Project 2014 Forester: Take The Bounce Out Of The Back Of Your Forester! Rear Strut Replacement!

[@yal100]

Rust belters, your results may vary 😉🙂 Great video MrSubaru!

[@FooTech1976]

Yep and us Canucks lol!

[@mdonola]

very grateful for your great contribution to those of us who love our Subarus. Thanks again Mr Subaru 🙌🏻

[@DBCBen]

Great, helpful video. I see the owner keeps a quart of oil in the back. I know the feeling.

[@scottminshall6420]

Great video, So I work in the aviation field and we have a lot of self locking fasteners. What we do to check them if they are still useable is to run them in or on by hand, if you can screw the fastener past it's self locking feature then it is done and needs to be replaced. If you can't run it past the self locking feature it is still acceptable for another use. Now do have one time use fasteners and the basically are junk after we remove them.

[@newbeginnings8566]

Great work, enjoyable video... I would have changed the coils and butt stop etc plus cleaned and repainted some things - knowing I'd probably never need to replace anything again, but I'm that sort of person..

[@edwinrosa366]

Love seen videos of my favorite Subaru model.

[@serjantgru]

Thanks! Original shock absorbers are very good, but i like to istall kyb new sr special absorbers on my both subaru legacy, because winter temperature in Russia is about minus 35-40 degrees and in this temperature kyb new sr has better characteristics😊

[@Gilbearrr]

Thanks for making this video. Great work!

[@KevinFoley-ug6jw]

I'm glad your A arm bolt just poof! went in magically. Didn't even see it go in. Mine sure didn't.

[@itsrootoyou]

How did you manage it? Mine won't align on both sides, I can get it in a bit but not all the way through.

[@VideoNOLA]

Great opportunity to change out those sway bar links and/or bushings if they are dry-rotted. Kinda wish you had touched on that prospect a bit. Any 2014's gonna have some age on it.

[@MrPoppyDuck]

Very nice video! Thanks again for making it look so easy!

[@allanquiros6787]

I love those wheels!

[@kidwelldavid6136]

Nice video.

[@sergeyafanasev7505]

Thanks! And what about front?

[@tcWildlife1]

After having done this job myself recently, I was waiting to see how you got the control arm outer bolt out, but I see you also couldn't get it out unless you remove the inner bolt. I'm not sure why service data assumes that outer bolt has enough clearance to remove. But at least these springs are easy to DIY due to how little pressure they're under, unlike the fronts.

[@Oodlenoots]

I feel like you may be able to use the scissor jack to lift up on the control arm just a hair to get the bolt to cooperate. But if you've already got the wrench in your hand and you're already down there, it's just one more bolt

[@ecopennylife]

Nice job. Touch wood (or metal) my 2013 Forester Diesel shocks are still good 😊

[@default7950]

A 19mm rear sway bar will also make it drive like a completely different vehicle (have done this to 2 Foresters and 3 Outbacks), much more stable on the highway and of course much less leaning when turning, but still retains the same good ride qualities.

[@anonmouse2809]

Where did you get the rear sway bar please? And thanks!

[@rudedog302]

I have to replace the rear struts on my 2003 rusty Forester, are they mounted differently than on the 2014?. Yeah Loctite will do, it's not like you're flying your Forester to the moon.

[@MikeSorrell-lp7zf]

did it this weekend but tightened it all up in the air.hope I didn't mess up anything by doing that......

[@craigneumann78]

What is the best shock/ strut combination for a smoother/softer ride? I have the 2014 2.5i limited.

[@latergator3367]

Excellent !

[@NA-su3jk]

Hi, what year of forester would you say is best as reliable everyday family driver, from 2017 -2021? Just want to get the most sound, least troublesome / good value. Thank you!

[@dominicklobifaro5215]

Mr Subaru I have an important question but first would like to say you’re the man, and I’d never of got through my 2012 foresters timing chains without you!! Thank you. With that said after doing the head gaskets and timing chains it’s back in the car and starts up great with no issue but I cannot stop this gas leak. The passenger side injector in the back by the fire wall won’t stop leaking. I’ve changed both the hat that sits in the motor and the round black seal above the green cap on the end of it. Both with genuine Subaru parts, any ideas please help!! Thank you in advance 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@bergmanst]

Hi. Could you please do a video on replacing the EGR valve on the 2015 Outback. Thanks.

[@craigdanielski]

@MrSubaru1387, what kind of magic happened during the jump cut at 08:15 to get that last bolt through the inboard control arm? I’ve been on the struggle bus for a few hours now. Thanks for giving me the confidence to get this far!

[@itsrootoyou]

How did you get that in? I am facing the same issue right now!

