the only sports car I've had this problem with.)
So, am I imagining this, or does anybody else feel there is significant front brake bias from the factory? Honestly, it didn't feel like a tire problem- it was just that the front was stopping faster than the rear. Subaru shipping it with front bias would sort of make sense if they were having problems getting their stopping distances down with the extra weight. More front bias that would generate better straightline brake test numbers for the magazines, but at a cost in the turns.
I'm also wondering- if I'm not imaginging this effect- if this could be contributing to some of these wrecks. You know, people get spooked in a turn and tap the brakes- never a good idea if you're not used to doing it smoothly and carefully- and with significant front brake bias, you've got even more of an instant spin than you would in another car.
Anyone else notice this? And how can we correct it with the OEM system? Rear pads that bite a little harder, maybe??
So, am I imagining this, or does anybody else feel there is significant front brake bias from the factory? Honestly, it didn't feel like a tire problem- it was just that the front was stopping faster than the rear. Subaru shipping it with front bias would sort of make sense if they were having problems getting their stopping distances down with the extra weight. More front bias that would generate better straightline brake test numbers for the magazines, but at a cost in the turns.
I'm also wondering- if I'm not imaginging this effect- if this could be contributing to some of these wrecks. You know, people get spooked in a turn and tap the brakes- never a good idea if you're not used to doing it smoothly and carefully- and with significant front brake bias, you've got even more of an instant spin than you would in another car.
Anyone else notice this? And how can we correct it with the OEM system? Rear pads that bite a little harder, maybe??