Parts for your 2017 Subaru Outback-Sway bars & links

2017 Subaru Outback sway bars &, links — what they do and when to service them

Yes, sway bars &, links are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Subaru Outback. Technical sources confirm it: the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2015–2019 Outback/Legacy platform (BS/BN) lists front and rear stabiliser (sway) bars, D-bushes, and stabiliser links within the Front Suspension and Rear Suspension chapters. The Subaru Global Parts Catalogue (often referred to as Subaru FAST) for the 2017 Outback also shows these assemblies, with stabiliser bars and end links identified by their standard Subaru part number groups. So, they’re relevant to every 2017 Outback on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

On this model, the sway bars &, links tie the left and right sides of the suspension together to keep the body flatter in the bends and calmer over corrugations. The bar twists to resist body roll, while the links connect the bar to the control arm or strut. Less roll means more predictable handling, better steering feel, and a steadier ride with a loaded boot or a small trailer on the back.

They’re modest parts but hard workers, especially if the Outback sees gravel, coastal air, or plenty of speed humps. Over time, the link ball joints can loosen and clunk, and the D-bushes can harden or split. Common signs it’s time for attention include a knock over small bumps, a dull rattle at low speed, a squeak over driveways, or a floaty, tippy feel through roundabouts. Tyre wear usually isn’t a sway bar issue, but extra roll can make the car feel less sure-footed.

Good servicing practice is to inspect the sway bars &, links at each service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 km. Look for torn link boots, play in the joints, crushed or perished D-bushes, and loose brackets. If one side is worn, replacing links in pairs helps keep things even. Choose quality OEM or known-brand aftermarket parts, they last longer and stay quiet. Most sway bar work doesn’t require a wheel alignment, but if strut or control arm bolts were loosened, book one. Always tighten fasteners to the Subaru spec, and set the vehicle on its wheels before final torque so the bar isn’t preloaded.

DIY-minded owners should use a hex/torx provision on the link stud to stop it spinning, apply penetrating fluid on older hardware, and avoid levering on the ball joints. For D-bushes, replace rather than over-lubricate unless the design specifically calls for a silicone-safe grease.

• Regular checks: every service (10,000–15,000 km) or before long trips.
• Replace in pairs for links, inspect and renew D-bushes when cracked or noisy.
• No alignment normally needed unless other suspension fasteners were disturbed.

Popular questions about 2017 Subaru Outback sway bars &, links

Do 2017 Outbacks have front and rear sway bars &, links?
Yes. Both ends are fitted from factory. The Subaru service manual and parts catalogue show a front stabiliser bar with links and D-bushes, and a rear stabiliser bar with its own links and bushes. Every 2017 Outback variant uses them to control body roll.

How often should sway bar links and bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. Inspect at each service, many last 60,000–150,000 km depending on roads and load. Replace links when joint play or noise appears, and D-bushes when they’re split, flattened, or squeaky despite correct fitment.

Will sway bar work require a wheel alignment?
Usually no. Changing links or D-bushes doesn’t alter alignment angles. If strut or control arm bolts were loosened during the job, or if there’s any steering pull afterward, get an alignment to be safe.