The special self-locking nuts must be used new on the control arm according to the manufacturer's instructions. Start with the removal of the rear wheel lug nuts, positioning of the car on rear wheel chocks and lifting the front part of the vehicle with a jack before placing it on support stands; and finally, removing the front wheel. For the 2003 and later, Forester models, remove the subframe. Remove the nuts of the stabilizer bar and take off the stabilizer bar from the control arm Next, take out the
Ball Joint pinch bolt of the
Steering Knuckle and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle with the help of a large pry bar. After that, number four, take off the front pivot bolt and nut together with the rear bushing clamp bolts and subsequently extract the control arm. For 2005 and later Legacy models, also unscrew the support plate mounting bolts, and the mounting nut of the stud at the rear of the control arm. Check the control arm bushing signs of cracks or any signs of wearing and check the control arm also, and replace all the worn out parts. Removal on the other hand is in a reverse sequence, delicacy is needed when tightening the balljoint pinch bolt to the correct torque. Before tightening the control arm pivot bolt and bracket bolts, lift the outer end of the control arm with the floor jack to put the shock absorber at normal ride height and then tighten the fasteners to a given torque. Last, fit the wheel and lug nuts then lower the car and finally I tighten the wheel lug nuts to the correct torque. In cases of subframe removal and installation for the 2003 and later Forester models, it is recommended that new bolts should be used. First, you have to disconnect the front engine splash shield, then, having dropped the car on its jack, you can loosen the far right shock tower bolt but keeping the subframe suspended with it still attached to the car. Take out the remaining mounting bolts starting with those at the rear to the front while preferably fastening the subframe as you are doing this, it is advisable to have an assistant. Reinstalling is the opposite of uninstalling; the mounting bolts are tightened in succession from the forward most location to the rearward most location.