A Practical Guide to Your 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza Suspension Strut Bellows
Protect your Impreza's ride quality by understanding this small but critical suspension part.
- A torn strut bellow on your Impreza will lead to expensive strut failure; inspect them regularly.
- KYB is an OEM supplier for Subaru, making their aftermarket bellows a high-quality, cost-effective choice.
- Due to the dangerous nature of compressing springs, replacing just the bellow is a job best left to professionals.
- Subaru has issued a TSB (#05-82-21) for a design change to the front strut dust cover, indicating it's a known issue.
Is Your Impreza's Suspension Ready for the Road?
If you own a 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza, you know it's a capable car. But the parts that give it a smooth and controlled ride, like the suspension struts, need protection. The strut bellow, or boot, is a simple part that plays a big role in making your struts last. It's a rubber or plastic cover that shields the sensitive, moving parts of the strut from the elements. When this boot tears, it's the beginning of the end for your strut.
Don't Ignore a Torn Bellow
A cracked or torn strut bellow might seem like a minor issue, but it directly exposes the strut's piston shaft to damaging dirt and moisture. This will ruin the strut's seal, leading to fluid loss and a much more expensive strut replacement down the line. It's a small part that prevents a big problem.
Symptoms of a Failing Strut Bellow
The most obvious sign of a bad bellow is seeing that it's cracked, torn, or missing entirely. You can often spot this just by looking into the wheel well. While the bellow itself won't make noise, its failure leads to other strut-related symptoms:
- Clunking or Knocking Noises: Sounds from the suspension when going over bumps can indicate the strut is starting to fail.
- Bouncy or Rough Ride: If your Impreza feels less stable and bounces more after hitting bumps, the struts may have lost their damping ability.
- Visible Fluid Leaks: Oily fluid on the body of the strut is a clear sign the internal seal has failed, a process often accelerated by a bad bellow.
Known Issues for 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza
While there are no recalls specifically for the strut bellows, Subaru has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for related suspension components on this generation of Impreza. A TSB is a notice from the manufacturer to its dealers about a known problem and a recommended fix.
- TSB #05-82-21: This bulletin specifically notes a design change for the front strut dust cover (bellow) to address a known concern.
- TSB #05-62-18R: Addresses a common problem with surface rust forming on the front strut mounts, an issue some owners have noted is due to how water drains under the hood. 🎬 Watch: A closer look at the Subaru strut rust issue.
- TSB #06-82-21: This addresses a squeaking sound from the rear suspension area 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing the rear struts. when going over bumps.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part: OEM vs. KYB
When it's time to replace your strut bellows, you have a choice between original equipment (OEM) from a Subaru dealer or an aftermarket part. For the 2017-2021 Impreza, the choice is straightforward.
KYB is a well-respected brand that is the Original Equipment Manufacturer for many Subaru suspension parts. This means the KYB aftermarket bellow is likely made to the same quality standards as the part your car came with from the factory. Choosing a KYB bellow is a reliable way to get OEM-level quality without paying dealer prices.
Subaru does not sell a complete, assembled strut with the bellow already on it. You would have to buy each piece separately. Since the labor to replace just the bellow is the same as replacing the entire strut, it's often a good idea to replace the strut, mount, and bellow all at the same time, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.
Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
Whether you're replacing just the bellows or the entire strut assembly, always replace them in pairs (both front or both rear). This ensures even suspension performance and predictable handling.
Suspension Strut Bellows Cost for 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (KYB Bellows Kit) | $33.52 - $44.60 (per part) |
| New OEM (Subaru Bellows Kit) | $40 - $60 (per part) |
| Shop Labor to Install | $150 - $300 (per side) |
Note: Labor costs are high because the entire strut assembly must be removed and disassembled to install a new bellow. Prices are estimates and can vary by location and shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the strut bellows?
Yes. Any time the strut is unbolted from the steering knuckle, it affects the wheel alignment. You should always get a professional alignment after this job to prevent uneven tire wear and ensure proper handling.
Can I replace just the bellow myself?
Replacing the bellow requires removing the strut and compressing the coil spring. Using a spring compressor is extremely dangerous if done incorrectly and can cause serious injury. While removing the whole strut assembly is DIY-friendly for experienced mechanics, disassembling the strut is best left to a professional 🎬 Watch: DIY guide for replacing the full front strut assembly. with the proper tools.
Should I replace my struts at the same time as the bellows?
If your Impreza has over 80,000 miles or if the struts are original, it is highly recommended. The labor to install a new bellow is the same as installing a new strut, so you save money in the long run by doing both at once. A torn bellow has likely already allowed dirt and moisture to wear out the strut anyway.
What's the difference between a strut bellow and a strut mount?
The strut bellow is the protective boot that covers the strut's piston rod. The strut mount is the rubber and metal component at the very top of the strut that bolts to the car's body. The mount isolates noise and vibration and acts as a pivot point for the steering. They are separate parts but are often replaced at the same time.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 20320FL000
The KYB aftermarket bellows for the 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza are the SB167 for the front and SB168 for the rear. These kits typically include the protective boot and a foam jounce bumper/bump stop.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Subaru Impreza:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Impreza's Suspension Ready for the Road?
- Don't Ignore a Torn Bellow
- Symptoms of a Failing Strut Bellow
- Known Issues for 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part: OEM vs. KYB
- Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
- Suspension Strut Bellows Cost for 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza
- Frequently Asked Questions
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