How does Subaru self-levelling suspension work?
Eleanor Gray
Updated on February 21, 2026
How does Subaru self-levelling suspension work?
With self-levelling suspension, as the loaded strut travels up and down, fluid is pumped into the ram from the reservoir until the strut is back to its factory set height. This effectively keeps the body at the same height from the road no matter how the vehicle is loaded.
What is automatic self-leveling suspension?
A self-leveling suspension is a type of automobile suspension that uses air bags and air compressors or pumps to maintain a level attitude when the vehicle is loaded down. Sensors, typically electronic, are positioned on the vehicle’s chassis in critical areas to determine the attitude of the vehicle.
What shock absorber is self-leveling?
The Nivomat Shock Absorber is a self-leveling monotube shock absorber developed by Sachs. Nivomat is a contraction of two French words, niveau and automatique. When translated to English, it would be level automatic or automatic level.
Does my Forester have self-leveling suspension?
The Forester 2.5 XS L.L.Bean Edition is exclusively equipped with a self-leveling rear suspension. It turns out that the mechanic didn’t know that the LL Bean Edition has self-leveling in the rear suspension and requires a different strut than the one they put on for a regular ’05 Forester.
How do I know if my car has self leveling suspension?
You can look under the car from the rear, if you see large plastic ribbed plastic on the shocks, you likely have Nivomat’s. You can also measure the car before you drive, drive at least a mile and measure again. If you raise at least 1 inch, you likely have them.
How does load leveling suspension work?
The load leveling shocks use the motion of the suspension to pump them up, so when you first hook up your trailer the rear may sag a little, but after driving a short distance the suspension motion should pump the shocks up to return the rear ride height back up to normal.
Can I replace self leveling shocks with regular shocks?
Even though the conventional shocks may fit, It is not recommended that you replace your Nivomats with traditional shock absorbers. If conventional shocks are installed the vehicle may permanently sag about 2 inches or so and the vehicle’s ride quality will suffer.
How good are KYB shocks?
KYB shocks are an outstanding choice. They come at a great price and do exactly what they say they will. They instantly improve the comfort of your ride, and they provide outstanding options for off-roading shocks if that’s what you’re into. The only dig on KYB shocks is that they only last 7-9 years on average.
Does my car have Nivomat?
If you are wondering if you have Nivomats, check your manual, or try to get a look at them. They will only be in the rear. Nivomats have a thinner end toward the eyelet (although Monroe Nivomats and some others have a built-in accordion boot cover).
Can you replace self leveling shocks with regular shocks?
What is the purpose of a load leveler?
Load leveling usually involves storing power during periods of light loading on the system and delivering it during periods of high demand. During these periods of high demand, the energy storage system supplies power, reducing the load on less economical peak-generating facilities.
How do I know if I have Nivomat rear suspension?
What does self leveling suspension mean on a Subaru?
Subaru Self-levelling suspension Outback Forest Liberty Self-levelling suspension is an option in the Liberty and Outback premium packs. This option uses a reservoir attached to the strut which serves to adjust the extension of the strut under load.
What type of suspension does Subaru use?
Because of the wide range of applications for Subaru cars, from motorsport to family transport, there is a correspondingly wide range of suspension components used, from the self-levelling struts used on family cars like the premium range Liberty and Forester, to the firm Bilstein dampers fitted to high-end WRX and STi models.
What kind of shock absorbers does a Subaru WRX have?
All models employ the double wishbone independent suspension type, but there are variations in the kinds of shock absorbers. The non-turbo family transport models use stock Subaru shocks, while high-performance models like the WRX or STi, use heavy duty Subaru shocks or Bilsteins.
What kind of shocks does a Subaru Impreza have?
The non-turbo family transport models use stock Subaru shocks, while high-performance models like the WRX or STi, use heavy duty Subaru shocks or Bilsteins. There have been some reported problems with the 03-06 WRX heavy duty shocks, and the wide body Impreza non-turbo 08-10 has produced problems with leaking shocks.