2007> Hatchback and Saloon Models – Failing Wishbone Bushes…

The 2007 onwards Impreza (and some Legacys) are fitted with a different style of front wishbone to previous models, where the rear caster bush is pressed directly into the aluminium arm, rather than being bolted onto the back of the arm.

It’s a relatively soft and compliant rubber bush which over time has a tendency to perish, crack and eventually split, resulting in vague handling characteristics from the front end, and increased tyre wear. This can be difficult to detect on a car that is your daily driver, but easy to spot once the car is off the ground on a workshop ramp.

Subaru supply the original bush relatively cheaply, and installation is relatively straightforward with the help of a hydraulic press. Although an OE (or equivalent aftermarket) replacement part should last a good few years, it’s a good time to consider upgrading to a Powerflex or Whiteline polybush which will be much harder wearing and long lasting, and also has an inbuilt eccentric bolt which allows for precise caster angle adjustment, when having a 4 wheel alignment geometry setup. Caster angles are fixed by the standard bushes, and not adjustable

Pictured above is the wishbone with standard rubber bushes removed, and ready for installation of Whiteline replacement parts

Whiteline bushes installedEccentric centre pin pictured, which can be rotated in situ, for precise caster adjustment.

Wishbone mount polybush installed, ready to be refitted.

Wishbone reinstalled and bolted back into place

Whilst this car was in the workshop, the owner decided to have upgraded anti-roll bars, support bracing and adjustable droplinks fitted at the same time, further improving the handling characteristics of an already very capable car.

If you’d like the tired original wishbone bushes replaced on your car, or any other handling and suspension upgrades, feel free to get in touch!