r/ForesterWilderness

I recently installed Rival engine skid plates on my 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The installation was done by my trusted workshop, and they generally do very high-quality work.

Since the installation, I started noticing a metallic knocking / clunking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The noise was most noticeable during braking, acceleration, and when turning. I took the care back to the workshop, they added spacers at the mounting points to slightly increase the clearance to the frame. That solved the problem for a while, but it is slowly coming back.

At first glance everything appears to be mounted correctly, but the sound definitely started only after the skid plate installation.

here is the installation manual in case someone with knowledge would like to check how this particular skid plate mounts to the frame

Is this a common problem with skid plates?

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks!

2025 Forester Wilderness, last year of that body style.

Just finished putting on the OEM underguards that no longer come stock on the vehicle. Took most of a rainy day pulled up on some half-round logs, but was easy and satisfying to do. I had trouble finding a guide specific to this vehicle, so here’s everything.

You’ll need:
Torque wrench
12,13,14,15,17mm sockets.
Socket extension
Adjustable wrench
Headlamp, safety glasses
Blue loctite

OEM Parts:
Engine E515SSJ050
Transmission E515SSJ201
Fuel tank E515SAN300
Differential E515EFL201

Nothing needed to be modified, I ordered from Devil and it all came in one package within a week.

Pics in the comments

Anyone with a new wilderness with a rack please share. Looking for what style I think will look best on mine. 🤙

Funniest search found in this sub-Reddit

But, seriously ISO for a

Exhaust Fan that runs on battery or Anker Powerbank.

Wife will be visiting various Seniors and most of her stops doesn't have shades so the car will get hot.

We already placed those foils on the moonroof and windows to block the heat

Anything found at O'REILLY or Auto Part Store recommendations are appreciated

Thanks

I've noticed it takes a really long time for my A/C in my now 2 month old 26 Forester Wilderness to get cool/cold....and it never really seems to get very cold. I'm wondering if this is a normal thing for Foresters, or do I need to have the dealership look at my A/C. I had a 24 Crosstrek Wilderness prior to this and I didn't notice any issue with the A/C, so I don't think it's an overall Subaru thing.