Subaru OUTBACK (all 2005-2019) and Legacy 3.6R handling mod procedure

48,050

Asked by TheSubaruGuruBoston Jan 17, 2019 at 09:34 AM about the Subaru Outback

Question type: General

We've all noticed that 2010-2012 and especially 2015-2019 Outbacks don't
handle as well as previous (2000-2009) iterations, predominantly because of
poor body control at their taller perches.
Fortunately Subaru offers a very inexpensive fix that reduces body roll
extraordinarily well, resulting in a very improved "turn-in" that's quick, safer,
and most satisfying at any speed, reducing understeer toward almost
perfect neutrality. The aftermarket supplies stronger rear stabilizer bars (aka
anti-sway bars), but Subaru's own 20mm (OE on 2015+ WRX STi) is cheaper
and fits identically on all Legs and OBs.
Online dealer sells the 20mm bar with bushings on eBay for $90 shipped...a
very fine deal. But don't think for a minute that you'll be able to remove your
vestigial end links. Many have died trying.... Perfectly good new ones sell for
$20 ea online. So for under $150 and 45min time you'll thank me again. Hint:
Perform the swap in this order to save time: 1. Jack both rear corners (no
need to remove wheels) 2. Remove 14mm link-to-chassis nut and bolt and
both 12mm bushing bracket bolts 3. Wiggle off the rubber bushings, so that
you can easily 4. Pry UP the end link (use a long screwdriver as a lever if
necessary) to remove 5. Repeat on other side Installation: 1.Loosely place
bar full assembly (links can be loose or tight) in position 2. Spray lube in
chassis anchors to make it easier to... 3. Orient link end in chassis; push bolt
through both holes; loosely mount 14mm nut 4. Repeat 3 on other side (this
makes life easier!) 5. Mount rubber bushing in place, and its bracket; attach
its 12mm bolts 6. Tighten end link nuts as necessary 7. Repeat on other side
8. Tighten all bolts and nuts First time will take an hour. I'm down to about
20-30min with hand tools lying on ice in Beantown! Send me some 70+%
chocolate. Cheers. Ern

6 Answers

48,050

Ha! I have back-up garages for serious stuff, but these rear bars are right in between a sublet and DIY. If the wind is down and it's above 35F I don't mind getting the exercise. If I have brakes or tires to do at the same time of course it's easier to farm it out as a group service. It's nice that these modern OBs and Legs have sturdy exhausts and bigger rear vented discs, pushing brakes past a third or even fourth winter.

5 people found this helpful.

I have a 2015 3.6r limited OB with 68k miles. Does it have the 20mm bar already?

48,050

Absolutely not! Indeed, the nose-heavy 3.6r needs better body control even more than the 2.5i. Even the dealer wrenches complain about how much roll there is in the sixes. Get the bar. You'll be shocked at the improvement for practically no investment. Happy New Year. Ern TSG/B

1 people found this helpful.
48,050

At 5 years old you won't be able to remove the end-links without stripping their allen bolts (believe me!), so get a new pair of links as well. They're cheap online. Use a long screwdriver to nudge out the links, and a compact hammer to get the new ones in...AFTER loosening all other bolts and removing the bushings. Should take you 45-60 minutes total. Send me chocolate! Ern

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 1,155 nationwide Outback listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,230
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,320
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,310
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
38 Great Deals out of 1,388 listings starting at $3,995
Used Subaru Crosstrek
44 Great Deals out of 1,329 listings starting at $5,995
Used Toyota RAV4
124 Great Deals out of 3,046 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda CR-V
183 Great Deals out of 4,989 listings starting at $440
Used Subaru Legacy
11 Great Deals out of 219 listings starting at $3,200
Used Toyota Tacoma
44 Great Deals out of 742 listings starting at $9,975
Used Subaru Ascent
8 Great Deals out of 281 listings starting at $16,000
Used Subaru Impreza
30 Great Deals out of 668 listings starting at $4,299
Used Toyota 4Runner
26 Great Deals out of 542 listings starting at $9,999
Used Toyota Camry
46 Great Deals out of 1,149 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Pilot
42 Great Deals out of 913 listings starting at $1,230
Used Mazda CX-5
82 Great Deals out of 3,291 listings starting at $6,299
Used Toyota Highlander
44 Great Deals out of 816 listings starting at $7,498
Used Jeep Wrangler
128 Great Deals out of 5,963 listings starting at $6,500
Used Ford F-150
314 Great Deals out of 13,742 listings starting at $3,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.