Parts for your 2000 Subaru Forester-Suspension bushes

2000 Subaru Forester suspension bushes – what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the MY2000 Forester (SF chassis), the Subaru FAST parts catalogue, and well-regarded aftermarket catalogues (Whiteline, SuperPro) all specify multiple rubber suspension bushes on this model. They’re fitted at the front lower control arms, rear trailing and lateral links, stabiliser (sway) bars and links, and the front/rear crossmembers. So suspension bushes are absolutely relevant and used on a 2000 Subaru Forester.

On this Forester, the bushes are the quiet achievers that keep the wagon tracking straight and riding nicely. They isolate vibration, allow controlled movement of arms and links, and hold key suspension geometry (caster, camber and toe) so tyres wear evenly and the steering feels planted. When they age, the rubber hardens or tears, and the car can feel nervous, clunky, or harsh.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the bushes every 20–30,000 kilometres or annually, and definitely before a big roadie or WOF/roadworthy. Look for perished rubber, cracking, excessive movement, or inner sleeves starting to separate. On the SF Forester, the big rear bush in the front lower control arm, the rear trailing arm front bush, and the sway bar D-bushes are common wear points.

• Typical symptoms: clunks over bumps, vague or wandering steering, pull or shimmy under braking, uneven tyre wear, rear-end steer, and squeaks from the sway bar area.
• Replacement options: quality OEM-style rubber (comfort and low NVH) or polyurethane (sharper response, a bit more road feel and potential noise).

When replacing, doing bushes in axle pairs keeps handling consistent. Press-in bushes often need a proper press and the right drifts, stubborn inner bolts can seize to sleeves on older Subarus, so allow time and penetrating lube. Many owners choose complete control arm assemblies to save labour, then refresh the sway bar bushes and links at the same time.

Critical tip: tighten suspension pivot bolts at normal ride height, not with the control arms hanging, to avoid preloading the new rubber. Follow up with a four-wheel alignment so geometry is spot-on. If fitting polyurethane, a re-torque and lube check after 500–1,000 km helps keep things quiet. Done right, fresh bushes make a 2000 Forester feel tight, composed, and ready for rough country lanes or the daily commute.

Q: How can someone tell their 2000 Forester’s bushes are shot?

A: Common giveaways are clunks on sharp bumps, steering that won’t settle on the motorway, and feathered or rapid tyre wear. A pry-bar check on a hoist can reveal excess movement, torn rubber, or metal-to-metal contact at the arms and links.

Q: Rubber or polyurethane bushes for a daily-driven Forester?

A: For most daily drivers, OEM-style rubber keeps comfort and noise down. Polyurethane tightens response and lasts well, but can pass a bit more vibration. Many owners mix and match: rubber in control arms, poly in sway bar mounts for sharper roll control.

Q: Is an alignment needed after bush replacement?

A: Yes. Any change to control arm or link bushes can shift camber and toe. A proper four-wheel alignment after the work preserves tyres and restores straight-line stability.