[@craigdanielski]

@@itsrootoyou after a couple hours of cussin’ and wiggling, it finally just popped in. I can’t explain it. Didn’t have the same problem with the other side.

[@itsrootoyou]

@@craigdanielski Guess I need to swear more!

[@craigdanielski]

@@itsrootoyou did you get it installed? From what I remember, it was more luck than skill. Any tips? On the driver’s side I didn’t have to drop the entire control arm and it went back together easily.

[@itsrootoyou]

Yes, managed it eventually after a lot of struggle. Having a second pair of hands helps a lot. We stuck a screwdriver through to lever the joint into alignment and hammered the bolt in from the other side, slowly pushing the driver out. Also added a socket and extension to the bolt head so we could sort of lever it a bit. This was a lot harder for us because we installed a lift kit so the geometry was a bit awkward.

[@Mct555]

Were the struts you replaced not the ones originally installed when the car was brand new? Mines are self leveling shocks

[@judithhermann1354]

Mr. Subaru, do you happen to know anything about the parasitic draw problem on 2019 Legacy's. I've cleaned and resecured all the grounds and the battery still drains down overnight! Thankyou for your insight.

[@scottrothman5064]

MrSubaru, what all are they supposed to do at the 30,000 mile service? Dealer says it’s going to be about $800. Thanks

[@DextarRogue]

Is there a quick strut that you'd recommend over just the strut replacements? I'd like to replace everything for mine and not have to deal with spring compressors or anything. I was looking at the Napa ones, they come with a lifetime warranty.

[@unequallytwisted]

Hello, I am about to do the pcv union and crossover pipe o-rings on my 14 forester. I saw your more recent video with the 15 outback. All parts are the same except the manifold gaskets. Why would the forester have upper and lower gaskets and not the outback?

[@bearstephens6722]

The hardest part of this job seems to be compressing the springs 👍🏽 How do you like the Defender 2’s so far? I just bought a 24 Crosstrek Limited and it has the same size tires as this Forester. It came with Falkens but I’m considering the Defender 2 when these wear out

[@v-gc7257]

Mileage wish; I would stick with Yokohamas. Can’t really go wrong with a good brand tire

[@Christosan88]

what do you think about the wrx TR? I personally was holding out for something like this but still feels underwhelming. Not offering a gold option in those futuristic bbs style wheels, cause of course I want the world rally blue and the factory gold wheels to go with. Japanese culture in general seems disconnected. Wagons are fine and all but damn cross promote your racing teams by offering styles resembling such from the factory.

[@ssemukotekaemmanuel1533]

Hi Mr subaru, my Impreza 2014 , keep showing orange oil light, when I do diagnosis it tells me no fault, this light comes on in about 10 minutes of driving , oil levels are fine and I do oil change on time , please what could be the cause

[@knick-knacksnknives8066]

It doesn’t appear that these are side specific, is that correct? Thinking about doing the rears on my ‘14 crosstrek soon

[@fabianbotea8469]

There any impact about the angles of the back wheels when replacing the strut ?

[@markevans506]

Is there not a complete strut assembly option which would include springs etc as part of the assembly?

[@mushieslushie]

Yes but they cost more. Why not reuse parts that are fine rather than spending more and throwing them away?

[@18_rabbit]

yeah but those are always extremely bad chinese quality when affordable. The existing spring is entirely still perfect, and it takes no time to do the the transfer.

[@davepeters4955]

A lot of the cheap kits are junk. I don't know if they make them for this model, but KYB now makes strut assemblies for some Subarus now. On the rear end, the springs aren't that strong so it's not too hard to compress them & replace them. The front struts are a lot tougher. Would consider a pre-assembled unit for those if you don't have a shop that will swap the springs out for you.

[@samstenger647]

Hi I was just wondering if you know where I can get front seats for a 2017 outback limited. If you can help thank ya

[@dgecse]

While you can get away with it on the rears, you really don't ever want to use an impact wrench on that style spring compressor (the hook and rod type - there are many incarnations of it) - particularly on the fronts where the coils are more open and the spring compressor can slip.

[@karleinskyJB]

Can you lift it with new suspension?

[@vizion68]

Hey Guys, I have a 24 Impreza RS. I know it's optimized for 87 octane and timing will auto-adjust to defeat pinging. But is it a good idea to use 91 octane to further lower the chances of pinging and protect the detonation chamber ?

[@jesseherrick2157]

Is permatex ultra red ok to use as gasket for the oil pump?

[@izzycash1cash749]

Do u need a rear alignment done if u do this on forester

[@manhoot]

Mr Subaru who do think makes the shocks for Subaru?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Showa

[@MrSubaru1387]

Older ones were KYB.

