Parts for your 2011 Subaru Legacy-Struts

Struts on the 2011 Subaru Legacy: What They Do and How to Keep Them in Top Shape

The 2011 Subaru Legacy is a solid midsize sedan known for its reliability, all-wheel drive capabilities, and comfortable ride. When it comes to suspension components like struts, the question often pops up: does this model actually use struts, or is it something different? Well, the 2011 Subaru Legacy does indeed utilise struts, particularly in its front suspension setup. Understanding what struts are and how to maintain or replace them is key to keeping that Legacy cruising comfortably and safely down the road.

First off, what exactly are struts? A strut is a type of suspension component that combines multiple functions into a single unit. It acts as both a shock absorber - which controls the movement of the wheels and prevents bouncing - and a structural support that helps maintain the alignment and geometry of the suspension system. In the 2011 Subaru Legacy, the front suspension uses MacPherson struts. These struts attach directly to the steering knuckle and help control wheel movement while also supporting the weight of the vehicle's front end.

The reason for using struts instead of just shocks and separate springs comes down to design and space efficiency. Struts provide a compact and integrated way to handle suspension duties, reducing the number of parts and overall weight. This allows for a tighter front-end design and typically better steering response, which Subaru is well-known for. Meanwhile, the rear suspension of the 2011 Legacy uses a different setup, a multi-link design with separate coil springs and shocks, so struts are not part of the rear suspension.

Maintenance of struts is an important part of vehicle health, especially for a car like the Legacy that's built to handle a mix of urban and rugged Australian roads. Over time, struts can wear out. This wear can lead to a host of issues including a rougher ride, poor handling, increased braking distance, and uneven tyre wear. If the struts start to leak fluid or the car begins to bounce excessively over bumps, it's usually time to give them a good look or consider replacement.

Caring for the struts of a 2011 Subaru Legacy isn't rocket science but does require some know-how and regular checks. The best approach is to have the struts inspected during routine servicing or every 50,000 kilometres or so, depending on driving conditions. Mechanics will look for physical damage, leaks, and perform bounce tests to determine if the struts are still performing well.

Replacing the struts, when needed, is vital, not just to restore a smooth ride but also to maintain optimum safety. It's generally recommended to replace struts in pairs - both front struts at the same time - to preserve balanced handling and avoid uneven suspension behaviour. While struts themselves often come pre-assembled with springs (known as strut assemblies), replacement can be more involved than just swapping out shocks. It requires the use of special spring compressors and proper alignment afterwards.

A wheel alignment is a must after replacing struts on the Subaru Legacy. This ensures the wheels are correctly angled for precise steering, uniform tyre wear, and good fuel economy. Without it, even brand-new struts won't do their job properly and the car may pull to one side or develop handling quirks.

DIY enthusiasts with the right tools and experience can tackle strut replacement, but for most, visiting a professional workshop is the safest bet. Mechanics have the necessary equipment and know-how to replace the struts safely and efficiently, plus they can check other suspension components while they're at it.

Regular maintenance related to struts also includes watching out for worn bushings, mounting hardware, and suspension ball joints. These parts indirectly affect the strut's performance and, if ignored, may lead to accelerated wear or compromised handling.

All up, the struts are a critical part of the 2011 Subaru Legacy's front suspension system. They play a key role in cushioning impacts from the road, keeping the vehicle stable in corners and during braking, and providing the driver with confident steering feedback. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of worn struts ensure the Legacy's signature comfortable ride and dependable handling are maintained for years to come. So when it's time for a check-up, don't overlook those front struts - they do a lot of the hard work behind the scenes to keep the Legacy feeling just right on Aussie roads.