Parts for your 2017 Subaru Forester-Sway bars & links

Sway Bars & Links on the 2017 Subaru Forester: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Subaru Forester is a popular SUV known for its versatility, safety, and all-wheel-drive capability. One important component that contributes to its stable handling and smooth ride is the sway bar and its related links. For those unfamiliar, sway bars and links play a crucial role in the suspension system, helping to keep the vehicle balanced when cornering or driving over uneven surfaces.

The 2017 Subaru Forester is indeed fitted with sway bars and sway bar links as part of its suspension setup. These components are key to maintaining the vehicle's composure during turns and improving overall driving safety. This means they should definitely be part of your knowledge toolkit if you own or are considering maintenance on a 2017 Forester.

A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, is a metal rod that connects the left and right sides of the suspension. Its main job is to reduce the body roll that happens when the vehicle corners. When a car turns, weight naturally shifts to the outside wheels, causing the body to lean away from the turn. The sway bar twists between the wheels and distributes the force, helping the car stay flatter and more stable. This improves both comfort and control, especially during sharp turns or sudden manoeuvres.

The sway bar links are the smaller connecting parts that join the sway bar to the suspension arms or struts. These links allow the sway bar to move with the suspension and transmit forces effectively. On the Forester, these links are typically made from durable metal with bushings or ball joints that absorb shocks and facilitate smooth movement.

Over time, sway bars and links can wear out just like any other part of the vehicle. Bushings and ball joints may degrade due to constant flexing, exposure to the elements, or simply ageing. When sway bar links become loose or broken, or worn bushings develop play, you might notice symptoms such as clunking noises from the suspension, excessive body roll when cornering, or less precise steering. These signs are reminders that it's time to have these components inspected and possibly replaced.

Maintaining the sway bars and links on a 2017 Subaru Forester is an important part of routine suspension care. Mechanics will typically check these parts during regular services or comprehensive suspension inspections. This ensures that everything remains tight and functional, helping to avoid unexpected handling issues that could affect driving safety.

If sway bar links need to be replaced, it is generally a straightforward job that many workshops can handle quickly. Replacements should be done in pairs (both sides of the vehicle) for balanced performance. Quality replacement parts that match the original specifications are important to maintain the Forester's handling characteristics.

It's also worth noting that altering or upgrading sway bars and links is a common modification for car enthusiasts who want to improve performance. For the everyday Forester owner, however, sticking with the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts and maintaining them properly is the best way to keep the vehicle safe and comfortable on Australian roads.

Regular maintenance tips for your 2017 Forester's sway bars and links include:

• Visual inspections for wear, cracks, or broken links.
• Listening for unusual noises like clunks or rattles coming from suspension when driving over bumps.
• Checking for excessive body roll or instability while cornering.
• Having suspension components checked during scheduled servicing.

Keeping these components in good nick helps preserve the Forester's balanced handling and prevents further suspension wear. After all, safety and comfort go hand in hand, making sway bars and links a vital piece of the puzzle.

In short, the 2017 Subaru Forester uses sway bars and links as important elements of its suspension system to reduce body roll and maintain stability. Paying attention to their condition during servicing and replacing them when necessary ensures the Forester continues to deliver a smooth and safe ride, whether you are cruising on the highway or navigating rougher terrain.