Parts for your 2006 Subaru Outback-Strut mounts

2006 Subaru Outback strut mounts — what they are and when to replace them

Per the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the BP/BL Legacy/Outback (2005–2009) Suspension section, the 2006 Outback runs MacPherson struts up front, so it absolutely uses front strut mounts (a.k.a. top mounts/top hats). The Subaru global parts catalogue (FAST) and common aftermarket catalogues from KYB and Monroe list front strut mounts for this model. The rear suspension is a multi‑link layout with separate damper and spring, so the rear uses shock upper mounts rather than a conventional strut mount.

On the front of a 2006 Subaru Outback, the strut mount does a few big jobs: it locates the top of the strut in the body, isolates vibration with a rubber insulator, and houses a bearing that lets the strut turn smoothly with the steering. When the mount ages, the rubber hardens or cracks and the bearing can bind, which you’ll feel as clunks over bumps, vague steering, or “memory steer” where the wheel doesn’t recentre nicely. Left too long, it can chew through tyres and make the car feel unsettled on corrugations.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the mounts whenever the front end is up—especially if the car’s done north of 120–150,000 km, or the struts are due. They’re relatively inexpensive and best done in pairs with new struts, springs seated correctly, and all fasteners torqued to the factory spec from the FSM. An alignment afterwards is a must.

• Common symptoms: front‑end clunking, steering notchiness, poor return‑to‑centre, tramlining, or inner/outer tyre wear.
• Replacement tips: replace mounts with the struts, use new self‑locking nuts, check dust boots and spring isolators, and orient the mount correctly (arrow/markings towards the outside as per the FSM). Mark camber bolts before removal and have a wheel alignment done.
• Maintenance: there’s no practical way to lubricate the sealed bearing, prevention is simply timely replacement and keeping an eye on cracked rubber or rust around the spring seat.

DIYers should use a quality spring compressor and work on level ground. If there’s any doubt, let a workshop handle it—pressed springs store serious energy. Once fitted, a fresh pair of mounts and struts will make the Outback feel tighter, quieter, and more confident on Kiwi and Aussie backroads.

Popular questions

Do both front and rear use strut mounts on a 2006 Outback?
Front, yes—MacPherson strut mounts are fitted. The rear is multi‑link with a separate shock, so it uses an upper shock mount, not a classic strut mount.

How often should front strut mounts be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval, but many owners replace them with the front struts, typically around 120–180,000 km, or sooner if there are clunks, steering bind, or tyre wear.

Can worn strut mounts cause tyre wear and steering wander?
They can. Excess play or a binding bearing up top can shift alignment under load, leading to cupping or edge wear and a wandering feel on coarse‑chip roads.