Forester Struts - Where to Buy

Hugh

Hugh

Forum Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2021
Messages
48
Location
South Australia
Car Year
MY06
Car Model
SG Forester X
Transmission
5MT w/ DR
Gday everyone,

My Drivers rear strut started leaking oil, and I reckon I might need to replace them soon.
KYB seems like a solid brand, where cheapest place to buy these parts?
Cheers
 
Hugh, when my 2006 SG got saggy butt syndrome, I replaced the SLS with Pedders variable rate heavy duty springs and struts.

Great handling, with and without trailer. Comfortable.
 
@Hugh KYB are good - are your springs OK? Bilstein also make struts for the Forester now so another good brand to consider. I don't know where would be cheapest but with COVID best bet would be a local Aussie supplier as struts cannot be shipped by air as they are under pressure.
 
That's good to hear Ratbag! I've heard mixed reviews from pedders in the past.

Thanks for the heads up Kevin, will see how they compare price wise. I'll the springs a look, tempted to replace them with std height kings. The local autobahn seems to have the SLS shocks in for 300 each.
 
Hugh said:
The local autobahn seems to have the SLS shocks in for 300 each.
Click to expand...
If you have self-leveling suspension then you will have to get new springs if you go with KYB or Bilstein as they do not have SLS
 
ateday said:
I went from SLS to Pedder springs and then Kings. Kings very good for my purposes. Good load carrying, clearance and ride.
Click to expand...
Did you go with raised or standard height?
 
Kevin said:
If you have self-leveling suspension then you will have to get new springs if you go with KYB or Bilstein as they do not have SLS
Click to expand...
1623040014895.png
KYB does sell SLS shocks, which are the ones for about 300 each. They also sell the non self leveling for about 200 each, and about 200 for a pair of rear Kings. Are the SLS worth it?
 
@Hugh, Not in my opinion.

Shock absorbers should not carry the weight of the vehicle. That's what springs are for. Shock absorbers should damp the movement of the springs.

In the SLS system, the shock absorbers carry part of the weight of the car. This is a fatal design error, IMHO.

I was glad to get rid of mine.
 
@Hugh The selection you posted are not SLS? Note "Excl" means "Excluding"
I agree with John - SLS are not good.

KYB may have SLS struts but not for SG Foresters according to their website. They even have electric adjustable excel-g struts
 
Last edited:
Thanks Kevin for the clarification!
I reckon regular shocks and standard height springs are the way for me. Thanks for all the advice all!
 
Is there anything else I should be replacing while I'm there? Do I need to replace the strut top mounts?
 
If they've not been replaced before then yes. Especially the front mounts as they have bearings which allows steering pivot and they do wear out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top