Stellar job Mr Subaru. The amount of time and effort that goes into these hundreds of videos you've done that help all of us amateurs out is so appreciated. Absolutely invaluable!
I just did this job on my '07 Outback a couple months ago! Used the exact same KYB shocks, made a huge improvement. Instead of using the factory jack inside the suspension I used a floor jack on the ground and forced the shock upwards until it aligned with the hole. Worked pretty well and seemed more straightforward. Also, the first shock you removed had a KYB sticker on it, I suspect that one was NOT original to the car - that was a replacement. The other leaking strut, without a sticker, was most likely original. Somebody replaced one strut but not the other.
Bump for respect and gratitude. Watched your other video to do mine, one side done. Getting my butt kicked on the front 2004 knuckle; stuck ball joint, broke in pinch bolt, siezed spindle.
I had to change the brake pads on my 2004 forester. I had to use a saws - all to cut the head off one of the bolts to remove the brakes . And then it took heat and about an hour to get the stud out. I hate road salt
23:30 Slight note for viewers; Mr Subaru knows what he's doing, which means he knows how much torque his impact gun puts out, so he uses it to save time. We should not do this. You'll notice that when he goes to use the torque wrench to torque that nut down to 160nm, it beeps immediately. That means the nut is already torqued beyond that spec. There is a ± range for the torque value, which Mr Subaru has enough experience to know he's within, but we almost certainly cannot gauge that. Which means doing the same thing Mr Subaru has done here will probably lead to over torquing the nut and bolt and can cause significant issues like the bolt having yielded.
Factory uses KYB or Nokico which over the last 50 years I have found too many that leak or do not last that long. My own observation, I replace them with Bilstein B6 not B4, heavy duty, on all my vehicles, same price, last vehicle was a jeep grand cherokee going on 200k miles, when I sold it they were like new, no leaks no loss of ability. FYI...
I have to say suspension changes are probably the ONLY fix on a car that scare me. Even with a big set of spring clamps, i'm just expecting to fire the spring through a wall at any second.
It is possible to order the struts assembly if you want. It come in one piece so you don't have to deal with the coil compression. Did it on my Matrix a while back, planning on doing it on the outback soon
My 2018 Outback is fine. Just they put cheap tires and brake pads right out of the factory. After it rides great. I park it during the week. I drive my 2007 Malibu during the week
I did this job but had to try and put the spring compressors on with struts still installed because the shock shafts snapped and the weight of the car was the only thing keeping everything from blowing apart. It was very nerve wracking.
Wondered why you don't just put the spring compressors on before removing the whole assembly to relieve tension on the bottom mounting bolt. Clearance issues?
I got some Munroe struts and King springs for my 02 Forester. The springs are so thick it made the originals look like toys. I fatally bent the spring compressor getting the front ones in lol. Looks really good (raised 20 mm) and zero bounce, but man it's a hard ride lol
I remember the good old times, when I used to replace the top seal, and re fill it with Glycerin, for a "sport" ride... Shouldn't you have to torque up the shock nut BEFORE you placed the spring in position? You are fighting the torsion force with the torque wrench...
Thanks for the video! What's your opinion on using something like Monroe's Quick-Strut or Gabriel's ReadyMount vs replacing just the shock? All new spring, shock, upper mount and insulators would be a good thing, right?
I'm extremely impressed with how easy the lower shock bolts came off on the car in the video. Mine wouldn't release with a 3 foot breaker bar, a high torque impact gun or intense heat and they were absolutely rust free. I had to cut the heads half way through with an angle grinder to release the tension on the nuts so they would back off. So I'd advise watchers of the video to be prepared for that job to take alot longer than it did on this car. Second question for @MrSubaru1387. If I were wanting to replace the shocks on my Outback with Legacy shocks to improve the car's handling but not totally loose the car's higher ride, which rear shocks would you recommend? '04 from a wagon for the higher damping rate, or '05 wagon or sedan?
@@MrSubaru1387 TH-cam has been playing a very irritating ad for a car parts chain store on every car related video for a while. Often several times a video. Other viewers will understand.
