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

48,060

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

48,060

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?

48,060

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.
48,060

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.

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