I have a 2012 BRZ which ive had for 7 months and currently at 71k miles mileage. Ive really enjoyed it so far however i have noticed gradually the steering has become less direct and planted even though ive made great efforts to sharpen it back up. Recent work has included , new dust boots on lower ball joints as they had split, new droplinks up front, new front tyres (michelin PS5s) and a full wheel alignment with zero toe, 5.4/5 degrees of caster and 1.5 degrees negative camber from the use of camber bolts. Aligned by a centre who deal specialise in 86/BRZs and jdm cars.
Unfortunately none of this has made any difference and if anything it feels worse…the steering no longer self centres well from left hand turns and feels very vague and light from about 9-12 o clock on the wheel.
Ive had the steering components checked over for play by three separate garages including the one that did my alignment yet no issues have been found.
It is gutting because i no longer have the confidence in the handling i once had.
The only possible suspects i can think of is a loose steering rack or worn shocks (i have one knocking at the rear) however im unsure if worn rear shocks would affect the steering weight and accuracy.
Im currently debating pulling the plug and refreshing the shocks and springs all around with the facelift ones however is there anything else that sounds like a possible candidate.
This does not feel like a natural difference in steering caused by road camber from what i can feel and feels like something is lose or worn.