Replacing Your Subaru Crosstrek Struts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Subaru Crosstrek Strut Replacement is a process that is necessary to maintain the performance and safety of your vehicle. It involves replacing the worn out struts on your vehicle with new ones that are designed for your specific model. Struts are important components of a vehicle’s suspension system, and they help to ensure a comfortable and smooth ride. Replacing them regularly can help improve handling and keep you safe on the road. The job requires certain tools and knowledge, so it is important to take it to an experienced mechanic if you don’t feel comfortable doing the job yourself. The cost of replacement parts will vary depending on the make, model, and year of your Subaru Crosstrek, but generally speaking it should not be too expensive.

Automobile: Subaru Crosstrek Strut Replacement

Struts are essential components in the suspension system of a vehicle, providing stability and comfort while driving. The Subaru Crosstrek has two types of struts: coil spring struts and gas struts. Replacing these struts can benefit the driver by improving the vehicle’s handling, ride quality, and braking performance.

Preparation for Subaru Crosstrek Strut Replacement

Before replacing the struts on a Subaru Crosstrek, it is important to have the necessary tools and supplies ready. Socket wrenches and sets, jacks and jack stands, and a spring compressor tool are needed for this job. Additionally, safety precautions should be taken when working with heavy parts like struts.

Removing the Old Struts on a Subaru Crosstrek

The first step in replacing the old struts on a Subaru Crosstrek is to support the vehicle with jacks and jack stands. Then, use a socket wrench to remove the nuts or bolts that secure each strut to its mounting location on the frame or suspension components. Carefully lower each strut from its mount with an assistant’s help if necessary. Once all of the old struts are removed, clean off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated around their mounting locations before installing new ones.

Subaru Crosstrek Strut Replacement

Replacing the struts on a Subaru Crosstrek is an important part of ensuring the vehicle’s safe operation. This maintenance task can be completed by a home mechanic with some basic tools and a bit of patience and care. The following guide explains how to safely replace the struts on a Subaru Crosstrek.

Preparing for Strut Replacement

Before beginning the job, it is important to ensure that all necessary tools and supplies are on-hand. This includes a jack and jack stand, a coil spring compressor, an appropriate wrench, and the new strut assembly. Once all of these items have been gathered, the vehicle can be lifted with the jack and secured in place with the jack stand. The wheels should then be removed from the vehicle.

Removing Old Suspension Components

With the wheels removed, it is time to unbolt the old suspension components from the vehicle frame. These components may include upper strut mounts, sway bar links, lower spring seats, and other hardware that may need to be removed before installing new parts. It is important to take note of how these parts are configured before attempting to remove them so that they can be properly reassembled later on.

Installing New Coil Spring Struts

Once all of the old suspension components have been removed, it is time to install new coil spring struts onto the vehicle frame. To do this safely, a coil spring compressor should be secured onto one of the old suspension components so that it is held in place while new struts are inserted into place. Care must be taken when installing these new parts as they must fit securely into place in order for them to function properly.

Installing New Gas Strut

The final step in replacing struts on a Subaru Crosstrek is to install a new gas strut onto one end of each strut assembly. This must also be done carefully as improper installation could lead to dangerous driving conditions due to an unevenly-weighted suspension system or other issues with balance and stability. Once this has been completed, all of the bolts should be tightened securely and checked for proper tension before taking the vehicle out for its first test drive after strut replacement has been completed.

By following these steps carefully and using appropriate safety precautions, anyone with some basic knowledge of automotive repair can successfully replace their own struts on their Subaru Crosstrek without having to enlist professional help or worry about putting their safety at risk due to incorrect installation procedures or faulty parts being used in replacement jobs.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a Strut?
A: A strut is a suspension component that consists of a coil spring and shock absorber. It is part of the vehicle’s suspension system and helps absorb shock from the road. It also helps to support the weight of the vehicle and maintain its height.

Q: What are the types of struts in the Subaru Crosstrek?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has two types of struts, coil spring struts and gas struts. Coil spring struts are typically more affordable, while gas struts offer more adjustability and damping.

Q: What are the benefits of replacing struts in a Subaru Crosstrek?
A: Replacing old or worn-out struts can provide better stability and handling, improve ride quality, increase fuel efficiency, reduce tire wear, and extend the life of other suspension components.

Q: What tools & supplies are needed for Subaru Crosstrek strut replacement?
A: Tools needed for strut replacement include socket wrenches and sets, jacks & jack stands, and a spring compressor tool. Other supplies such as nuts & bolts may also be necessary depending on your specific model.

Q: What safety precautions should be taken when replacing Subaru Crosstrek struts?
A: Safety is paramount when performing any automotive maintenance or repair work. Before beginning any work on your vehicle, make sure it is parked on a level surface with the parking brake engaged. Also wear protective clothing such as gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any flying debris or tools during the repair process.

In conclusion, replacing the struts on a Subaru Crosstrek is necessary for maintaining its performance and safety. Although this may be a daunting task for some, it is important to be aware of the signs that your Subaru Crosstrek needs new struts, such as bouncing or trouble cornering. To ensure that you are getting the best result from your replacement struts, it is best to use high-quality aftermarket parts and take it to a professional mechanic for installation. With quality parts and proper installation, you should have no problem getting your Subaru Crosstrek back to its optimal performance.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch

With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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