Parts for your 2008 Subaru Outback-Suspension bushes

2008 Subaru Outback suspension bushes — what they do and how to look after them

Suspension bushes are absolutely used on the 2008 Subaru Outback (BP/BL platform). The Subaru Factory Service Manual for MY2005–2009 Legacy/Outback details multiple rubber bushes across the front and rear suspension, and the official Subaru parts catalogue lists individual bush components for the front lower control arm (front and rear/hydro bush), rear lateral links, trailing arms, rear subframe mounts, and stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes. Well-known technical catalogues from Whiteline and SuperPro also publish direct-fit bush kits for 2004–2009 Outback models, further confirming fitment.

On this Outback, bushes isolate noise and vibration while keeping the wheels located precisely as loads change. They’re the quiet achievers that help the wagon track straight on the motorway, absorb sharp bumps on corrugations, and keep alignment steady when braking or towing. Over time, rubber hardens, cracks, or tears, and hydraulic (fluid-filled) bushes can leak. At 15+ years old, many cars are due for a freshen-up.

Typical signs that bushes are tired include clunks over speed humps, vague steering, shudder on braking, wandering at highway speeds, and uneven tyre wear. A visual check during regular servicing—looking for splits, leaking hydro bushes, or excessive movement with a lever—goes a long way. Many workshops inspect bushes at every service and more closely every 20,000–30,000 km.

• Common bush locations on a 2008 Outback: front lower control arm (front and rear/hydro), front and rear stabiliser bar D-bushes, rear lateral link inner bushes, rear trailing arm front bushes, and rear subframe mounting bushes.

When replacement’s on the cards, owners can choose genuine-style rubber for factory comfort and low NVH, or quality polyurethane for a crisper turn-in and longer service life. Poly can add a touch more road feel, rubber stays the quietest. Either way, bushes should be tightened at normal ride height to avoid preloading, and a four-wheel alignment should follow. It’s smart to replace side-to-side in pairs and to check related bits—ball joints, sway bar links, and strut top mounts—while it’s apart.

Most rubber bushes are fitted dry, don’t use petroleum grease on rubber. Poly bushes usually come with a specific grease—use only that on the mating surfaces. Press work is often required, and the front lower control arm rear bush is a directional/hydraulic design, so correct orientation matters. Refer to the Subaru workshop manual for torque specs and procedures, and expect some labour time savings if combining bush work with shock or strut replacement.