2012 Forester Front + Rear Strut Replacement + Rear Lower Arms + Components

The 2012 Forester had a leaking rear strut so in this video we replace the struts at all 4 corners with KYB replacements as well as replacing the rear lower arms and endlinks with Mevotech and the rear lower arm outer bushings with Siberian Bushings urethane replacements.
OEM part # for cargo trim fasteners: 95022AC040ML
OEM part # for the rear lower arm outer bushing: 20257XA000
As of the posting of this video I have ordered what I believe is the correct bushing from Siberian Bushings for the rear lower outer bushing but am still waiting on delivery. I will make a video of the installation of the new bushings and reference the correct part numbers when that is released.
00:00 - Intro
00:22 - Explaining Symptoms
02:10 - Accessing Strut Tops
05:53 - Removing Front Struts
09:19 - Breakdown of New Parts
11:08 - Considerations for Bushing Compatibility
15:18 - Installing New Front Struts
19:14 - Removing Rear Lower Arms + Endlinks
22:54 - Removing Rear Struts
23:24 - Replacing Rear Lower Arm Outer Bushings
29:39 - Replacing Rear Struts, Arms, + Endlinks
32:36 - Outro

[@3obardThawn3]

Great video. Thank you for posting

[@bebaker]

Nice video, thanks for the tips.

[@TwoFourSevenDIY]

No problem!

[@eugeneslomkowski6657]

good video...thanks !!

[@VideoNOLA]

I've noticed that some home mechanics prefer to spin the bolt out by applying the tool (ratchet, impact, whatever) to its head, while you and I (and probably most people) twist the nuts and washers off while holding the bolt head in place. Which method if "right"??

[@TwoFourSevenDIY]

I don't think there's really a "right" way ...

[@GordonWOT]

Yoo is this process similar to impreza gd 2001? I have to change my front dampers and not sure if i can do it on my own, if its similar to forester i could use your guide :)

[@TwoFourSevenDIY]

The fronts should be basically the identical process. The rears are different from this forester but the rears on your 01 are essentially the same as the fronts.
I don't know how soon you are going to be replacing them but I should be coming out with a 3 part series installing new suspension on my 02 wrx in the next couple months.

[@GordonWOT]

@@TwoFourSevenDIY I hear it knocking already hard so ill do it in few weeks but thanks for the answer :)

[@MrRuliRulo]

When you say the bushing you bought off Amazon was larger do you think it was 40 mm? For what I read the other knuckle bushing available is 38mm and I went ahead on Siberian and matched thru vin but im afraid I might buy the wrong one. did you take measuring a of your vin matched one later one when you fixed it. There's so little help on the forums but thank god I stumbled on that only post and your video, my car has been sitting 2 weeks now since I already bought the wrong bushing twice. TIA I subscribed👍🏽

[@TwoFourSevenDIY]

I did not take measurements of the ones I ordered that were incorrect.
I would trust that the ones you match by vin on Siberian's website should be correct.
They do have very prompt customer service via email, I bet you could reach out and ask for a measurement before you purchase

[@MrRuliRulo]

@@TwoFourSevenDIY i matched my vin, I even had the guy on eBay double check and still got the smaller size bushing. I reached out again to follow up about my finding

[@TwoFourSevenDIY]

That's weird. As far as I know there are only two sizes when it comes to this issue. I would just order both. Use the correct one, then return the others.

[@WRXRAFSAN]

Do you still have a set of the small ones? I ordered the big ones 8-20-2534 and it’s too big, I need the smaller ones!! Seems there’s only 1 left in stock and I can’t find it anyways else

[@TwoFourSevenDIY]

I only ever ordered one set when I did the follow up video and they are currently installed on my Forester.
You are looking for 8-20-3236 for the smaller bushing.

[@KILO76ZULU]

What are the torque specs my man?

[@TwoFourSevenDIY]

For which bolts?

[@KILO76ZULU]

@@TwoFourSevenDIY thank you for responding!
The rear ones I found multiple specs and idk which one I should believe lol

[@TwoFourSevenDIY]

The rear strut? 59ft/lb on the bottom bolt. Top 2 nuts are 22 ft/lb

[@KILO76ZULU]

@@TwoFourSevenDIY what about the endlink?

[@KILO76ZULU]

@@TwoFourSevenDIY and the one going to the calp?👀

[@clintonmclean9621]

You make me want to be a better person. Get to the top fast > 'promosm' !