Another great vid! So, I have a question regarding suspension in general. I own a 2014 outback 2.5i limited and on the highway it rides great, super smooth and complient. However, at slower speeds, and especially on irregular surfaces it really sucks. It's super harsh on even slightly cracked pavement, etc. It has brand new front control arms, struts, etc, but the rear is all original I think but the rear struts are not leaking anything. I've jumpled on the bumper and they rebound just fine. I was thinking that a good place to start would be the front and rear swaybar bushings along with all of the stabilizer bar end links??? Would replacing these things help with a harsh ride? Is there someplace else I should look at first? I would really appreciate anyone's feedback. Thank you.
Thanks again for your videos. When would you recommend replacing the springs? I am getting the loaded versions, as just dislike dealing with springs. But considering to save old springs, @180k? Is it worth doing?
QUESTION: I have a 2015 Forester w/57k with brand new Geolander tires and the ride quality is awful. I took it to the dealer and they said the struts were ok but the front control arm bushings were worn. They replaced the front arms and it did ride better but now 6 months later it seems like the ride quality has gotten worse. The struts seems like the only possibility. How long should the struts last? Yes, it gets off road use but I drive it carefully on the road. The vehicle takes dips well and is not "bouncy", but I feel every little bump in the road.
Once the new spring is correctly mounted on the strut, is there any orientation when reinstalling in the car? I noticed the springs have painted dots on them. Does it matter if those are facing the tire or if 180 degrees opposite?
@@MrSubaru1387 going to have to do head gaskets trying to figure out what motor gasket kit and which head gaskets to use. At this mileage might have to do valves and guides or at least seals. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Wondering if anyone has a Subaru 10/1998 - 2003 Outback with SLEV(Self Levelling Suspension) in the rear end and have you replaced it with non-self levelling suspension? The SLEV shocks aren't easy to come by and cost a bomb to replace and I was wondering if anyone had any issues or success with this? Both rear shocks are P/N 20365AE020 Gas Filled and I think they have a specially shaped top rubber bush as well. I'm assuming if you went with the non-SLEV shocks, you would have to have a different top bush and bush mount. And how does that effect the ride level or towing ability? Any information from anyone who has tackled this issue would be great. Cheers!
Hi how are you, love your channel and i also fixed my 2015 foresters heat shield noise for the cat with one of your videos. I just had one question where can i get one of those nice torque wrenches that you were using in this video i know their pretty pricy but where can i get one. keep up the good work.
Hi I have an Outback 2007 3.0 H6 model. I searched your videos but didn't find a solution. my car is shaking on the way out or at low speed. I feel like it's in the rear of the car. Can you help me diagnose this issue? I think it would be something in the differential or not, mybe axis
I'm about to replace the struts on my 2003 VDC with 120,000 miles on it, and no rust. The springs are not broken, but do they fatigue? It'll cost about an extra $250 to replace the springs. I'm ordering Subaru struts. Does replacing the springs make sense, or is it just a waste of money? Thanks for the videos!
I did this job on my 04 legacy sedan recently. I didn't know that I should bleed the struts. Is there any harm possible, or just decreased performance while it gradually self bleeds?
@@MrSubaru1387 I don't understand. You really help me out a lot and I would like to show my appreciation!! Seriously you have saved me hundreds , whats the big deal. So I can't ask you questions any more... This is just twisted sick
I'm glad that I've helped you and many others. No, not at all. Things will continue as normal. As they always have. Apparently some people thought it either wrong of me or greedy of me to turn on the new membership feature, so I turned it back off. I'm going to edit it to see if it will be more accepted by people.
I liked the video, I gave you thump up, and I'm sure your next video will be better taking the comment below in your consideration regarding your safety,
@UCgBbrfuYo_uSwE3hI_OUagw really? I just bought PEAK 50/50 its blue today they told me the current one i had was universal coolant that i could mix it and i did so. Can i damage my car?
Strange thing that happened with my 05 aside from the stuck in FWD issue is that every time I hit a bounce my ass end will go all over the place so I replace the rear struts and improved ever-so-slightly only but why replace the front struts there are no longer bounces all over the place? I think my Subaru is possessed
Stellar job Mr Subaru. The amount of time and effort that goes into these hundreds of videos you've done that help all of us amateurs out is so appreciated. Absolutely invaluable!
