Steering & SuspensionOwner reportCommunity Starter

2018 Subaru Forester — rear end still feels floaty after new shocks

ColdStartRoadie829Community StarterJul 13, 20262018 Subaru Forester 2.5iBrooklyn
Shocks were replaced and there are no obvious loose parts, but the rear still feels vague over highway undulations. What alignment, bushing, tire or installation issues could mimic worn dampers?
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6 replies

ManualDaily690Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 13, 2026permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2018 Subaru Forester in Brooklyn, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “rear end still feels floaty after new,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Do that first. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
ManualDaily690Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 13, 2026permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2018 Subaru Forester in Brooklyn, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “rear end still feels floaty after new,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the whole play. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
EVHauler666Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 13, 2026permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2018 Subaru Forester owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. Then you'll know the next fork. This is from a 2018 Subaru Forester in Brooklyn. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
QuietFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 13, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2018 Subaru Forester before a big repair or a big spend. I'd do that before spending real money. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
NewCarCollector228Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 14, 2026permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2018 Subaru Forester owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. I'd do that before spending real money. Just my two cents from doing this recently. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
TowOwner428Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 14, 2026permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2018 Subaru Forester, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. That's where I'd start. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
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