Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Cv boots

2012 Subaru Forester CV boots – what they do and when to replace them

Yes, CV boots are absolutely used on the 2012 Subaru Forester. Technical references that confirm this include the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2012 Forester (SH), which details front and rear drive shafts with inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints, each protected by rubber boots, Subaru’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (STIS/FAST), which lists front and rear CV boot kits and clamps, and mainstream parts catalogues used in workshops across Australia and New Zealand that stock Forester-specific CV boot kits. All of this clearly shows the 2012 model is fitted with CV boots at both ends.

On this Forester, the CV boots are simple but vital. They seal high‑moly grease around the CV joints and keep water, grit and road grime out. Because the Forester is all-wheel drive, it has CV joints and boots on the front drive shafts and on the rear axle shafts too. The boots flex thousands of times per drive, coping with steering angles up front and suspension travel at all four corners.

With age and heat, the rubber can harden or crack. A torn boot flings grease over the inside of the wheel and subframe, and once the grease is gone, the joint wears quickly. Catch it early and it’s a straightforward boot job, leave it too long and it may need a whole shaft.

• Tell‑tale signs: grease splatter on the inner rim or underbody, a visible split in the boot, clicking on tight turns, or a shudder on take‑off.
• Service tip: have the boots inspected at each routine service (about every 10,000–15,000 km), especially after gravel road use.

When a boot is cracked or weeping, replacing just the boot can save a pricey CV or driveshaft. A proper repair uses the correct Subaru‑spec grease, new stainless clamps and the right crimping tool, with everything cleaned meticulously before packing the joint. The axle nut and suspension fasteners should be torqued to the factory spec from the service manual, and it’s smart to check wheel alignment afterwards if the knuckle has been disturbed. If the joint is already noisy or gritty, a complete shaft is usually the better value fix. For long life, quality boot material (neoprene or TPE), clean installation, and regular inspections are the winning combo for a 2012 Subaru Forester that’s ready for school runs and back‑road weekends alike.

Popular questions about 2012 Subaru Forester CV boots

How long do CV boots typically last on a 2012 Forester?
In normal city and highway use, many boots last well over 150,000 km. Frequent gravel, mud or coastal driving can shorten that. Regular inspections at service time help catch small cracks before they turn into splits.

Can someone keep driving with a torn CV boot?
They can, but it’s risky. A small split quickly flings out grease and lets water in. If the joint runs dry or gets contaminated, it can fail and turn a simple boot job into a full driveshaft replacement.

Does the 2012 Forester have CV boots on the rear as well?
Yes. Being AWD, it uses CV joints and boots on the rear axle shafts too. Front outer boots tend to fail first due to steering angles, but the rears should be checked at every service as well.