I just did this job on my '07 Outback a couple months ago! Used the exact same KYB shocks, made a huge improvement. Instead of using the factory jack inside the suspension I used a floor jack on the ground and forced the shock upwards until it aligned with the hole. Worked pretty well and seemed more straightforward. Also, the first shock you removed had a KYB sticker on it, I suspect that one was NOT original to the car - that was a replacement. The other leaking strut, without a sticker, was most likely original. Somebody replaced one strut but not the other.
Jumping on the rear bumper would make an EXCELLENT looped GIF. haha!
Reminds me of the scene in the movie The Great Outdoors when the bear breaks down the door and is jumping on top of John Candy.
I have found OEM Subaru struts from the dealer same cost as most major auto parts stores. Great job Mr Subaru.👍
Bump for respect and gratitude. Watched your other video to do mine, one side done. Getting my butt kicked on the front 2004 knuckle; stuck ball joint, broke in pinch bolt, siezed spindle.
That's amazing how all that load is handled by that one bolt ! I guess at least it has a side load bolted to the lower arm!
I had to change the brake pads on my 2004 forester. I had to use a saws - all to cut the head off one of the bolts to remove the brakes . And then it took heat and about an hour to get the stud out. I hate road salt
23:30 Slight note for viewers; Mr Subaru knows what he's doing, which means he knows how much torque his impact gun puts out, so he uses it to save time. We should not do this. You'll notice that when he goes to use the torque wrench to torque that nut down to 160nm, it beeps immediately. That means the nut is already torqued beyond that spec. There is a ± range for the torque value, which Mr Subaru has enough experience to know he's within, but we almost certainly cannot gauge that. Which means doing the same thing Mr Subaru has done here will probably lead to over torquing the nut and bolt and can cause significant issues like the bolt having yielded.
Factory uses KYB or Nokico which over the last 50 years I have found too many that leak or do not last that long. My own observation, I replace them with Bilstein B6 not B4, heavy duty, on all my vehicles, same price, last vehicle was a jeep grand cherokee going on 200k miles, when I sold it they were like new, no leaks no loss of ability. FYI...
Just needed the proper placement of them fancy ass boots, no vice needed! Great video thanks!
24:08 I LEARNED SOMETHING NEW!! I never even thought of using a crows foot for that!!!
I have to say suspension changes are probably the ONLY fix on a car that scare me. Even with a big set of spring clamps, i'm just expecting to fire the spring through a wall at any second.
It is possible to order the struts assembly if you want. It come in one piece so you don't have to deal with the coil compression.
Did it on my Matrix a while back, planning on doing it on the outback soon
My 2018 Outback is fine. Just they put cheap tires and brake pads right out of the factory. After it rides great. I park it during the week. I drive my 2007 Malibu during the week
i remember installing coil overs that used the factory spring and using ratchet straps to tighten them up
I did this job but had to try and put the spring compressors on with struts still installed because the shock shafts snapped and the weight of the car was the only thing keeping everything from blowing apart. It was very nerve wracking.
Wondered why you don't just put the spring compressors on before removing the whole assembly to relieve tension on the bottom mounting bolt. Clearance issues?
You cant get them in opposite each other, the whole spring bends at a wierd angle. Its very sketchy
I got some Munroe struts and King springs for my 02 Forester. The springs are so thick it made the originals look like toys. I fatally bent the spring compressor getting the front ones in lol. Looks really good (raised 20 mm) and zero bounce, but man it's a hard ride lol
I watched a friend almost lose a couple fingers when a spring compressor broke and the shock came uncaged. Gruesome!
Yup. Definitely gotta be careful with those things.
I always get nervous using those spring compressors. The amount of energy they store....
@@item6931 Potential kinetic energy has killed loads of people...
NO way your actually wearing Snap-on Socks LOL I love it ! Thanks Mr Subaru!
Only socks I wear. They're amazing. 😍
Using kybs for my fronts on my liberty GT. Replaced overpriced Bilstein as they were shot. Happy days
Thanks for being thorough. Definitely gonna double check your torque specs before I do mine tho, just to be safe.
I gotta say I felt a lot of tension when you compressed those springs.
"Now these coil spring compressors are real dangerous, use caution!"
[uses an impact and hammer on them]
I see the comedy of the hammering was enjoyed! 😂 Do as I say, not as I do. Lol
This bolt is under tension, so support the bottom of the strut with a jack stand before driving this out.....
