Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Suspension bushes

2012 Subaru Forester suspension bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Suspension bushes are absolutely fitted to the 2012 Subaru Forester (SH). The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2009–2013 Forester (SH) details front lower control arm bushes, rear lateral link and trailing arm bushes, and stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and link bushes. The Subaru OEM parts catalogue (FAST) lists these components, and major technical catalogues from specialist brands also carry Forester SH bush kits, confirming their use on this model.

On this Forester, suspension bushes are the quiet achievers. They locate control arms and links, isolate vibration, and keep alignment steady under braking and cornering. By absorbing harshness, they keep the cabin calm, help tyres wear evenly, and maintain steering feel and braking stability.

As rubber ages, it hardens, cracks, or tears—especially with Aussie and Kiwi heat, rough roads, or towing. Once bushes degrade, the Forester can wander on the motorway, clunk over bumps, shimmy under braking, or scrub tyres. Oil contamination from leaking struts or engine oil can also swell and weaken bush material.

• Typical signs: clunks or creaks on bumps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, rear-end steer, and visible splits or excessive movement in bushes.
• High-wear locations: front lower control arm rear “compliance” bush, sway bar D-bushes, rear trailing arm and lateral link bushes.

Inspection every 20,000–30,000 km (or annually) is sensible. By 100,000–150,000 km many originals will be past their best, and a 2012 example is now well within the age window where replacement pays dividends. During servicing, a tech should lever-test arm bushes, check for cracking or fluid ingress, and road test for brake shimmy or tramlining.

When replacing, quality OEM-style rubber restores factory ride and NVH. Polyurethane options can sharpen response and longevity but may add a touch more noise—great for spirited use, less ideal if a plush ride is the priority. Always torque arm bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading the bushes, and book a full four-wheel alignment afterwards to optimise handling and tyre life. It’s also smart to replace self-locking nuts and any corroded bolts, and to renew sway bar D-bushes and end links while everything’s accessible.

A fresh set of bushes can make an ageing Forester feel tight, quiet, and predictable again—one of the best-value drivability resets for this model.

FAQs

How long do suspension bushes last on a 2012 Subaru Forester?
Service conditions drive lifespan. Many factory bushes will go 100,000–150,000 km, but heat, gravel roads, heavy loads, and fluid contamination can shorten that. Regular inspection helps catch wear before it chews out tyres or affects braking stability.

Are polyurethane bushes a good idea for a daily-driven Forester?
Poly bushes firm up response and usually last longer, but they can transmit a bit more noise and vibration. For daily use and maximum comfort, OEM-style rubber is hard to beat. For towing, rough roads, or a sportier feel, a quality poly kit can be a worthwhile upgrade.

Is a wheel alignment needed after bush replacement?
Yes. Any time control arm or rear link bushes are changed, alignment can shift. A four-wheel alignment resets camber, caster, and toe so the Forester steers straight and protects tyre life.