Parts for your 2007 Subaru Forester-Suspension bushes

2007 Subaru Forester Suspension Bushes

Suspension bushes absolutely are used on the 2007 Subaru Forester (SG series). This isn’t guesswork: the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2007 Forester (Chassis/Suspension sections), Subaru’s Electronic Parts Catalogue, and well-known application catalogues from brands such as Whiteline and SuperPro all list multiple rubber bushes for this model, including front lower control arm bushes, stabiliser (sway bar) D-bushes and link bushes, rear trailing arm bushes, lateral link bushes, and rear subframe/diff mount bushes.

On this Forester, the bushes are the quiet achievers. They isolate vibration, allow the arms to pivot smoothly, and hold alignment steady under brakes and cornering. Up front, the lower control arm rear “compliance” bush is a fluid-filled (hydraulic) design that soaks up harshness but is known to soften or split with age. Out back, trailing arm and lateral link bushes manage toe and camber stability, while sway bar bushes curb body roll without rattles.

As part of routine servicing on a 2007 Forester, it’s smart to check the bushes at least every 20,000 km or annually—especially if it tows, sees corrugations, or tackles Kiwi backroads and Aussie heat. Tell-tales of tired bushes include:

• Clunks over speed humps or driveway entries
• Vague or wandering steering, tramlining, or side-step under brakes
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear and poor straight-line stability
• Perished, cracked, or oil-soaked rubber on visual inspection

When replacement’s due, do it in axle pairs and budget for a wheel alignment straight after. Many bushes are press-fit, the job often needs a press and suitable sleeves. For the front control arm rear bush, use the correct orientation marks, it’s designed to deflect in one direction. Torque all pivot bolts at normal ride height (with the vehicle’s weight on its wheels) to avoid pre-loading the rubber. If chasing OE comfort and NVH, stick with genuine-type rubber, if sharper response and longevity matter more, quality polyurethane is popular in AU/NZ, noting you may feel a bit more road texture. Don’t forget to lubricate poly bushes with the specified grease and recheck fasteners after a few hundred kilometres. Given age alone, many 2007 Foresters now benefit from fresh sway bar D-bushes and links, and a close look at rear trailing arm and subframe bushes to tighten everything back up.

What suspension bushes most commonly wear out on a 2007 Forester?

Typically the front lower control arm rear “compliance” bush leads the list, followed by sway bar D-bushes and link bushes. On higher-kilometre cars, rear trailing arm and lateral link bushes, plus rear subframe or diff mount bushes, can also show cracking or excess movement.

Rubber or polyurethane—what’s better for a daily-driven 2007 Forester?

For a comfy daily with factory-like noise and vibration, fresh OE-style rubber is ideal. If the goal is crisper steering, better response, and longer service life—especially for spirited driving or light touring—polyurethane is a solid choice, with a small increase in NVH. Mixing and matching (e.g., poly in sway bar bushes, rubber in control arms) is a common compromise.

Do you need an alignment after replacing bushes?

Yes, every time. Bush changes alter the position of arms and can shift camber, caster, and toe. A proper four-wheel alignment after installation—once all bolts are torqued at ride height—protects tyres and restores the Forester’s straight-line and cornering behaviour.