Parts for your 2009 Subaru Forester-Sway bars & links

Sway Bars and Links on the 2009 Subaru Forester: What You Need to Know

The 2009 Subaru Forester is a popular choice for Aussies who want a versatile SUV with solid handling and reliability. One of the essential components that help make this vehicle handle well, especially when cornering or driving on rough terrain, is the sway bar and its associated links. These parts might not be on the top of your mind, but they play a critical role in the vehicle's suspension system.

So, what exactly are sway bars and links, and why are they important for a 2009 Subaru Forester? Put simply, sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars or stabiliser bars, are designed to reduce body roll when the vehicle is turning. When you take a corner quickly, the suspension on the outside of the turn compresses while the inside suspension extends. Without sway bars, this causes your Forester to lean excessively, which can affect stability, comfort, and driver confidence.

The sway bar is a metal rod that connects the left and right sides of the suspension, typically mounted between the wheels. It works by twisting slightly when the vehicle leans to one side, transferring the force from one suspension side to the other. This action helps keep the body of the Forester more level, improving road holding and making the ride feel more planted and safe.

Attached to the sway bar are the links, which are small yet vital components that connect the ends of the bar to the suspension arms or struts. They transfer the sway bar's movement to the suspension and allow it to do its job. If the links wear out or break, the sway bar becomes ineffective, and you'll notice increased body roll on corners, a less stable feel, and potentially increased wear on other suspension parts.

On the 2009 Subaru Forester, sway bars and links are definitely fitted as standard, both to the front and rear suspensions. Subaru designed the Forester's suspension with these components to balance comfort with sporty handling, making it suitable for both city roads and off-road adventures.

Replacing or maintaining sway bars and links isn't usually a day-to-day thing, but it's important to inspect them regularly. Over time, sway bar links can wear out due to constant movement and exposure to the elements. The bushings that hold the sway bar in place can also degrade, leading to knocking noises when going over bumps or during sharp turns.

Here are some practical tips for looking after the sway bars and links on a 2009 Subaru Forester:

• Watch out for clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps or around corners. This often indicates worn links or bushings.
• Get the sway bar links and bushings inspected during regular vehicle servicing, especially as the Forester racks up the kilometres.
• If any play (excessive movement) is detected in the links, it's best to replace them. It's a relatively small and affordable job, but it makes a big difference to handling and safety.
• Using genuine or high-quality aftermarket parts ensures the sway bars and links perform as intended and last longer.
• Check for corrosion or damage, especially if the Forester spends a lot of time in salty coastal environments or off-road where mud and dirt can cause wear.

When it comes to replacement, the process generally involves removing the worn links and bushings and fitting new parts in their place. This can be done during a standard suspension check or when other related components like struts are being serviced. It is often recommended to replace sway bar links in pairs (left and right sides) to maintain balanced handling.

Going without maintenance or replacement of faulty sway bars and links can lead to more noticeable body roll, less precise steering response, and even uneven tyre wear on the Forester. If pushed too far, it can cause additional stress on other suspension parts, potentially adding to repair costs down the track.

In a nutshell, while sway bars and links might not grab the limelight like your engine or tyres, they are an important piece of the puzzle that keeps the 2009 Subaru Forester stable, comfy, and safe to drive. Taking a few extra minutes to check these parts during servicing or getting replacements done when needed will help keep your Forester handling like a champ, whether you are cruising through the suburbs or tackling some Aussie back roads.