Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Exhaust mount

2014 Subaru Forester exhaust-mount: purpose, checks, and replacement

Based on the Subaru Service Manual for the 2014MY Forester (SJ) exhaust section and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), this model absolutely uses exhaust-mounts (rubber hangers/cushions and associated brackets) to support the front pipe, centre section and rear muffler. This is also backed up by mainstream parts catalogues for AU/NZ that list Forester SJ exhaust mounting rubbers and brackets as service items. So yes—an exhaust-mount is fitted and relevant for any 2014 Subaru Forester exhaust work.

On a 2014 Forester, the exhaust-mount’s job is to suspend the exhaust system from the body while isolating vibration and allowing a bit of movement as things heat up and cool down. Those rubber hangers stop the pipework and muffler from knocking on the underbody, keep the tailpipe sitting straight, and reduce noise getting into the cabin. When they harden, split, or stretch, owners can get rattles over bumps, a clunk on take-off, or the muffler sitting low or skew-whiff.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to eyeball each exhaust-mount from the front pipe back to the rear can. Look for cracked rubber, torn holes, perished material, or bent brackets. If any mount is marginal, replace it—don’t wait for it to fail on a road trip. A silicone spray can help slide old rubbers off and new ones on. Where brackets bolt to the body or subframe, refit hardware and torque to the Subaru spec from the service manual. If one rubber is gone, consider doing the set in that section so the system sits evenly.

Common symptoms that call for new exhaust-mounts include:

• Exhaust tapping the floor or rear crossmember, especially over corrugations
• Noticeable vibration at idle that wasn’t there before
• Tailpipe sitting off-centre in the bumper cut-out
• Thud on gear changes or when loading and unloading the driveline

Quality replacements are inexpensive and make a big difference to refinement. After fitting, check clearances around heat shields, prop shaft, rear diff cradle and bumper. A quick re-check after a few hundred kilometres is worthwhile as new rubber takes a set. Keeping the exhaust properly supported protects flex joints, flanges and gaskets, and helps the Forester stay quiet and comfy on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions about 2014 Subaru Forester exhaust-mount

How many exhaust-mounts are on a 2014 Forester?
Typically there are several rubber hangers from the front/mid pipe through to the rear muffler, plus metal brackets they hook onto. The exact count varies by engine and whether it’s a single or dual outlet muffler, but expect multiple mounts supporting the mid-section and the rear can. A quick under-car visual will confirm positions.

What are the signs an exhaust-mount needs replacing?
Look and listen for rattles over bumps, a droopy or skewed tailpipe, new vibration at idle, or a clunk when taking off. If the rubber looks cracked, shiny from contact, or overly soft and stretched, it’s due. Any mount that lets the exhaust touch the bodywork should be replaced straight away.

Is it safe to drive with a broken exhaust-mount?
If a single mount fails, the system might still hang on the remaining ones, but it can move excessively, stress other mounts, and hit heat shields or the subframe. It’s best to drive gently and get it sorted promptly to avoid damaging flanges, sensors, or the muffler.