2002 Subaru Forester Suspension Problems

While making a right turn and hitting a small bump, your car started swaying side to side. You discovered that the rear subframe—the structural component that connects the rear suspension to your car—had completely rusted through and detached from the vehicle. This is a serious structural failure that compromised your car's handling and safety. The repair will require replacing the corroded rear subframe, which is a major structural repair.

While driving at about 30 mph, your suspension control arm suddenly snapped in half without warning, causing the passenger side front wheel to point inward. This also damaged the CV axle and stabilizer linkage connected to it. The repair will likely involve replacing the broken control arm, CV axle, and stabilizer linkage components.

While driving on the highway about a mile from home, your car's control arm suddenly failed, causing your vehicle to veer across the road and nearly collide with oncoming traffic. This loss of steering control happened without warning. The control arm will need to be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary.

While putting your car in reverse, you heard a loud clunk and discovered the left front tire had collapsed. Upon inspection, both front control arms were severely corroded and rotted—the left one was rotted in half, and the right was in such poor condition it required replacement for safety. Additionally, the subframe and cradle assembly were found to be heavily rusted and need replacement as well.

While driving at 55 mph, your Forester's suspension suddenly failed without warning, causing the car to jerk violently to the left and into the left lane. You heard a loud squealing tire sound and found that the lower control arm had fractured, the front passenger tire was bent sharply left, and the CV joint and transaxle were damaged — with corrosion visible at the fracture point. You'll need to replace the lower control arm, have the CV joint and transaxle inspected or replaced, and address any underlying corrosion issues.

While driving at 50 mph, your Forester suddenly vibrated and pulled to the right. A mechanic found that the front lower control arm in the suspension was fractured and needs replacement. This type of failure can affect your vehicle's handling and control. The repair will involve replacing the fractured lower control arm.

SUBARU FORESTER 2002 REAR WHEEL BEARINGS KEEP FAILING AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED! *TR

METALLIC, GRINDING NOISE FROM RIGHT REAR WHEEL. WHEN PARKED FOR A WEEK, REFUSED TO MOVE - FROZEN IN PLACE. AFTER MUCH ACCELERATION, THE CAR WAS ABLE TO MOVE. NOISE GREW AND GREW TO A SHRIEKING PITCH. TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAILURE OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING. *NM