Subaru Forester Rear Springs: Specs, Fitment & Common Faults

Genuinely worth knowing: Subaru changed the rear spring perch diameter between generations, a detail that's caught out owners fitting aftermarket springs.

Illustration for editorial purposes

A Genuine Perch Diameter Change Worth Knowing About

Genuinely worth knowing: owners have documented Subaru changing the rear shock's spring perch diameter between generations, even where the overall shock design looks similar — aftermarket springs designed for an earlier generation can sit slightly off-centre on a later generation's smaller perch. This is a genuine, specific fitment issue worth checking for rather than assuming cross-generation spring compatibility.

A further genuinely important distinction: the rear spring and shock are commonly sold together as a complete strut assembly on this model rather than always as separate parts — check whether a listing is for the complete assembly or the spring alone before ordering.

A Part That Fails Quietly, Then Suddenly

A rear spring often sags gradually for months without an obvious symptom beyond a slightly lower ride height, then fails suddenly at the coil's end with an audible clunk — worth bearing in mind if you notice one rear corner sitting lower than the other.

Before you buy: turbo (XT) vs naturally aspirated, transmission type, generation, and left/right side all affect fitment. Always confirm against your VIN before ordering.

Subaru Forester Rear Springs reference plate

OEM Part Numbers

Accuracy note: genuinely worth knowing: Subaru's own parts catalogue lists separate rear spring references for automatic and manual transmission versions of the naturally aspirated model, in addition to the turbo/non-turbo split — confirm all three variables before ordering.

Naturally aspirated (2.5), automatic transmission	Genuinely a different spring from the manual transmission version below — confirmed as separate references in Subaru's own parts catalogue
Naturally aspirated (2.5), manual transmission	A genuinely different spring from the automatic version above
Turbo (XT)	A genuinely different, typically stiffer spring from the naturally aspirated versions, confirmed as separate part numbers

Always replace rear springs in pairs — a single new spring paired with an old, sagged one on the other side creates an uneven ride height and handling bias.

What It Does

The rear coil spring supports the weight of the car's rear end and absorbs the initial impact of a bump, working alongside the shock absorber rather than replacing its function. A sagged or broken spring lowers ride height, can affect headlight aim, and in severe cases is an MOT failure item.

Warning Signs, DIY Difficulty & Aftermarket Advice

These are the same regardless of make or model — see our full Rear Springs Guide for symptoms of a failing spring, confirming fitment against your VIN, and OEM vs aftermarket guidance.

More Subaru Rear Springs

The same part, covered across other Subaru models.

Subaru Forester Rear Springs: Specs, Fitment & Common Faults

A Genuine Perch Diameter Change Worth Knowing About

OEM Part Numbers

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