Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Coil springs

Coil Springs on the 2014 Subaru Forester: What You Need to Know

The 2014 Subaru Forester is a popular SUV known for its practicality and reliable performance, especially in a variety of driving conditions. When it comes to its suspension system, coil springs play an important role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. So, are coil springs relevant and fitted to the 2014 Subaru Forester? The answer is yes. This vehicle uses coil springs as part of its suspension setup, both in the front and the rear. Understanding what coil springs do and how to look after them can help vehicle owners keep their Forester driving comfortably and safely.

Coil springs are a fundamental component of the Forester's suspension. Their main purpose is to absorb bumps and shocks from the road, which helps to ensure that passengers enjoy a softer ride, even on rough or uneven surfaces. The springs compress and decompress as the wheels encounter dips and rises, which allows the wheels to maintain better contact with the road. This improves traction and handling, contributing to both safety and comfort.

On the 2014 Subaru Forester, coil springs work hand in hand with the shock absorbers, struts, control arms and other suspension parts. While the shock absorbers control the oscillation of the springs to prevent excessive bouncing, the coil springs themselves do the heavy lifting when it comes to supporting the vehicle's weight and cushioning impacts. The Forester typically employs MacPherson strut suspension at the front, where the coil spring is integrated around the strut. At the rear, coil springs are mounted separately but perform a similar function, helping the vehicle handle load and road irregularities.

As coil springs are subject to constant stress from the road and the weight of the car, they can wear out over time. It's important to keep an eye on their condition as part of regular servicing or maintenance of the 2014 Subaru Forester. Worn or damaged coil springs can lead to a number of issues that affect drivability. These include uneven ride height, poor road handling, increased tyre wear, and even suspension noise.

When servicing a 2014 Forester, mechanics usually inspect the coil springs for cracks, corrosion or sagging. Any visible signs of damage or deformation should be taken seriously. Although coil springs are generally durable, exposure to corrosive elements like salt or moisture - especially in Australian conditions where coastal salt air can accelerate rust - can shorten their lifespan.

Replacing coil springs is typically recommended if they become weak or damaged. Signs that the coil springs need replacement include:

• The car sits lower on one side or the spring looks visibly compressed
• There is unusual or excessive bouncing after hitting bumps
• Clunking or knocking sounds coming from the suspension area when driving over rough terrain
• Uneven tyre wear due to inconsistent weight distribution or alignment problems

When replacing coil springs on a 2014 Subaru Forester, it is best to replace them in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced handling and ride quality. Genuine Subaru coil springs or high-quality aftermarket parts are preferable to ensure longevity and proper fitment. After replacement, an alignment check and adjustment are often recommended to keep the suspension geometry correct.

A common misconception is that coil springs need frequent replacement. Usually, they will last for many years or well beyond 100,000 kilometres unless exposed to harsh driving conditions or damage. Still, routine inspection during services, especially at brake checks or suspension tune-ups, makes good sense. This helps catch any early wear or corrosion and avoids surprise failures down the track.

Taking care of coil springs is one part of maintaining the smooth and capable ride the Subaru Forester is known for. Alongside other suspension components such as shock absorbers, bushes, and struts, the coil springs help keep the vehicle stable, safe and comfortable whether on city streets, gravel roads or long-distance journeys.

So next time the 2014 Subaru Forester comes in for a service or suspension check, it's worth asking about the coil springs. Making sure these often overlooked components are in good shape is a smart move for anyone wanting to get the most out of their Forester in terms of comfort, safety, and performance on Australia's diverse roads.