Parts for your 2008 Subaru Forester-Suspension bushes

2008 Subaru Forester suspension bushes

Suspension bushes are absolutely used on the 2008 Subaru Forester. This is documented in the Subaru Factory Service Manual (STIS) under the Suspension sections for front and rear arms and stabiliser bars, and is supported by aftermarket application catalogues from Whiteline and SuperPro that list multiple bush kits for this model year. General repair guides such as Haynes’ Forester workshop manuals also detail inspection and replacement of control arm, trailing arm, lateral link and sway bar bushes on 2008 models.

On a 2008 Forester, the suspension bushes are the quiet achievers that keep ride comfort tidy and handling predictable. Pressed into arms, links and crossmembers, these rubber (and sometimes liquid-filled) mounts isolate vibration, allow controlled movement, and hold alignment under braking, cornering and over corrugations. When they’re healthy, the steering feels settled and tyres wear evenly. When they’re tired, owners may notice clunks, a shimmy under braking, vague steering, or feathered tyre edges.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front lower control arm bushes (especially the rear “compliance” bush), rear trailing arm and lateral link bushes, and sway bar D-bushes. Look for cracking, tearing, rubber separation from the sleeve, or fluid weep if a bush is hydraulic. Pry-bar checks should only be done gently to avoid damaging good bushes. Any bush replacement should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height to prevent pre-load, and a wheel alignment is recommended afterwards.

Choice of material matters. Genuine-style rubber keeps NVH low and suits daily driving. Quality polyurethane can sharpen response and last longer, but may transmit a bit more road feel, if going poly, use the correct supplied grease and re-lube sway bar D-bushes periodically to keep squeaks away. It’s also worth checking related wear items—ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bar links—while the arms are out, as they often age together.

Intervals depend on use, but a quick bush condition check every 20,000–30,000 km (or annually) fits most Australian and New Zealand conditions. Vehicles that tow, see gravel/corrugations, or carry loads will benefit from closer attention. The Forester’s platform responds well to fresh bushes: restoring factory geometry tightens steering, improves braking stability, and can save tyres. These recommendations reflect the Subaru Factory Service Manual procedures for the 2008 Forester’s suspension assemblies, plus common replacement practices echoed by Whiteline and SuperPro fitment guides and mainstream workshop manuals.

• Typical symptoms: clunks over bumps, steering wander, brake shimmy, uneven tyre wear
• Priority areas: front control arm rear bush, rear trailing/lateral link bushes, sway bar D-bushes
• After replacement: torque at ride height and book a wheel alignment

Popular questions

What are the signs the 2008 Forester’s suspension bushes need replacing?
Owners usually notice clunks on sharp bumps, looseness in the steering, or a brake shudder that isn’t just rotors. Uneven tyre wear, especially feathering, and poor straight-line stability are common too. A visual check may show cracked rubber or a bush that’s torn or weeping fluid (on hydraulic types).

Should they choose OEM rubber or polyurethane bushes?
For comfy daily driving, OEM-style rubber is hard to beat and keeps NVH close to factory. Polyurethane firms up response and can last longer, which suits enthusiastic or load-heavy use. Expect a touch more road feel with poly, and keep sway bar poly bushes greased as specified to avoid squeaks.

Do bushes need a wheel alignment afterwards?
Yes. Any time control arm or rear link bushes are replaced, the geometry shifts slightly. A post-repair alignment brings camber and toe back into spec, improving tyre life and returning that planted Forester feel.