Parts for your 2017 Subaru Outback-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2017 Subaru Outback

The 2017 Subaru Outback is known for its rugged capability and smooth ride, making it a popular choice among Australian drivers who enjoy a bit of adventure. A key factor contributing to the Outback's comfortable handling and road stability is its suspension system. When it comes to the term 'struts,' it's important to clarify whether they play a role in this vehicle's setup.

Looking into the technical details, the 2017 Subaru Outback does not use traditional struts in its suspension design. Instead, it features a conventional coil spring suspension with separate shock absorbers both at the front and rear. More specifically, the front suspension relies on a MacPherson strut design, which might confuse some into thinking it's a 'strut' system in the usual sense. However, the rear suspension uses a double wishbone setup combined with shocks and coil springs rather than struts.

So what does this mean? The term 'struts' typically refers to a component that combines the function of a shock absorber and the structural support for the suspension, often found in MacPherson strut systems. Since the 2017 Outback's front suspension is MacPherson strut-based, it does indeed use struts at the front, while the rear suspension does not use struts but separate shock absorbers instead.

Now, understanding the role of these front struts and the rear shocks helps to appreciate how the Outback maintains its smooth ride and stable handling characteristics, especially on rough or uneven surfaces. Struts are a critical part of the front suspension because they're not just there to absorb bumps and shocks from the road, but they also provide structural support, helping to maintain the alignment and geometry of the wheels. This directly affects steering control and tyre wear.

Because the 2017 Subaru Outback has these front struts, keeping them in good shape is important for maintaining the vehicle's ride quality and safety. Over time, struts wear out like any other suspension component. Signs of worn struts might include excessive bouncing after going over bumps, uneven tyre wear, or even a feeling of looseness or instability during cornering.

When it comes to servicing these struts, it's best to have them checked regularly as part of routine maintenance, especially if the Outback is used for off-road adventures or driven frequently on rough roads. Most technicians recommend a thorough inspection at around every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometres, though some driving conditions might call for earlier checks.

If the front struts do need replacing, opting to do both sides at once is the way to go. This keeps the suspension balanced and avoids uneven handling. New struts will restore the Outback's smooth ride and help prevent premature wear on tyres and other suspension components. Additionally, while servicing the struts, it's a good idea to check wheel alignment and suspension bushings to ensure everything works together properly.

For the rear, since the Outback uses shock absorbers instead of struts, these should also be inspected and replaced if necessary. Rear shocks serve a similar purpose in absorbing road impacts and smoothing out the ride but do not carry the structural role of front struts.

All in all, while the term 'struts' might sometimes seem confusing, the takeaway for 2017 Subaru Outback owners is that keeping the front struts and rear shocks in good condition plays a major part in ensuring the vehicle continues to perform well, both on and off the road. Routine maintenance and timely replacement of worn suspension components will keep the Outback handling as it should, no matter the terrain.