Parts for your 2001 Subaru Forester-Strut mounts

2001 Subaru Forester strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Strut mounts are absolutely relevant on the 2001 Subaru Forester. Technical sources including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for MY2001 Forester (Suspension section), the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (front top mount family 20320-… and rear 20370-…), and major fitment catalogues such as KYB confirm the model uses MacPherson struts front and rear, each secured to the body by dedicated upper strut mounts (also called top mounts or top hats).

On this Forester, the strut mount’s job is two-fold: it isolates noise and vibration from the cabin, and it locates the strut securely in the body tower. The front mounts also house a bearing that lets the strut turn smoothly with the steering. Get them right and the car tracks straight, turns cleanly, and rides quietly. At the rear there’s no steering bearing, but the mount still cushions impacts and helps keep alignment stable under load.

Over time the rubber insulator can harden or crack, and the front bearing can bind or get notchy. That shows up as clunks over bumps, crooked steering wheel, “memory steer” after cornering, a creak when turning at parking speeds, or uneven tyre wear. Left too long, tired mounts can stress the towers and knock alignment out, chewing through tyres and making the ride harsh.

As part of regular servicing on a 2001 Forester, it’s smart to inspect the strut towers, top mount rubbers and front bearings at each major service, and anytime struts or springs are out. Many owners replace mounts when fitting new struts or springs to avoid double labour. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, a practical replacement window is often 150,000–200,000 km, sooner if the car sees corrugations, towing or heavy loads.

When replacing, use quality OEM or reputable aftermarket mounts and always fit new front mount bearings. Renew any single-use nuts, check spring seat orientation marks, and book a wheel alignment straight after. Follow the Subaru torque specs from the workshop manual. DIYers should only compress springs with a proper, well-maintained compressor, otherwise have a shop swap the assemblies for safety.

• Watch for: clunks, steering notchiness, tramlining, tyre feathering, visible rubber cracks.
• Good practice: replace mounts with new struts, pair them per axle, and align immediately.

Popular questions about 2001 Subaru Forester strut mounts

How long do the strut mounts typically last?
Many see 150,000–200,000 km before noticeable wear, but life depends on roads, loads, and whether the struts are in good nick. Regular inspections can catch perished rubber or a rough front bearing before it starts clunking or hurting tyres.

Are the front and rear strut mounts the same?
No. The fronts include a rotating bearing for steering, the rears are insulators without a steering bearing. They’re not interchangeable, and part numbers differ. When refreshing the front, always include new bearings with the mount.

Can strut mounts be replaced without changing the struts?
Yes, they can. However, because the strut assembly has to come out and the spring must be compressed, it’s often cost-effective to replace mounts and struts together if either is tired. Either way, finish with a proper four-wheel alignment.