Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Struts

Understanding the Struts on a 2012 Subaru Forester

The 2012 Subaru Forester is a popular SUV known for its reliability and all-wheel-drive capability. When it comes to its suspension system, specifically the use of struts, the Forester is indeed fitted with struts at the front and rear, making them a crucial component to understand for any owner looking to maintain optimal ride quality and safety.

Struts serve as a combination of a shock absorber and a structural component in the suspension system. On the 2012 Subaru Forester, struts play an important role in ensuring the vehicle handles well over rough terrain, maintains tyre contact with the road, and delivers a comfortable driving experience. Unlike shock absorbers, which merely dampen the suspension movement, struts also contribute to the alignment and the overall structural integrity of the suspension assembly.

In the Forester's front suspension, the MacPherson strut design is utilised. This means each front strut combines the shock absorber and a coil spring into one integrated unit. This design helps keep things compact and efficient under the bonnet, while providing enough support to handle the demands of both off-road adventures and daily urban driving. The rear suspension also incorporates struts, which further aid in delivering stability and smooth handling.

Because struts are such a fundamental part of the vehicle's suspension, they take a fair bit of strain over the years. This is especially true for a Forester in Australia, where a mix of smooth highways, dirt roads, and occasional potholes is common. When struts wear out, owners might notice symptoms like increased body roll, uneven tyre wear, or a harsher ride. In extreme cases, worn struts can impact braking distances and steering response, making timely inspection and replacement vital.

Maintaining the 2012 Subaru Forester's struts is a fairly straightforward task but one that pays dividends in safety and comfort. It's a good idea to have the struts checked regularly, especially if the vehicle is used on rough or unsealed surfaces regularly. Subaru recommends inspecting struts for leaks, corrosion, or damage and replacing them every 100,000 kilometres or sooner if signs of failure appear.

When it comes to replacement, it's best to change struts in pairs - either both front or both rear at the same time. This ensures balanced handling and even wear. Installing new struts on one side only can lead to uneven suspension response, which might make the vehicle feel unpredictable in certain driving conditions.

Upgrading to quality aftermarket or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) struts is important. Genuine Subaru parts are designed to match the vehicle's suspension specifications exactly, which means optimal ride comfort and durability. However, many reputable brands also produce high-quality struts that can suit the Forester and often provide enhanced performance or value.

While replacing struts, it's common to also check related components such as coil springs, mounting bolts, rubber bushings, and strut mounts. Any worn parts here can cause noise, vibration, or poor handling, so attending to them at the same time as the strut replacement helps keep the suspension system in top shape.

DIY servicing of struts can be challenging due to the need for special tools and safety precautions, given the tension in coil springs. Most vehicle owners prefer to have this work done by a professional mechanic who has the expertise to safely remove and install struts without damage or injury.

Lastly, after replacing struts, a wheel alignment is a must. This makes sure that the wheels are set up perfectly and contribute to smooth handling, even tyre wear, and safe driving. Misaligned wheels can quickly lead to steering issues and premature tyre wear, negating the benefits of new struts.

For owners of a 2012 Subaru Forester looking to keep their SUV comfortable, safe, and reliable, understanding and maintaining the struts is part of regular maintenance. Checking the condition, replacing them when necessary, and ensuring related components and alignment are sorted will help the Forester continue to perform well no matter where the road or trail leads.