Parts for your 2007 Subaru Forester-Exhaust mount

2007 Subaru Forester exhaust-mount: purpose, care and when to replace

Exhaust mounts are absolutely used on the 2007 Subaru Forester. Subaru’s factory workshop manual for the Forester (Exhaust System section) and Subaru’s parts catalogue list rubber exhaust hanger/insulator pieces for the centre pipe and rear muffler, and general service guides like the Haynes Subaru Forester 2003–2008 manual describe checking and replacing the exhaust hanger rubbers. That makes “exhaust-mount” directly relevant to any 2007 Forester’s exhaust system.

On this model, the exhaust-mounts (often called hanger rubbers or insulators) suspend the exhaust under the car and isolate vibration. They keep the pipework, cat and muffler sitting at the right height and angle so there’s good clearance from the body, rear subframe and bumpers. The rubber material soaks up engine and road vibration so the cabin stays quiet and the system isn’t stressed at the flanges or flex joints.

They’re simple parts, but when they age, crack or stretch, the exhaust can sag or shift. That’s when owners notice a dull clunk on take-off, a rattle over bumps, or the tailpipe sitting wonky in the rear valance. Left too long, a tired mount can let the exhaust hit heat shields or the crossmember, or load up the front pipe studs and gaskets.

• Inspection: Have the mounts checked at each service or around every 10,000 km—easy to do on a hoist. Look for splits, perished rubber, or ovalled holes. Check the steel brackets for rust, especially on cars that see coastal air or off‑road work.
• Replacement: Swapping a mount is usually a 10–20 minute job. A spritz of silicone spray and a dedicated exhaust-hanger tool or pry bar makes it a breeze. Replace any missing or flaky bracket hardware and recheck clearances with the car on its wheels.
• Parts choice: OEM-style rubber keeps NVH civil. Polyurethane hangers are firmer and suit towing or rough tracks, but may add a touch more vibration at idle. Many 2007 Foresters run three to five mounts depending on variant—replace in pairs if wear is uneven.
• Good practice: After new mounts, confirm there’s clearance around the diff, subframe and bumper cut-out, and that the system doesn’t preload the flex joint.

Keeping these cheap little mounts healthy protects pricier bits like the catalytic converter, O2 sensors and gaskets, and keeps the Forester feeling tight and quiet on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Q: How many exhaust mounts does a 2007 Subaru Forester have?

Most 2007 Foresters have three to five rubber mounts depending on trim and exhaust layout. A quick look on a hoist will confirm the exact count on the car.

Q: How often should the exhaust mounts be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval. Inspect them every service, many last 5–10 years, but heat, towing and gravel roads can shorten their life. Replace at the first signs of cracking, sagging or rattles.

Q: Are polyurethane hangers a good upgrade?

They’re great for extra support if the car tows or sees rough tracks. Expect a firmer hold and slightly more vibration at idle compared with OEM rubber.