Parts for your 2013 Subaru Forester-Cv boots

2013 Subaru Forester CV boots — what they do and when to sort them

CV boots are very much used on the 2013 Subaru Forester. Technical sources including the Subaru Factory Service Manual (FSM) for the 2013 Forester (Front/Rear Drive Shaft sections), Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) procedures, and genuine Subaru parts catalogues all list front inner/outer and rear axle CV joint boots for this model. That makes CV boots a relevant service item on both SH (late production) and early SJ 2013 Foresters with symmetrical AWD.

On this Forester, CV boots are flexible rubber or thermoplastic sleeves that seal grease around each constant-velocity joint while keeping out water, grit, and road grime. The joints let the front and rear axles articulate as the suspension moves and the wheels steer, which is vital to the Forester’s all‑wheel drive traction and smoothness. When a boot splits, grease flings out, contaminants creep in, and the joint can wear quickly—often first noticed as a rhythmic clicking on low‑speed turns. Torn boots can also cop a defect at a WOF or roadworthy inspection due to grease leakage.

• Tell‑tale signs: dark grease spattered on the inner rim, control arms or underbody near the wheel
• Clicking or knocking on tight turns, especially when accelerating
• Shudder or vibration under load if the joint has worn
• Burning smell if slinged grease lands on hot exhaust components

Practical servicing on a 2013 Forester: have the boots inspected at each service (10,000–15,000 km), or sooner if the vehicle sees gravel roads, beach runs, or muddy tracks. Check for small cracks at the pleats, perished rubber, loose clamps, and any grease weep. Avoid blasting boots with a pressure washer at close range, and keep an eye on clamp tension after harsh off‑road use.

If a boot is torn but the joint hasn’t started clicking, a reboot with the correct Subaru‑spec moly CV grease and quality clamps usually saves the axle. Once there’s noise or visible pitting in the joint, replacing the shaft assembly is the smarter call. A competent workshop will fit new axle nuts, torque them to factory spec, and re‑stake them, if strut bolts are loosened during the job, an alignment check is wise. Choosing OEM or high‑quality aftermarket boots with good cold‑weather flexibility helps them last longer in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

How long do CV boots last on a 2013 Forester?

In typical suburban use they can last well past 100,000 km, but age, heat, and off‑road grit shorten their life. Regular inspections during routine servicing catch small cracks before they become splits.

Is it okay to drive with a torn CV boot?

Short distances only, and with care. Grease loss and contamination can turn a simple reboot into a full CV or axle replacement surprisingly fast. It’s best sorted promptly to protect the joint.

Should the boot or the whole axle be replaced?

If the joint is quiet and clean inside, a reboot is cost‑effective. If there’s clicking, metal flake in the grease, or play in the joint, a complete shaft replacement provides a longer‑term fix.