Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2020 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Front Strut: Disassembly
- Using a coil spring compressor, compress the coil spring.
Preparation tool:
Coil spring compressor
- Using a hexagon wrench to prevent strut rod from turning, remove the self-locking nut with ST.CAUTION: When installing the coil spring compressor to the coil spring, follow the instructions accompanied with the coil spring compressor during operation.
Preparation tool:
ST: STRUT MOUNT SOCKET (20399AG000)
NOTE: <Example of coil spring compressor installation>
The installing position of coil spring compressor varies depending on the coil spring shape and winding number. - Remove the mount strut front, the mount bearing front and the dust cover front from the strut COMPL front.
- Gradually decrease the compression force of compressor, and remove the coil spring.
- Remove the helper front.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.