Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Coil springs

Coil Springs on the 2016 Subaru Forester: What You Need to Know

The 2016 Subaru Forester is well-known for its reliable performance and comfortable ride, especially considering its SUV capabilities. One key component helping achieve this smooth drive is the coil spring. Yes, coil springs are indeed fitted to the 2016 Forester and play an important role in the vehicle's suspension system.

Coil springs are essentially helical springs that are part of the suspension setup. Their main job is to absorb shocks from the road surface, smoothing out bumps and dips to maintain ride comfort and keep the tyres firmly planted on the ground. In the 2016 Forester, you'll find coil springs located in both the front and rear suspension systems, working alongside struts and dampers to provide balanced handling and stability.

These coil springs compress when the vehicle hits a bump, storing energy, then release it as they return to their normal shape. By doing this, they limit the amount of road shock that reaches you inside the cabin, helping the Forester offer that reassuring soft but controlled feel on a variety of surfaces - whether cruising city streets or tackling Australian country roads.

Over time, coil springs can wear out. They might sag or weaken due to metal fatigue or corrosion, especially if the vehicle spends a lot of time in rough conditions or coastal areas where salt and moisture speed up rusting. When this happens, the ride can become noticeably harsher and less stable, and the vehicle's handling may feel off, with uneven tyre wear becoming evident as a warning sign.

Keeping the coil springs in good nick is an essential part of ongoing vehicle maintenance. During routine servicing of a 2016 Subaru Forester, mechanics will typically check the coil springs as part of the suspension inspection. They look for signs of cracks, rust, sagging, or damage that could compromise their performance. If any faults are spotted, replacing the springs becomes necessary to ensure safety and ride quality.

Replacing coil springs isn't usually a DIY job, given that the suspension system can be complex and requires correct tools and expertise. When coil springs are replaced on a Forester, it's often advised to replace them in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced suspension behaviour. This helps avoid an uneven ride height and handling characteristics.

On top of general wear and tear, upgrading to higher quality or even performance coil springs is sometimes considered by Forester owners who want enhanced handling or specific ride characteristics tailored to their driving preferences or load conditions. But for most everyday drivers, sticking with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) coil springs ensures the best blend of comfort and durability the Forester was designed to provide.

Coil spring maintenance also links closely to other suspension components like shock absorbers, struts, and bushings. Because these parts work hand-in-hand, a worn shock absorber can put extra stress on coil springs and vice versa. Usually, if coil springs are close to the end of their life, the shocks or struts might need replacing too.

To help prolong the life of the coil springs and suspension as a whole, it's wise to avoid overloading the vehicle, driving carefully on rough surfaces, and getting regular suspension inspections. Spotting minor rust or corrosion early means you can deal with it before it affects the spring's integrity. Additionally, keeping the vehicle clean, especially underneath, reduces exposure to corrosive elements.

In short, coil springs are definitely a vital part of the 2016 Subaru Forester's suspension system, contributing directly to the vehicle's comfortable ride and reliable handling. Paying attention to their condition alongside other suspension parts during servicing will keep the Forester driving smoothly and safely for years to come. If any spring issues arise, prompt replacement ensures the best performance and driving experience from this popular Aussie-friendly SUV.