Drives it out without a jack stand :)
I did all four corners on my forester recently. First time doing it so paranoid AF, did hand tools only and found my 1/2” ratchet did pretty well.
@@inerlogic with the Jack stand underneath the bolt might have even come out a little easier as well. 🤣
Put a bump cap on. Lots of sharp stuff under there!
Use a air impact after you have the tension off of the spring. to get the nut off.
Ah the shocks. One of the most overlooked service items on cars. Any thoughts on replacing the strut tops/bearings while they're out?
Always.
Crowfoot to be at a right angle to the torque wrench to get the right torque or closer too it.
I'm fully aware.
I remember the good old times, when I used to replace the top seal, and re fill it with Glycerin, for a "sport" ride... Shouldn't you have to torque up the shock nut BEFORE you placed the spring in position? You are fighting the torsion force with the torque wrench...
Why not buy new shocks with new springs and rubber ends on them? Way safer. Plug and play easy install.
Because most assembled struts are cheap, junk.
@@MrSubaru1387 I bought Monroe assembled struts for my 08 forester and they are anything but cheap, junk. I love them.
Thanks for the video! What's your opinion on using something like Monroe's Quick-Strut or Gabriel's ReadyMount vs replacing just the shock? All new spring, shock, upper mount and insulators would be a good thing, right?
As long as it's a reputable brand, you should be fine. Avoid the cheap Chinese quick struts on Amazon and eBay.
Did you get a shop? Nice to see you out of the heat.
Don't worry, it's plenty hot in there too. 😂
I'm extremely impressed with how easy the lower shock bolts came off on the car in the video. Mine wouldn't release with a 3 foot breaker bar, a high torque impact gun or intense heat and they were absolutely rust free. I had to cut the heads half way through with an angle grinder to release the tension on the nuts so they would back off. So I'd advise watchers of the video to be prepared for that job to take alot longer than it did on this car.
Second question for @MrSubaru1387. If I were wanting to replace the shocks on my Outback with Legacy shocks to improve the car's handling but not totally loose the car's higher ride, which rear shocks would you recommend? '04 from a wagon for the higher damping rate, or '05 wagon or sedan?
Video editing is a wonderful thing.
That annoying guy who yells , "ow!" On the O'Reilly's ad, Is reason enough to shop at Rock Auto.
???
@@MrSubaru1387 TH-cam has been playing a very irritating ad for a car parts chain store on every car related video for a while. Often several times a video. Other viewers will understand.
@@GunFunZS ah. Gotcha. Don't believe I've seen that particular O'Reilly's ad.
@@MrSubaru1387 it's a sort of shout like you would expect a guy to say at a pep rally to call attention to himself.
you are awesome my man
wouldn't you tighten the shocks once the car is sitting on the wheels? otherwise it is a great channel , helped me a lot many times.
hello do you know if there are shock assembly or other parts used for American Legacy that fits legacy's made for the eu market?
Are there any good quick strut assemblies worth buying or are they all crap? Thanks for the video!!
Every set I've had hands on have been cheap junk.
Wondering what your thoughts are on the King Springs progressive coils? Thanks, love your craft!
How long should the coil springs be good for, would they ever need replacing.
Another great vid! So, I have a question regarding suspension in general. I own a 2014 outback 2.5i limited and on the highway it rides great, super smooth and complient. However, at slower speeds, and especially on irregular surfaces it really sucks. It's super harsh on even slightly cracked pavement, etc. It has brand new front control arms, struts, etc, but the rear is all original I think but the rear struts are not leaking anything. I've jumpled on the bumper and they rebound just fine. I was thinking that a good place to start would be the front and rear swaybar bushings along with all of the stabilizer bar end links??? Would replacing these things help with a harsh ride? Is there someplace else I should look at first? I would really appreciate anyone's feedback. Thank you.
Thanks again for your videos. When would you recommend replacing the springs? I am getting the loaded versions, as just dislike dealing with springs. But considering to save old springs, @180k? Is it worth doing?
