Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Shock absorbers

2016 Subaru Forester shock absorbers — purpose, care and when to replace

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Forester does use shock absorbers. Technical sources including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2016MY Forester (SJ chassis) and OEM parts catalogues specify a MacPherson strut front suspension with integrated hydraulic, gas‑charged dampers, and a double‑wishbone rear with separate gas‑charged shock absorbers and coil springs. Major aftermarket catalogues (KYB, Monroe) also list direct‑fit front struts and rear shocks for this model, confirming the hardware. So shock absorbers are absolutely relevant to how this Forester rides, handles and stops.

The shock absorbers (the dampers inside the front struts and the separate rear shocks) control how quickly the suspension moves after a bump. They keep the tyres planted on the road, reduce body roll and pitch, and smooth out corrugations and potholes. When dampers fade or leak, the Forester can feel floaty, bounce repeatedly, tramline on coarse chip, and even take longer to pull up because the tyres don’t grip as consistently. Healthy shocks are a safety item as much as a comfort upgrade.

For Australia and New Zealand conditions, it’s sensible to inspect the shocks at every service and plan replacement somewhere around 80,000–120,000 km, earlier if the vehicle tows, carries loads, or sees rough gravel. Look for oil misting or leaks, dented damper bodies, perished bushes, cracked top mounts, and cupped or scalloped tyre wear. A basic bounce test can hint at issues, but a road test over ripples and firm braking from speed tells the real story.

• Nose‑diving under brakes
• Floaty, side‑to‑side wobble in crosswinds
• Hop or chatter over corrugations, poor traction out of corners
• Clunks from front strut tops or rear mounts
• Vague steering, stopping distances creeping out

When it’s time, replace in axle pairs for balanced handling. Choose OE‑equivalent, gas‑charged dampers, the fronts are complete struts, so consider new top mounts/bearings, boots and bump stops at the same time. Renew any single‑use (self‑locking) nuts and bolts. After front strut work, book a wheel alignment to reset camber and toe. Torque fasteners at ride height and recheck after a short shakedown. A fresh set of dampers can transform the Forester—quieter, tighter, and far more confident on wet chipseal or gravel, just as the factory intended.

What type of shocks and struts does a 2016 Subaru Forester have?

It uses MacPherson struts up front (a coil spring over a gas‑charged hydraulic damper) and a double‑wishbone rear with separate gas‑charged shock absorbers and coil springs. This layout is detailed in the Subaru service manual and reflected in OEM and aftermarket parts catalogues.

How often should the shocks/struts be replaced on a 2016 Forester?

There’s no fixed interval, but many owners see best results replacing between 80,000 and 120,000 km, sooner with towing, corrugated roads, or heavy loads. Inspect for leaks, noise, or handling changes and use tyre wear patterns as a cue.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing front struts?

Yes. Removing the front strut affects camber and toe. A post‑install alignment restores factory specs, protects tyres, and ensures the Forester tracks straight and feels settled.