Do Subarus have ball joints?
Yes. In most Subaru models, the front suspension uses a lower ball joint as part of a MacPherson strut design, with the upper connection achieved through the strut rather than an upper ball joint. Some older or rare configurations used a double-wishbone setup with both upper and lower ball joints. The exact arrangement varies by model and year.
Front suspension: how ball joints show up on Subarus
Here are the typical front-suspension layouts you’ll encounter on Subaru cars. This helps explain where the ball joints live and how they wear over time.
MacPherson strut: the standard layout
In most Subarus, the front suspension is a MacPherson strut arrangement featuring a lower control arm with a single lower ball joint per wheel. The upper connection to the steering knuckle is made through the strut assembly rather than a separate upper ball joint. This is the configuration you’ll see on the majority of modern models.
- MacPherson strut with a lower control arm and a single lower ball joint per wheel, which is the most common layout on recent Subarus (Impreza, Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Legacy).
- Double-wishbone (A-arm) front suspension in some older or specialty models, which uses an upper and a lower ball joint on each wheel. This configuration is much less common in the current lineup.
- In MacPherson designs, the ball joint is typically part of the lower control arm (either pressed in or a separate serviceable joint), with the upper end connected to the knuckle via the strut assembly rather than an upper ball joint.
In practice, the front ball joint in most modern Subarus is a lower joint that connects the lower control arm to the steering knuckle, with the upper end connected by the strut assembly rather than a separate upper ball joint.
Rear suspension: ball joints and how they differ
Subaru's rear suspension is usually independent and varies by generation. Ball joints may appear on certain rear links, but many components use bushings instead. The exact parts depend on model and year.
- Independent rear suspension (multi-link) found on most recent Subarus uses various joints, including ball joints on some links, but not all are serviceable as standalone parts.
- Some models use suspension links that rely on bushings rather than separate ball joints, making rear ball-joint replacement less common or not feasible as a standalone repair.
- When a rear ball joint is present, replacement often involves changing the entire link/arm assembly rather than a single joint, depending on the design.
Because Subarus span a wide range of models and years, it's important to check the specific service manual for your vehicle to know whether a ball joint is present on the rear and whether it is serviceable as a standalone part.
Symptoms and maintenance considerations
If a ball joint wears, you may notice symptoms such as clunking noises, loose steering feel, excessive play when you lift the front wheel and wiggle it, uneven tire wear, or vibrations at certain speeds. Front ball-joint wear tends to affect steering noticeably, particularly on rough roads.
- Have a professional inspect front ball joints if you notice steering looseness, wandering, or clunking when hitting bumps.
- Check for torn or leaking rubber boots around the ball joints, which can accelerate wear by letting dirt and moisture in.
- Replacement strategy varies by model: some Subarus use standalone ball joints, while others require replacing the whole control arm or suspension link.
Regular alignment checks and following Subaru maintenance guidelines help prevent early ball-joint wear. If you’re unsure about your model, consult the owner's manual or a Subaru specialist to verify the exact suspension architecture for your year.
Bottom line
Yes, Subarus generally have ball joints in their front suspension as part of the MacPherson setup, and many models do not use an upper front ball joint. The rear suspension typically uses multi-link designs that may include rear-ball-joint connections on some links, depending on year and model. Always verify the exact architecture for your vehicle when diagnosing suspension wear or planning replacements.
Summary
Subarus primarily rely on a MacPherson front suspension with a lower ball joint per wheel, making the front ball joint a common, serviceable part in many models. Rear suspension varies by generation and may include ball joints on some links, but not all components use ball joints. For the most accurate information, check your specific model/year's service manual or consult a Subaru-qualified mechanic.