QUESTION:
I have a 2015 Forester w/57k with brand new Geolander tires and the ride quality is awful. I took it to the dealer and they said the struts were ok but the front control arm bushings were worn. They replaced the front arms and it did ride better but now 6 months later it seems like the ride quality has gotten worse. The struts seems like the only possibility. How long should the struts last? Yes, it gets off road use but I drive it carefully on the road. The vehicle takes dips well and is not "bouncy", but I feel every little bump in the road.
KYB doesn’t make the full package spring and shock together? Thx
Would the Mac precision torque wrench provide enough clearance to get the top bolt?
Thanks for the video. And tips. Appreciate.
Do you know of any heavy -duty springs being available? I have a wheelchair carrier that really makes my 2013 squat.
What attachments did you use on your torque wrench at 24:12 ? They seem to be very useful!
Just a crow's foot on an extension.
What's a good inexpensive scan tool for my 2020 out back I can get ?
Topdon Artidiag 900 BT is solid. amzn.to/3rYhymZ
Just a bit of a blown strut issue, allow me to demonstrate!
Are the rear shocks universal or side dependant, does it matter which one you put on if you bought a set?
I have a 2002 outback that needs new rear struts, but they are the self-levelling sort. Are they still available?
What is your personal opinion on spacer kits for a more aggressive stance and do you have a brand preference?
As in the lift kit? Have no first hand experience with any of them, so can't say.
I have the same squicing on the back end, it is driving me nuts, cause I don't know where it is from.
Im dieing rn .. they don't call these things widowmaker for nothing.... As he bangs on it with a hammer
do you need to check the alignment after you replace the struts?
I know there are a variety of factors, but did the strut bolt come off fairly easy? Did you have to PB blast that in advance?
I'm a little surprised that the shock nut isn't wired on or a split-pin.
Once the new spring is correctly mounted on the strut, is there any orientation when reinstalling in the car? I noticed the springs have painted dots on them. Does it matter if those are facing the tire or if 180 degrees opposite?
08 outback with 200k , would you buy complete struts or reuse springs and top bearings. If complete what brand would use. Thanks
KYB full replace at that age/mileage.
@@MrSubaru1387 going to have to do head gaskets trying to figure out what motor gasket kit and which head gaskets to use. At this mileage might have to do valves and guides or at least seals. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Wondering if anyone has a Subaru 10/1998 - 2003 Outback with SLEV(Self Levelling Suspension) in the rear end and have you replaced it with non-self levelling suspension?
The SLEV shocks aren't easy to come by and cost a bomb to replace and I was wondering if anyone had any issues or success with this?
Both rear shocks are P/N 20365AE020 Gas Filled and I think they have a specially shaped top rubber bush as well.
I'm assuming if you went with the non-SLEV shocks, you would have to have a different top bush and bush mount. And how does that effect the ride level or towing ability?
Any information from anyone who has tackled this issue would be great. Cheers!
Also forgot to ask, have you ever had struts due the opposite scenario of seizing solid instead of bouncing?
I have seen that once, due to rust and the car sitting for a long time.
Hi how are you, love your channel and i also fixed my 2015 foresters heat shield noise for the cat with one of your videos. I just had one question where can i get one of those nice torque wrenches that you were using in this video i know their pretty pricy but where can i get one.
keep up the good work.
shop.snapon.com/product/ATECH2FR100B
shop.snapon.com/product/ATECH3FR250B
shop.snapon.com/product/ATECH1FR240B the three I own.
Hi
I have an Outback 2007 3.0 H6 model. I searched your videos but didn't find a solution. my car is shaking on the way out or at low speed. I feel like it's in the rear of the car. Can you help me diagnose this issue? I think it would be something in the differential or not, mybe axis
Last i checked Subaru doesnt use kyb for original equipment. Lol
Well, you better check again. They do and have been for years.
Are there quick strut assemblies so you're not playing with widow makers. Also to save time for the flat rate techs?
There are, but haven't found a decent set yet. Most are cheap junk.
Thanks for letting me know
Which shocks are good, Bilstein or KYB?
KYB is the original equipment.
@@MrSubaru1387 Thanks bro.
I'm about to replace the struts on my 2003 VDC with 120,000 miles on it, and no rust. The springs are not broken, but do they fatigue? It'll cost about an extra $250 to replace the springs. I'm ordering Subaru struts. Does replacing the springs make sense, or is it just a waste of money? Thanks for the videos!
