How and where to jack up your Subaru Forester

Subarus are straightforward to jack up, but if you have never done it before or you just don’t want to screw something up on your car then this post is for you.ย  Using the provided jack points and few jack stands it is possible to rotate your tires and do an oil change on the forester in a few short minutes at home. If possible you should rotate your tires every oil change. I usually do mine while the oil drains out of the car.

This post directly applies to the following models: (Most suabrus are very similar)

  • 2014/2015 Subaru Forester XT
  • 2015 Subaru Forester Normally Aspirated.
  • Impreza Gen four
  • Cross Trek

The Following Images Show the Jack Points on a Subaru Forester

2014 Forester Jack Points Front and Rear

Service Manual Jack Points On the Subaur Forester (2014+ but older models are similar)

 

Subaru Forester Front Jack Point

Subaru Forester Front Jack Point

Subaru Forester Rear Jack point. (Just below the two bolts in the center of the picture)

Subaru Forester Rear Jack point. (Just below the two bolts in the center of the picture) The rear differential will flex when you jack on it.

Hitch Jacking point on Forester

If you have an after market hitch you get to cheat.

Jacking Tips

  • If you have a fat cow of a floor jack like I do you will want to jack up the front of your car first. If you jack up the rear first the front end of the car will be so low to the ground that you are unable to get the jack point behind the oil pan.
  • Keep you jack stands set as low as possible to achieve your job.ย  They are a lot more stable and stronger the lower they are.
    • It should go without saying, but always use jack stands… NEVER GO UNDER YOUR CAR WHEN IT IS ON THE JACK ONLY… See the dent in the back of my skid plate?ย  Setting up jack stands and the jack rolled… I got really lucky it hit there and not the oil pan. Which brings me to my next point.
  • Do not use spacers on your jack. *One hockey puck is OK* Tall blocks of wood = bad idea.
  • You can also jack near the connection points of the subframe if you are careful, but it is better to use the official jack points. *More applicable to WRX*
  • Always Use at least 3 Jack stands(4 if not on a center point). NEVER let your car balance on the two center points it will fall off!
  • If you have an after market curt hitch it is plenty strong to jack on unless you have a load of brick in he back of your car.

Where to Jack on an Impreza or Cross Trek.

How to Jack up a Subaru Impreza

How to Jack up a Subaru Impreza and Cross Trek (WRX is basically the same)

DO NOT win a Darwin Award!

NO! If you do this there is a very good shot you will die under your beloved Subaru.

NO! If you do this there is a very good shot you will die under your beloved Subaru.

Jack Stands only go this way. Never put them on plastic!

Jack Stands only go this way. Never put them on plastic! Always on a flat surface.ย  If you see a jack stand that is not flat on the floor jack the car back up and reset the jack stand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Stay Safe

Stay Safe