[@manhoot]

@@MrSubaru1387 Showa is part of Hitachi Astemo. They got Tokico and Nissin along with Keihin all under one umbrella now. Keihin was Honda's primary supplier of carbs for motorbikes and car. Tokico also used to supply Toyota for suspension components. When I think of Showa, I think of motorbike suspension. Nissin I'm not overly familiar with. They might have made Ramen noodles once upon a time.

[@markstrrator8375]

My 2008 Outback had KYB as OE. Replaced with KYB Quik-Struts (complete with springs, and top hats). Just like new, and I didn't have to mess with spring tension at all. Significantly cheaper from RockAuto than just the struts from Subaru.

[@AdrianRec]

KYB

[@fuhrerj151]

Where did you order those subaru genuine parts from?

[@daletorres2547]

I replaced mine with KYB SR. They are step up from the KYB Excel. I think they are asian models only little bit stiffer

[@51249ca]

The shocks on my Gen 5 Outback (2nd one now) felt like they were "done" at 45k miles. Have no idea how someone could go 220k miles on a shock without it being incredibly bouncy

[@edwinrosa366]

I think it probably depends the road conditions for daily driving. But i do get thats kinda insane amount of mileage on the original suspension. Aside from my Forrester XT. I own a 2000 legacy which I don’t use anymore that often. Its at 246k. And I need the rear suspension fix. it’s not bumpy, but it does make noise. I’m wondering now if its original shocks 😅.

[@marshalllai6479]

My wife's 2018 Outback's passenger side rear strut is leaking oil at 19000 miles. Do I still need to change both?

[@zarkodevalle1842]

Yes

[@Arcel93]

i was wondering what should i do with my forester xt premium 2013 i had it in 2 weeks now and im itching to put some upgrades on it. any thoughts mrsubaru

[@TheMr.Logan9]

I have had my 2017 SJ manual for about 5 months. The first thing I did was do an oil change, replaced the air filters, brake/clutch fluid change, and rotated the tires. Check your other fluids to see if they need replaced or topped off. My coolant needed a top off.

[@Arcel93]

@@TheMr.Logan9 already done with oil change, air filters. my next would be brake and clutch maybe rotated tires. thank you

[@mserica6487]

I'm a little confused about the spare tire since I thought you were supposed to have perfectly matched tires. Wouldn't using a spare tire like a conventional car cause damage?

[@viper100290]

i imagine that suabaru has it matched so it still rotates the same or at least close enough to get you to a tires shop

[@wim0104]

on my 2011 outback, the spare tire has to go on a front axle, and speed kept below 40mph. check your manual.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

I guess the Legacy never breaks down. Its rare to have one on this channel…

[@dwgjr330]

not many of em out there to begin with.

[@landryb06]

New wheels?

[@tommydrymouth8800]

Thanks for completely skipping the part where you put the last bolt in for the control arm, that's actually that spot I can't make it passed and I'm currently having a spasm trying to put this pos back together

[@hectorlmges]

I know that feeling, Ive done it today and it was a HUGE pain to put that inner control arm bolt back in place. I ended with a DIY and dangerous procedure. Compress the whole assembly with a jack as it is to shorten the spring, block the spring to return to full length with whatever you have at your disposal (my case some ropes), lower the jack, the spring will rest shorter, put that sucker of a bolt back, jack up the assembly again and free the spring, Done but be careful.

[@N7-alpha]

Dose the car need a alignment after this service?

[@growingup4487]

not really

[@viper100290]

probably on the front struts but i didnt see any cam bolts for adjustment so should be fine

[@silvenshadow]

Serious question. What happened to this Forester? I drive mine like a rally car up forest service roads and like a race car in the mountains with upgraded brakes and tires. Honestly beat the life out of it and my '18 has nothing wrong with it. How can you break so many things in so few miles? I really want to know so I can avoid it. Cheers, great series!

[@newbeginnings8566]

He tells you it has done a LOT of mileage... Plus it isn't so beat up for the age and mileage..

[@Tin_bAnger]

At 1:42 of your video, did you know your socket is cracked?

[@MrSubaru1387]

It isn’t.

[@Tin_bAnger]

Is it just a defect then in the paint? Because I see a lateral crack. I don't say this as some judgement or critizism. @@MrSubaru1387

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@Tin_bAnger the protective plastic sheath is cracked, not the socket.

[@Tin_bAnger]

@@MrSubaru1387 Thank you for the clarification.

[@rayjay848]

I was disappointed to hear you say “do as I say, not as I do” 😢. I watch so many DIY vids with folks not wearing eye/ face pro and bashing things with the wrong tools. I watch you as a pro to maintain my Subie. Still, thumbs up.

[@lonwillis783]