They do sag with age, but I probably would replace them until 200-250k plus.
Thank you for the input. I appreciate it. I'll keep the springs. Are KYB true OEM spec/same part?
@@adamwolfram6126 KYB is the OE provider for Subaru's struts/shocks.
Thanks for the info and replies!
@@adamwolfram6126 you're quite welcome. 👍🏻
Can I install legacy struts on my 06 outback? Want it to be a it lower.
Just buy assembled ones
I did this job on my 04 legacy sedan recently. I didn't know that I should bleed the struts. Is there any harm possible, or just decreased performance while it gradually self bleeds?
No.
Do the Americans have WD40?
I’m a decent shade tree mechanic but sus stuff just gives me the heeby-jeebies. I need to find someone willing to help me out.
Are those snap-on socks?
That they are. The most comfortable socks ever. They're all I wear. Have about 14 pair of them. lol
Does the snap on truck launder them for you? Lol
Photoshop him out and two ( ; ) in the back. Now that's a funny video
MrSubaru, what impact wrench are you using for this job?
Milwaukee M18 1/2" High Torque - amzn.to/2A2qWI4
Milwaukee M18 3/8" Mid Torque - amzn.to/34vQJpY
Milwaukee M12 3/8" Stubby - amzn.to/2ZKsVQx
Thanks so much. I just got the non fuel Milwaukee 3/8 ratchet for working on my ‘01 Forester. I will add one of these to my collection.
@@joeladkins7083 the M12 3/8" is my favorite tool. Very versatile and saves a ton of time. Glad I find a deal and bought it
Eastphilly, thanks. That’s the one I’m leaning towards. I already have the m12 batteries so for the time being it seems the best.
I thought I joined!!! Did my membership not go through??? OK it says inactive membership for some reason, whats going on?
Deactivated/refunded. Apparently people took issue with it.
@@MrSubaru1387 I don't understand. You really help me out a lot and I would like to show my appreciation!! Seriously you have saved me hundreds , whats the big deal. So I can't ask you questions any more... This is just twisted sick
I'm glad that I've helped you and many others. No, not at all. Things will continue as normal. As they always have. Apparently some people thought it either wrong of me or greedy of me to turn on the new membership feature, so I turned it back off. I'm going to edit it to see if it will be more accepted by people.
well, sometimes you need to get rid of the cheap "customers" that demand you give away quality work/info.
There's no rust on that subaru! Bs! Try doing that job with the car that's lived in New England for 2 years and its instantly ten times worse
I live in Maine and own a 2008 Outback with 183,000 miles on it. It is garaged every day and driven every winter. No rust problems!
23:20 Would it be okay to add anti seize?
If you'd like.
Using Milwaukee stuff?
Yup. Upgraded. 👍🏻
I liked the video, I gave you thump up, and I'm sure your next video will be better taking the comment below in your consideration regarding your safety,
Was that car a 2009?
Yes.
Totally irrelevant, what coolant is required for 2011 forester XT?
Subaru Super coolant. The blue stuff.
@@MrSubaru1387 i just purchased this subaru and it has green coolant, its sitting a lil low on the reservoir can i mix it with the blue?
@UCgBbrfuYo_uSwE3hI_OUagw really? I just bought PEAK 50/50 its blue today they told me the current one i had was universal coolant that i could mix it and i did so. Can i damage my car?
Robert I know it’s hot af out but y u always wear shorts to work on cars.... I just hate it
Hot and humid. lol Only in the summer time. I wear Dickies work pants or Carhartts in the fall, winter, and early spring.
th-cam.com/video/2kUUEryHHAw/w-d-xo.html See, black Dickies and a Dickies jacket too! Haha
MrSubaru1387 I’ll cut ya a lil slack bc u are much closer to the equator than I am here in Pgh
Strange thing that happened with my 05 aside from the stuck in FWD issue is that every time I hit a bounce my ass end will go all over the place so I replace the rear struts and improved ever-so-slightly only but why replace the front struts there are no longer bounces all over the place? I think my Subaru is possessed
@00:21
And
The difference
@28:52
I keep cringing when you put your fingers between the coils
The coils aren't going to compress...
The internet has caused men to have mortal fear of strut springs.