Parts for your 2006 Subaru Forester-Bump stops

2006 Subaru Forester bump-stops

Based on technical sources, bump-stops are absolutely fitted to the 2006 Subaru Forester (SG). The Subaru Factory Service Manual for MY06 Forester (Front/Rear Suspension sections) shows a “bumper” or “jounce bumper” integrated with the MacPherson struts, and the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue (Suspension & Axle group) lists front and rear bump-stop components for this model. Major strut manufacturers’ fitment guides for the 2006 Forester also specify OE-style foam bump-stops beneath the dust boots. So yes—this Forester uses bump-stops front and rear.

On a 2006 Forester, bump-stops act like compact, high-density foam buffers on the strut shafts. Their job is to catch the last bit of travel before the suspension bottoms out, protecting the struts, springs, top mounts, and body from harsh metal-to-metal hits. They also stabilise the car when loaded up with passengers, gear, or a towball download, and help keep the tyres gripping properly over big bumps and corrugations—common on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to treat bump-stops as wear items. The foam ages, can crack, split, or turn to mush—especially if the dust boots are torn. Once degraded, the Forester can clunk on big hits, feel crashy over potholes, and the struts cop a hiding they weren’t meant to. Anyone replacing struts or springs should plan to replace bump-stops and dust boots at the same time, the incremental cost is small compared with the labour and the comfort and protection they restore.

• Check intervals: inspect at each major service or every 40,000–60,000 km, and always when tyres, springs, or struts are off.
• What to look for: perished foam, missing sections, oil-soaked or crumbling material, torn boots exposing the bump-stop.
• Replacement tips: use quality OE or OE-equivalent parts matched to standard or lift/low springs, ensure correct orientation and full strut bump clearance per service manual, torque top mounts to spec.

If the Forester’s been lifted for touring, use bump-stops designed for the new travel range to avoid coil bind and harsh bottoming. After fitment, a road test over speed humps and rough patches should feel more controlled, with fewer bangs and better tyre contact. Quiet, comfortable, and kinder to the rest of the suspension—just how a well-sorted Forester should be.

Popular questions

Do 2006 Subaru Foresters have front and rear bump-stops?
Yes. Both the front and rear MacPherson struts use foam jounce bumpers. They sit under the dust boots on the strut shafts and act as the final cushion at full compression to protect the suspension and body.

What are the signs the bump-stops need replacing?
Look for cracked, crumbling, or oil-soaked foam, or missing pieces. On the road, you might notice a hard “thud” over big bumps, extra harshness when loaded, or quicker wear on struts and top mounts. Torn dust boots usually mean the bump-stops won’t be far behind.

Should bump-stops be replaced when fitting new struts or springs?
Ideally, yes. It’s cost-effective to replace bump-stops and dust boots with the new struts or springs. Fresh components restore proper travel control, reduce noise, and help the new gear last longer—especially important on high-kilometre Foresters.