Parts for your 1999 Subaru Forester-Suspension bushes

1999 Subaru Forester suspension bushes

Yes, the 1999 Subaru Forester uses suspension bushes throughout its chassis. Technical sources including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SF-series Forester (Front and Rear Suspension sections) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue list multiple rubber bush assemblies such as front lower control arm bushes, rear lateral link and trailing arm bushes, stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and end-link bushes, plus steering rack mount bushes. That makes suspension bushes absolutely relevant to servicing this model.

On the 1999 Forester, bushes act as flexible mounts that locate suspension arms while isolating road noise and vibration. They let the arms articulate smoothly without metal-on-metal contact, keeping alignment stable under braking, cornering and over bumps. When healthy, they help the car track straight, protect tyres from uneven wear, and preserve that planted Subaru feel on corrugations and back roads.

• Front: lower control arm front and rear bushes, sway bar D-bushes and link bushes, steering rack mounts.
• Rear: trailing arm bushes, rear lateral link inner bushes, sway bar D-bushes and link bushes.

With age, rubber hardens, cracks or separates from its sleeves. Oil leaks can swell and soften bushes, and harsh roads accelerate wear. Tell-tale signs include clunks over speed humps, shudder under braking, steering wander, vague turn-in, and feathered or inner-edge tyre wear. If a WOF inspector notes excessive movement or perished rubber, it’s time to act.

• Inspect visually every service or 10,000–15,000 km, lever the arms to check for free play.
• Replace in pairs on an axle to keep handling consistent.
• After any bush replacement, book a wheel alignment.

Choosing replacement bushes comes down to use. OEM-style rubber keeps ride comfort and low NVH for daily driving. Quality polyurethane can sharpen response and reduce body roll, popular across Australia and New Zealand for towing or spirited drives, but may add a bit of road feel and sometimes need periodic greasing (especially sway bar D-bushes). Rubber bushes should not be lubricated with petroleum products.

Press-fit bushes require the right tools, many owners opt for complete arms with bushes pre-installed to save time. Always torque pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the rubber, and follow the Subaru FSM for fastener specs. Done properly, new bushes can restore the Forester’s surefooted behaviour and extend tyre life by many kilometres.

What are the most common 1999 Forester bushes to fail?

Front lower control arm rear bushes and rear trailing arm bushes are frequent culprits, especially on vehicles that see rough roads. Sway bar D-bushes also wear and can squeak or knock, while steering rack mounts can add a dull clunk over sharp bumps.

Rubber vs polyurethane bushes — which is better for an SF Forester?

For everyday commuting and touring, quality rubber keeps the cabin quieter and rides best. Polyurethane tightens steering and reduces roll, great for spirited driving or carrying loads, but can transmit more vibration and may need periodic greasing depending on the position.

Do new bushes require a wheel alignment?

Yes. Any time a control arm, lateral link or trailing arm bush is replaced, camber and toe can shift. A post-repair alignment ensures proper tyre wear, straight-line stability and safe handling.