Parts for your 2017 Subaru Forester-Cv boots

2017 Subaru Forester CV boots: what they do and when to service them

CV boots are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Subaru Forester. Technical references including Subaru’s Factory Service Manual (STIS) for the SJ-platform Forester (Driveline/Axle section), the Subaru FAST parts catalogue for MY2017, and independent repair guides (e.g., Haynes 2014–2019 Forester) all detail inner and outer constant-velocity (CV) joints on both front drive shafts and rear axle shafts, each protected by rubber boots and secured with metal clamps. That makes CV boots directly relevant to anyone servicing or repairing a 2017-subaru-forester cv-boots setup.

On this model, the CV boots act like flexible protective sleeves. They keep high-moly grease inside the CV joints and keep grit, water, and road grime out—critical on an AWD that sees plenty of steering angle and suspension movement. The fronts have inner and outer boots that flex with steering and bumps, while the rears protect the CVs in the independent rear suspension. When boots stay intact, the joints run cool and quiet for ages, when a boot splits, the grease flings out, contaminants creep in, and the joint can wear fast, leading to clicking on turns or vibration on acceleration.

Best practice for a 2017 Forester in Australia or New Zealand is to inspect CV boots at every service (roughly every 10,000–15,000 km, or per Subaru’s schedule). Look for grease mist around the inside of the wheel or under the guards, small cracks in the rubber (especially near the folds), loose clamps, or any perishing. If there’s damage but the joint is still quiet and free of play, a quality OEM-style reboot—new boot, clamps, and the specified moly grease—will usually sort it. If the joint’s clicking, notchy, or has had dirt through it, replacing the entire shaft assembly is the safer bet. Avoid “split” or taped boots as a long-term fix, they’re a stop-gap at best and can risk a WoF/roadworthy failure. When fitting, use new clamps, the right grease quantity, and correct axle-nut torque (as specified in the Subaru FSM). Keeping those little boots healthy is cheap insurance for the Forester’s smooth AWD driveline.

• Common signs it’s time: grease spatter on the rim or underbody, torn or perished rubber, clicking on full lock, vibration under load.

Popular questions about 2017-subaru-forester cv-boots

Do 2017 Foresters have CV boots on the rear as well as the front?
Yes. The 2017 Forester’s full-time AWD uses CV joints on front halfshafts and rear axle shafts, each with protective boots. Both ends should be checked during routine servicing.

How often should CV boots be checked or replaced?
Inspect at every service or about every 10,000–15,000 km. Replace a boot as soon as it cracks, leaks, or the clamps loosen. If the joint has started clicking or has play, a complete shaft replacement is usually more reliable.

Is rebooting cheaper than replacing the whole driveshaft?
Generally, yes—if the joint hasn’t been damaged by dirt or running dry. A reboot kit with fresh grease and clamps is cost-effective. If there’s noise or wear, a full shaft swap saves headaches down the track.