Parts for your 2018 Subaru Forester-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2018 Subaru Forester: What They Do and When to Replace Them

The 2018 Subaru Forester is a popular SUV known for its reliability, safety features, and all-wheel-drive capability, making it a great choice for Aussie drivers who face diverse road conditions. When it comes to the suspension system, many drivers often hear the term "struts" and wonder if this component plays a part in their Forester's setup. The good news is that the 2018 Forester does use struts as a key component of its suspension system, especially in the front suspension. Understanding what struts are, their role, and when to replace or maintain them can help keep your Forester riding smoothly and safely.

Struts are more than just shock absorbers. Unlike simple shocks that control vertical movement, struts provide structural support to the vehicle's suspension and help bear the weight of the vehicle. In the Forester, the front suspension uses MacPherson struts, which combine a coil spring and a shock absorber into a single unit. This design is common in many passenger vehicles because it offers a good balance of ride comfort, handling, and cost efficiency. The rear suspension of the 2018 Forester generally uses a double wishbone setup with separate shocks rather than struts, reflecting a design that improves stability and handling in various driving scenarios.

The primary purpose of the strut on the 2018 Forester is to absorb bumps and impacts from the road surface, providing a smoother ride and maintaining tyre contact with the road for better control. The spring handles the heavy lifting by supporting the vehicle's weight and absorbing big jolts, while the internal shock absorber dampens the spring's motion, preventing excessive bouncing. Together, they keep the vehicle stable during cornering, braking, and acceleration.

From a maintenance perspective, struts are not considered regular wear-and-tear items like brake pads or oil filters that get changed at every service. However, they do wear out over time, generally lasting anywhere from 80,000 to 160,000 kilometres, depending on driving conditions. Regular inspections during servicing are important to catch early signs of wear, which might include leaking fluid from the strut body, unusual noises like clunking or knocking when driving over bumps, or a noticeably rougher ride. If you notice your Forester is nose-diving when braking or bouncing excessively after hitting a pothole, these could be signs the struts are past their prime.

Replacing struts isn't just about restoring comfort. Worn struts can affect your Forester's handling and safety, increasing stopping distances and putting more strain on other suspension components and tyres. It's recommended to replace struts in pairs (both front struts) to maintain balanced handling. After replacement, a wheel alignment is usually required to ensure the vehicle tracks straight and tyre wear is even.

If your Forester is due for strut service or you're experiencing any symptoms of wear, it's best to trust a qualified mechanic who knows Subaru's specifications. Genuine parts or high-quality aftermarket struts designed for the 2018 Forester are essential for maintaining the performance and safety characteristics Subaru owners expect. While some car owners might be tempted to continue driving on worn struts, it's a false economy that could affect ride comfort, tyre life, and most importantly, safety.

In terms of routine maintenance, struts don't need regular lubrication since they are sealed units, but keeping an eye on the overall suspension system is worthwhile. During your Forester's service intervals, mechanics should check for any signs of damage, corrosion, or fluid leakage from the struts. It's also useful to monitor the condition of related components like the suspension mounts and bushings, which can deteriorate and affect strut performance.

Another thing to note is that the 2018 Forester's all-wheel-drive system works in tandem with its suspension to provide stability in tricky road and weather conditions. Healthy struts play a silent but critical role in helping the AWD system maintain traction and control. Driving around Australia means facing all sorts of road surfaces, from sealed highways to gravel backroads, so ensuring the suspension system is in top shape pays off both in comfort and confidence behind the wheel.

To sum it up, the 2018 Subaru Forester definitely comes fitted with front struts as part of its suspension design. These struts help absorb bumps, support the vehicle's weight, and enhance driving safety. While they don't require frequent attention like engine oil or brakes, they do wear out and need replacement after significant use. Keeping an eye on strut condition during regular servicing and addressing any signs of wear early will keep your Forester handling well and driving comfortably for many kilometres to come.