Parts for your 2017 Subaru Xv-Sway bars & links

2017 Subaru XV sway-bars-&-links: what they do and how to look after them

Sway-bars-&-links are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Subaru XV. This is confirmed by Subaru’s factory service information (STIS), which includes dedicated procedures under Front Suspension – Stabilizer and Rear Suspension – Stabilizer for the XV, and by the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue for the GP/GP7 XV, which lists front and rear stabiliser bars plus link assemblies and D-bushes. Local fitment databases used by Australian and New Zealand parts suppliers also show direct-fit sway bar links and bushes for the 2012–2017 XV range.

On the 2017 Subaru XV, the sway bar (stabiliser bar) and its links do a power of work controlling body roll. With a taller ride height than an Impreza, the XV leans a bit more by nature. The sway bar ties the left and right suspension together, resisting that lean so the car feels flatter, more planted and more confident in corners and crosswinds. The links are the small joints that connect the bar to the strut or control arm, and the D-bushes clamp the bar to the subframe while letting it rotate smoothly.

When these parts wear, the XV can start to feel a touch loose over quick direction changes, or make an annoying clunk on speed humps and rough roads. Common symptoms include:

• Clunking or knocking from the front or rear over bumps
• Squeaks from dry or perished D-bushes
• Extra body roll and slightly vague steering response

As part of regular servicing, it pays to inspect the sway-bars-&-links every 10,000–15,000 km or at each service. Look for split ball-joint boots on the links, play in the joints, and cracked or compressed D-bushes. If one link is worn, replacing both sides on that axle keeps handling balanced. Use new locknuts, and final-tighten with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading bushes. Wheel alignment isn’t usually required for links or D-bushes alone, but it’s smart to check alignment if you’ve had other suspension work done.

For bush replacements, rubber bushes install dry, while many polyurethane bushes benefit from a smear of the supplied silicone-based grease to keep them quiet. A quality OEM or reputable aftermarket link with proper corrosion protection is worth it for longevity. After replacement, a quick recheck for torque and noises after a few hundred kilometres is good practice. Treat the XV’s sway-bars-&-links well and they’ll keep the little Subaru feeling tidy and predictable on Kiwi backroads and Aussie B-roads alike.

How do you know the sway bar links on a 2017 Subaru XV are worn?

Typical signs are a hollow clunk over bumps at low speeds, a light rattle on corrugations, or noticeable extra body roll. A mechanic can confirm by checking for play in the link ball joints and looking for split dust boots or rust staining around the joints.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing sway bar links or D-bushes on an XV?

Generally, no. Links and D-bushes don’t alter alignment angles. If other components like control arms, struts or toe links are touched, or if the steering wheel isn’t straight afterwards, book an alignment to be safe.

Can you upgrade the sway bars on a 2017 XV for flatter cornering?

Yes, stiffer bars are available and can reduce roll noticeably. Just remember that bigger bars can increase inside-wheel lift on bumpy corners and may firm up the ride. Match front and rear rates sensibly, and use quality links and bushes to avoid knocks and squeaks.