Parts for your 1998 Subaru Forester-Suspension bushes

1998 Subaru Forester suspension-bushes — what they do and when to replace

Yes, the 1998 Subaru Forester (SF) is fitted with suspension bushes. Technical references including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 1998 Forester (Front and Rear Suspension sections) and the Subaru OEM parts catalogue for the SF chassis list multiple bushes throughout the car: front lower control arm bushes, front and rear stabiliser (sway) bar D‑bushes and end link bushes, rear trailing arm and lateral link bushes, as well as subframe and crossmember mounting bushes. They’re fundamental to how the Forester rides, steers, and keeps tyres planted.

Suspension bushes are the quiet achievers. Made of rubber or polyurethane, they isolate noise and vibration while allowing controlled movement of arms and links. In the Forester, they help maintain wheel alignment under braking and cornering, reduce harshness on corrugations, and keep the body settled across Aussie and Kiwi backroads. When they’re worn, the car can wander, clunk over bumps, shimmy under braking, and chew out tyres.

For servicing, it’s smart practice to inspect all bushes every 20,000 km or 12 months, and sooner if the vehicle tows, runs taller tyres, or sees gravel and coastal conditions. Look for cracking, separation, oil swelling, ovalled inner sleeves, and excessive movement with a pry bar. Any torn or perished bush should be replaced in pairs on the same axle to keep handling consistent.

Replacement tips that suit the 1998 Forester:

• Choose quality OEM‑style rubber for factory comfort, or polyurethane for sharper response (with a touch more NVH).
• Many bushes are press-fit, some owners opt for complete new control arms or links to simplify the job.
• Always tighten pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading and premature failure.
• Book a four‑wheel alignment after any bush work, recheck torque and alignment after 500–1,000 km.
• Do not use petroleum grease on rubber. Dry fit most control arm bushes, silicone‑safe grease is fine for stabiliser D‑bushes if specified.

Done right, fresh bushes restore the planted, predictable feel the SF Forester is known for, quieten knocks, and protect tyres from uneven wear. Those small bits of rubber do a big job.

Popular questions about 1998 Subaru Forester suspension-bushes

Which bushes typically wear out first on a 1998 Forester?
The front lower control arm rear bushes and the front and rear stabiliser bar D‑bushes are common culprits, especially on vehicles driven on rough roads. Rear trailing arm and lateral link bushes also age out with kilometres and UV exposure. Regular inspections catch early cracking before it turns into clunks and alignment drift.

How long do the bushes last in Aussie and NZ conditions?
With mixed city and highway use, 100,000–150,000 km is typical for OEM rubber. Heavy loads, gravel, heat, and road grime can shorten that. Polyurethane can resist oil and heat better, but may transmit a bit more vibration, lifespan often equals or exceeds rubber if kept clean and torqued correctly.

Rubber or polyurethane — what suits an SF Forester best?
For daily driving and touring, quality rubber keeps the Forester quiet and compliant. For a firmer, more direct feel—handy for spirited driving or lifted setups—poly bushes can tighten things up. Mixing is common: rubber in control arms for comfort, poly in sway bar D‑bushes for sharper roll control.