Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Shock absorbers

2014 Subaru Forester Shock Absorbers

Yes, the 2014 Subaru Forester absolutely uses shock absorbers. Technical sources including the Subaru Forester (SJ) Service Manual (Suspension section), Subaru’s 2014 Forester product brochure (chassis overview), and general repair guides such as the Haynes Subaru Forester 2009–2018 manual all specify a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a double-wishbone rear with gas-pressurised shock absorbers. So shocks and struts are very much part of this model’s ride and handling package.

On this Forester, the front strut assemblies and the rear shocks control spring movement, keeping the tyres planted and the cabin composed over corrugations and potholes common on Aussie and Kiwi roads. They damp the bounce after bumps, improve braking stability, and help the car track straight in crosswinds and on uneven surfaces.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the shocks and struts inspected every 20,000–30,000 km, or at least once a year. Look for oily misting around the damper bodies, uneven tyre wear, a floaty or crashy ride, longer stopping distances, or clunks over speed humps. By 80,000–120,000 km many Foresters benefit from fresh dampers, especially if they’ve done plenty of towing, gravel work, or city kerb-hopping.

When replacement time comes, it’s best practice to:

• Replace in axle pairs (both fronts or both rears) to keep handling balanced.
• Use quality components and new self-locking hardware where specified in the Subaru manual.
• Inspect and, if needed, replace related parts: front strut mounts/bearings, bump stops, dust boots, and sway-bar links.
• Get a wheel alignment after front strut work, it protects tyres and restores steering feel.

DIYers should mark spring orientation and never crack a strut top nut without a proper spring compressor. Torque figures and procedures vary by engine/trim, so stick to the Subaru SJ service data. After installation, a short road test over mixed surfaces will confirm the ride is settled, with no knocks or steering pull. A re-check of fasteners after a few hundred kilometres isn’t a bad shout either.

Look after the shocks and struts, and the Forester will reward with confident grip, tidy body control, and calmer long-distance comfort—exactly what owners expect from a Subaru.

Popular questions about 2014 Subaru Forester shock absorbers

How long do the original shocks and struts usually last?
Many owners see 80,000–120,000 km before performance noticeably tapers, though harsh roads, towing, or heavy loads can bring that forward. If the ride gets floaty, braking dives more than usual, or tyres chop on the edges, it’s time to test and likely replace.

Do I need an alignment after replacing front struts?
Yes. Front strut replacement can alter camber and toe. A proper alignment restores tracking, steering feel, and tyre life. Rear shock replacement alone typically doesn’t change alignment on the double-wishbone rear, but it’s sensible to check if there’s uneven wear.

Can worn shocks damage other parts?
They can. Excess bouncing stresses strut mounts, sway-bar links, bushings, and tyres. Braking distances can increase and ABS/ESC may intervene more often. Replacing tired dampers early helps protect those components and keeps safety systems working as intended.