Parts for your 2020 Subaru Legacy-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2020 Subaru Legacy

The 2020 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that's known for its safety, comfort, and all-wheel-drive capability. When it comes to the suspension system, the Legacy uses different setups for the front and rear suspensions. For the front, the 2020 Legacy is equipped with MacPherson struts, which means struts are very much a relevant and integral part of this vehicle's front suspension design.

Struts are a key component that combine the shock absorber and the support structure for the suspension. They help absorb bumps, maintain tyre contact with the road, and contribute to the overall stability and handling of the car. In the case of the 2020 Subaru Legacy, the front suspension uses MacPherson struts to provide a balance of ride comfort and responsive handling that Subaru is known for.

Unlike some vehicles that may use a double-wishbone or multilink suspension setup without struts, the Legacy's use of MacPherson struts means these components are vital for the car's smooth, stable ride.

For the rear suspension, the 2020 Legacy uses a multilink setup, which typically does not employ struts. Instead, it relies on separate shock absorbers and springs. That's a common design choice to improve ride quality and handling in the rear, providing more wheel control and comfort.

Since the Legacy uses struts in the front, understanding their purpose and maintenance is important for anyone looking after their 2020 Subaru Legacy.

Struts play a big role in how the car feels to drive. They act as a sturdy yet flexible support for the vehicle's suspension and steering systems. They are designed to absorb shocks from the road, making the drive smoother and helping to keep the tyres on the road for better grip. This gets especially important on uneven or rough road surfaces, which are common in many parts of Australia.

Inside the strut assembly is a shock absorber that controls the bouncing of the car by dampening the forces from the springs. This prevents the car from feeling too 'bouncy' or unstable following bumps or corners. The structural portion of the strut also supports the suspension's alignment, reducing the amount of play in the steering system for better control.

Because struts take a fair bit of punishment, they do wear out over time. For a vehicle like the 2020 Subaru Legacy, it's recommended to check struts during routine servicing, especially as the car racks up kilometers. Worn struts can cause a number of issues like uneven tyre wear, reduced steering precision, excessive bouncing, and longer braking distances. All of these can affect safety and performance.

Signs that the struts might need attention include a rough or shaky ride, noises like clunking when going over bumps, nose-diving during braking, or a general feeling that the car is handling poorly. Getting a qualified mechanic to inspect the struts can pinpoint if it's time for a replacement or if they just need a service.

Replacing struts isn't something that needs to happen frequently, but it is a crucial maintenance aspect. Most vehicles, including the 2020 Legacy, will have struts that last between 80,000 to 160,000 kilometers depending on driving conditions and habits. Harsh roads, heavy loads, or aggressive driving can all shorten their lifespan.

When replacing struts on a Subaru Legacy, it's best to replace the entire strut assembly in pairs (both front or both rear, but remember the Legacy only uses struts in front). This ensures balanced handling and even wear. Using genuine Subaru parts or high-quality aftermarket struts can preserve the car's ride quality and maintain its safety features.

Regular servicing and inspection of struts can be incorporated as part of scheduled maintenance intervals. The routine check might include visual inspection for leaks, damage, and performance testing. If anything looks off or the car is starting to feel floaty or unstable, it's time to have the struts investigated further.

All in all, the 2020 Subaru Legacy does utilise struts, specifically MacPherson struts in the front suspension. They are fundamental components that keep the vehicle comfortable, controlled, and safe to drive. Taking care of the struts with regular check-ups and timely replacements will help owners maintain the Legacy's strong reputation for reliability and performance on Australian roads.