Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Sway bars & links

2014 Subaru Forester sway-bars-&-links: what they do and when to replace

Yes, the 2014 Subaru Forester (SJ) is fitted with sway-bars-&-links front and rear. Subaru’s own technical literature confirms this: the Subaru Forester 2014 (SJ) Service Manual lists “Front Suspension > Stabilizer” and “Rear Suspension > Stabilizer” procedures detailing the stabiliser (sway) bars, D-bushes and stabiliser links. Genuine Subaru parts catalogues for MY2014 Forester also list front and rear stabiliser bars and link assemblies across the range. So, sway-bars-&-links are absolutely relevant to this model.

On the road, the sway bar—also called a stabiliser—ties the left and right suspension together to limit body roll in corners. The links connect the bar to the struts or control arms. On a 2014 Forester, healthy sway-bars-&-links keep the car flatter through bends, sharpen steering response, and help tyres stay planted, especially with a full load or on winding Kiwi and Aussie backroads.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the sway-bars-&-links every service interval. Look for split or perished D-bushes, torn link boots, loose or rusty hardware, and any play in the ball-jointed links. A quick road test will often reveal issues.

• Common symptoms of wear: clunks or knocks over small bumps, extra body roll in corners, vague steering, and creaks at low speed over driveways.
• Typical fixes: replace worn links (preferably in axle pairs), renew D-bushes if cracked or flattened, and torque fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bar.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech. Most OEM rubber bushes don’t need grease, if using polyurethane bushes, apply the supplied compatible grease—never petroleum-based lube on rubber. Links use lock-nuts, replace them if specified by the manual. An alignment isn’t usually required for sway bar or link replacement on the Forester, as geometry isn’t altered, but if other suspension work is done at the same time, an alignment check is wise.

For longevity, keep an ear out for new noises after rough-road trips and have the sway-bars-&-links inspected every 10–15,000 km or at each scheduled service. Fresh bushes and tight links can make a tired Forester feel noticeably crisper without sacrificing comfort.

Do 2014 Subaru Foresters have sway-bars-&-links?

They do. Subaru’s 2014 Forester (SJ) Service Manual sections for Front and Rear Stabilizer outline the bars, D-bushes and link assemblies fitted from factory, and the OEM parts listings back that up across most trims.

Do sway-bar link replacements need a wheel alignment on a 2014 Forester?

Generally, no. Swapping links or D-bushes doesn’t change alignment angles. If other suspension parts are touched, or if tyres show uneven wear, booking an alignment is sensible.

How long do sway-bars-&-links last on a 2014 Forester?

There’s no set lifespan. City driving may see links and bushes last well past 100,000 km, while rough roads or heavy loads can shorten that. Inspect at each service and replace on noise, play, or visible deterioration.