Parts for your 1999 Subaru Forester-Sway bars & links

1999 Subaru Forester sway-bars-&-links: what they do and when to service them

Based on the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 1998–2002 Forester (Suspension section), the 1999 Subaru Forester is factory-fitted with front and rear stabiliser (sway) bars and end links. This is corroborated by the Subaru FAST parts catalogue and mainstream workshop references such as the Haynes Forester/Impreza manual, plus local fitment guides from performance brands that list direct-replacement bars and links for the SF-series Forester. So yes—sway-bars-&-links are absolutely relevant and used on the 1999 Forester.

On this model, the sway-bar ties the left and right suspension together to reduce body roll in corners. The links (also called drop links) connect the bar to the control arm or strut, translating suspension movement into the bar’s twist. The result is flatter cornering, steadier steering, and more confident road manners—handy on winding Kiwi and Aussie roads.

There’s no strict replacement interval, but bushes and links are wear items. Common signs they’re toast include clunks over bumps, vague or wandering steering, extra body roll, and uneven tyre wear at the edges. During routine servicing, a quick under-body check pays off: look for torn/delaminated bushes, cracked or perished rubber, rusty or bent links, loose nuts, and wet-looking bushes contaminated by oil.

When it’s time to refresh, replacing bushes and links together gives the best result. Rubber bushes retain a comfy factory feel, while polyurethane bushes sharpen response and typically last longer, though they can add a touch of firmness. Quality aftermarket or OEM-spec links—ball-jointed or heavy-duty types—stand up well to rough roads and higher kilometres. A proper torque-down at ride height helps prevent preloading the bushes. An alignment isn’t usually required for a sway-bar job, but it’s smart to check if steering still feels off afterwards.

DIYers will find sway-bars-&-links fairly approachable with stands, a decent socket set, and penetrating fluid for stubborn fasteners. For vehicles that see gravel or towing, scheduling a bush and link inspection every 20,000–30,000 km keeps the Forester tracking straight and cornering cleanly. For owners chasing a tighter feel, a slightly thicker rear bar and fresh links can make the 1999 Forester feel far more planted without ruining day-to-day comfort.

• Symptoms to watch: clunks, excess roll, steering play, edge tyre wear.
• Service tips: inspect bushes/links, torque at ride height, consider bush material, re-check fasteners after a short shakedown drive.

Popular question: What are the tell-tale signs the 1999 Subaru Forester sway-bars-&-links need replacing?

Owners usually notice clunks over speed humps or driveway entries, extra lean in corners, or steering that feels loose. Visual checks may show cracked bushes, split dust boots on links, or corroded hardware. If in doubt, a pry-bar test on the bushes and a road test over low-speed bumps will confirm play or noise.

Popular question: Will upgrading the sway-bars on a 1999 Forester make a big difference?

Yes, a modestly thicker rear bar with quality links noticeably reduces roll and sharpens turn-in. It’s a popular, good-value upgrade that keeps daily comfort while improving confidence on twisty roads. Pair it with fresh bushes and decent tyres for the best bang-for-buck.

Popular question: Do sway-bar issues affect WOF/roadworthy checks?

They can. Excessive play, perished bushes, broken or loose links, or missing hardware may lead to a fail. Keeping the bushes tidy and links tight helps the Forester pass inspections and drive as it should.