Forester - steering feels woolly

[PomBstard]

My 2007 Forester has started to feel a bit woolly around corners - the steering feels a bit slack, and its not as precise as it used to be. A bit like there's too little air in the tyres - which are all good.

I'm guessing that some bushes are now worn - nothing has been touched in the suspension since it was built - but what are the likely culprits? Its coming up for its annual rego check, so might get it up on some ramps for a look, but a few handy hints up front would be great.

[PomBstard]

Thanks for that lot. Car is not an XT, just an N/A 2.5 and has travelled about 85,000kms, but they've been generally tough kms - in, through and over the urban jungle, so I'm not surprised at bits wearing out. All fluids changed about 2 years ago, brakes seem fine, no real advantage to st/braided for me. I won't be stiffening or sharpening anything beyond the stock level - the car is primarily a family car that so far has absorbed everything thrown at it. Wheels are std 16" steelies with 215/65 tyres.

I'll have a look when I get it on a ramp, presumably any wear will show as some sort of excess play - its been a while since I've looked at suspension stuff.

[PomBstard]

New tyres fitted this morning - back to being a fun car again! No suspension probs noted. The old ones were still a way off the wear blocks, but I'm putting it down to the urban work the car does - potholes, steering at a standstill, speed bumps and so on.

[PomBstard]

I had the tracking done at the same time - front was only a little out. Its the first time I ever noticed the difference in the steering with new tyres though.