How to Improve the Handling of the 2006 Subaru Forester

Improve your handing for better turns.

The 2006 Subaru Forester offers a powerful engine, a brake booster and shock absorbing valves. Like many Sport Utility Vehicles, the Forester sometimes suffers from handling problems, such as poor braking or turning. There are several things that can be done to improve the handling without adjusting the engine parts. Replacing worn out brake pads will enhance the performance of the Forester. Take the Subaru Forester to a mechanic for part replacement if a professional mechanic is needed.

Things You'll Need

• 4 high-performance tires
• Floor jack
• Jack chocks
• Tire iron
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Shocks

Instructions

1. Reduce the weight of your Forester for better overall handling. Remove any unnecessary loads, such as shopping bags, trash or luggage. Remove the spare wheel and store it in the garage. Remove safety seats for children when children will not be present.

2. Upgrade your tires. Lift your car using a floor jack. Remove the bearings of the tire with a tire iron and slide the tire off the car. Push a new tire onto the car and secure the bearings using a tire iron. Repeat this process with the remaining tires.

3. Replace your Forester's shocks. Raise the vehicle using a floor jack and remove the grommets of the shocks using a wrench. Pull the shocks away from the vehicle and discard them. Push new shocks into place and secure them with new grommets. The shocks are located under the Subaru, aligned with the front and back axles.

4. Install a larger sway bar, if the Forester suffers from excessive rolling. Raise the Forester using a floor jack and jack stands. Place a wheel chock behind the back tire. Remove the heat shield that blocks the sway bar using a screwdriver. Remove the sway bar brackets using a wrench and set them aside. Pry off the sway bar's bushings using a screwdriver and slide the sway bar away from the vehicle. Push a new sway bar into place and replace the bushings and brackets.

5. Replace any worn or damaged engine or steering parts, such as brake pads.

References

• Subaru: Forester First Impressions
• Howany: How to Replace Sway Bar
• Edmunds: How to Change a Flat Tire
• Automedia: How to Improve Handling
• Torque Cars: Weight Reduction