This 2006 Subaru Forester was towed to our shop with a customer-reported steering problem. A full inspection of the front steering and suspension found extensive rust damage to suspension parts. Another victim of the harsh Ann Arbor winter road conditions and those dreaded notorious Michigan potholes.
Suspension and steering repair service
Diagnosis
The technician raised the vehicle on the hoist and performed a visual inspection of the steering, suspension, & drive-line mechanical.
The inspection found rust damage to the passenger-side front control arm, rusted engine cradle and frame cross member assembly, right side drive axle which was damaged when the control arm failed, and a broken sway-bar link. In addition to the damaged parts, other connected parts were worn, badly rusted, or needed replacing to enable wheel alignment and ensure a safe repair. Due to damage vehicle could not be road-tested before the repair.
Digital Report
A detailed digital report including photos of damage found was sent to the customer including a detailed written estimate of repair. A classic victim of the harsh Michigan winter road conditions, rust, and those dreaded Ann Arbor potholes.
NOTE: The photos are from our digital inspection report we send to customers before we do any work on their vehicle. We are very transparent about the work we do, the estimates we provide, and what we charge.
Repair
Our Subaru Technician raised the vehicle on the hoist and removed parts to enable the rusted engine cross-member assembly replacement.
In the next step, the technician removed the damaged axle shaft and installed a new drive axle shaft replacement.
Next was the control arm replacement on both sides. The left side was also replaced as it was rusted and the bushings were worn out. Worn Subaru control arm bushings cause excessive tire wear, loose steering, and wheel alignment problems.
A sway bar end link replacement on both sides was required due to wear and damage when the control arm failed.
Performed a Subaru Four-Wheel Alignment. Check all suspension and steering parts for wear. Check tire pressure and condition. Check vehicle ride height. Check the alignment of all four wheels. Adjust caster, camber, toe-in, and thrust angle as needed on all four wheels. Center steering wheel.
The technician test-drove the vehicle to verify the correct vehicle operation and our quality assurance check.
Price
Subaru suspension repair price and Subaru wheel alignment price depend on the year, model, and work required. We are happy to inspect your vehicle and provide a repair estimate.
Hoover Auto Repair in Ann Arbor MI provides complete suspension repair, steering repair, and wheel alignment on Subaru autos. Contact us if you have any questions.