Parts for your 2016 Subaru Outback-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2016 Subaru Outback and How to Keep Them in Good Nick

The 2016 Subaru Outback is a popular choice among Aussies who need a reliable, comfortable, and capable wagon that can handle everything from city drives to weekend getaways in the bush. When it comes to its suspension system, the Outback uses a mix of components designed to deliver a smooth ride and solid handling. One important aspect that often comes up is whether or not struts are part of this vehicle's suspension setup. So, does the 2016 Subaru Outback use struts? The answer is yes, but only on the front suspension.

The front end of the 2016 Outback employs MacPherson struts. These are a type of suspension unit that combines the shock absorber and the coil spring into a single assembly. They are mounted between the wheel hub and the car's body, allowing the wheel to move up and down while absorbing bumps and shocks from the road. Using struts at the front helps keep things compact and efficient, which is handy for packaging and weight distribution in a vehicle like the Outback.

At the back, the 2016 Subaru Outback features a multi-link suspension setup with separate shock absorbers and coil springs, which is a bit different to the front. This combination provides better handling and ride comfort, especially when the vehicle is loaded up with passengers or gear. So, struts are not used on the rear of the 2016 Outback, but the front struts definitely play a crucial role in how this car feels on the road.

Now, let's have a closer look at what those front struts actually do and why it's important to keep an eye on them as part of your Outback's maintenance routine.

Struts are a key component of the suspension system. They essentially absorb shocks from rough roads, potholes, and uneven surfaces, making your ride smoother and more comfortable. Each strut has a spring that supports the weight of the vehicle, and a shock absorber that controls the movement of that spring. Together, these parts prevent the car from bouncing all over the place when you hit a bump or take a corner. Without effective struts, your ride would feel harsh and unstable, and the tyres would lose contact with the road more often, which isn't safe.

Besides comfort and safety, struts also affect handling and steering response. Because the struts connect the wheels to the car's chassis, worn or damaged struts can lead to vague steering feel, increased body roll during turns, and longer braking distances. This is why maintaining good condition struts is vital for the overall driving experience of the Outback.

Over time, struts take a fair bit of punishment from daily driving. Factors like rough roads, heavy loads, and general wear and tear can cause the seals inside the struts to leak, springs to sag, or shock absorbers to lose their damping ability. As they wear out, you might notice symptoms such as excessive bouncing, a nose-diving effect under braking, uneven tyre wear, or strange noises from the front suspension.

Replacing struts is not necessarily a backyard job for most people, so it's best left to professionals who have the right tools and know-how. When replacing struts on the 2016 Subaru Outback, it's recommended to replace them in pairs on the same axle to keep the handling balanced. That means if you're swapping out the front left strut, you should replace the front right one at the same time. This helps maintain consistent ride height, responsiveness, and safety.

Regular inspections during routine servicing will help catch wear and tear before it becomes a serious issue. Many mechanics recommend checking your struts every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometres, depending on your driving conditions. If you often drive on rough back roads or carry heavy loads, you might want to check them more frequently.

Keeping your Subaru Outback's struts in top shape contributes to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. It means better ride quality, more stable handling, and improved tyre life, all of which are well worth the investment. So, whether you're heading out on the highway or cruising through trails, having reliable struts under the bonnet helps ensure your 2016 Outback handles what the Aussie roads and landscapes throw at it.

Ultimately, keeping an eye on your Subaru Outback's struts is part of good vehicle care. They are a vital link between the road and your wheels, and looking after them means your Outback will keep performing smoothly for years to come.