2002 WRX Suspension Parts Names: A Complete Guide

If you own a 2002 Subaru WRX, understanding the names of its suspension parts is essential for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. The GD platform WRX came with a sporty yet compliant suspension, but after two decades, bushings wear, dampers leak, and springs sag. Whether you’re replacing worn items or planning a performance build, this guide covers every suspension component on the 2002 WRX—front and rear—with practical details to help you choose the right parts.

Front Suspension Components

The front suspension on the 2002 WRX is a MacPherson strut design. Each side uses a strut assembly that acts as both a shock absorber and a structural support for the spring. Here are the key parts:

Strut Assembly

• Strut: The damper (shock absorber) inside a housing. It controls rebound and compression damping. For the 2002 WRX, OE struts are made by KYB or Showa. When replacing, you can buy the complete strut assembly or just the insert.
• Coil Spring: The helical spring that supports the vehicle’s weight and absorbs road impacts. Front springs have a progressive rate for comfort and handling.
• Strut Mount: A rubber and metal assembly at the top that attaches the strut to the chassis. It includes a bearing for steering rotation. Worn mounts cause clunks.
• Dust Boot and Bump Stop: The boot protects the strut rod, and the bump stop prevents metal-on-metal contact during full compression.

Steering and Linkage

• Tie Rod End (Outer): Connects the steering rack to the steering knuckle. Adjusts toe alignment. Easily worn, causing play.
• Inner Tie Rod: The socket inside the rack bellows. Often sold as a set with the outer end.
• Steering Rack Bushings: Rubber mounts that hold the rack to the subframe. Aftermarket polyurethane bushings reduce slop.

Control Arms and Ball Joints

• Lower Control Arm: A stamped steel arm that connects the knuckle to the subframe. It holds the lower ball joint and rear bushing.
• Lower Ball Joint: Pressed into the control arm. Provides the pivot point for the knuckle. Must be replaced when torn or loose.
• Control Arm Bushing (Rear): A large rubber bushing that absorbs vibration. A common wear point — polyurethane replacements improve stability.

Sway Bar and Links

• Front Sway Bar: A 20mm solid bar that connects the left and right control arms to reduce body roll.
• Sway Bar Bushings: Rubber or polyurethane bushings that hold the sway bar to the chassis. Clunks often come from worn bushings.
• End Links: Short links that connect the sway bar to the control arm. These ball joint style links wear out and rattle.

Wheel Bearings and Hubs

• Front Wheel Bearing: Pressed into the steering knuckle. Common failure: humming noise that changes with turning.
• Hub Assembly: The part the wheel bolts to. For the 2002 WRX, the front hub is separate from the bearing, but many upgrade to a hub/bearing unit.

Rear Suspension Components

The rear uses a multi-link independent suspension with a separate strut and spring. Here are the parts:

Struts and Springs

• Rear Strut: Similar to the front but shorter. The damper is separate from the spring.
• Rear Spring: A coil spring that sits between the strut mount and the lower control arm.
• Strut Mount (Top): Rubber mount with studs that bolt to the chassis. No bearing needed since the rear doesn’t steer.
• Dust Boot and Bump Stop: Same protection as front.

Control Arms

• Lower Control Arm (Lateral Link): An aluminum arm (some models steel) that connects the hub to the subframe. Adjusts camber.
• Upper Control Arm (A-arm): A stamped steel arm above the hub. Affects camber and toe. Worn bushings cause wandering.
• Trailing Arm: A longitudinal arm that links the hub to the chassis. Controls fore/aft movement.
• Rear Subframe: The frame that holds all rear suspension components. Can be replaced with aftermarket for better geometry.

Bushings and Links

• Lateral Link Bushings: Where the lower control arm attaches to the hub and subframe. Polyurethane upgrades reduce wheel hop.
• Rear Sway Bar: 20mm solid bar that connects the lateral links across the rear.
• Rear Sway Bar Bushings: Chassis-side bushings.
• Rear End Links: Connect the sway bar to the lateral links. Wear faster than front.

Wheel Bearings and Hubs

• Rear Wheel Bearing: Pressed into the trailing arm. Same failure symptoms as front.
• Rear Hub: Attaches to the bearing. Often replaced together.

Additional Hardware and Bushings

• Sway Bar Bracket and Hardware: Metal clamps and bolts that hold sway bar bushings. Often rusted, need replacement.
• Strut Bar (Optional): An aftermarket brace connecting the top of the front strut towers. Reduces chassis flex.
• Subframe Bushings: Large rubber mounts that attach the front and rear subframes to the body. Worn subframe bushings cause vague handling.
• Suspension Bolts and Nuts: Many are single-use (torque-to-yield). Replace when doing any suspension work.

Common Upgrades for the 2002 WRX

• Coilovers: Replace separate strut and spring with a single adjustable unit. Brands like BC Racing, Feal, and Ohlins.
• Lowering Springs: Lower the car 1-1.5 inches on stock struts. Examples: Eibach Pro-Kit, Swift Sport.
• Adjustable Control Arms: For camber and toe adjustment after lowering. Replace fixed lateral links or upper arms.
• Polyurethane Bushings: Replace all rubber bushings for sharper response and less play. Whiteline and SuperPro are popular.
• Sway Bar Upgrades: 22mm or 24mm bars reduce body roll. Adjustable end links allow preload adjustment.

Final Recommendation

When buying suspension parts for your 2002 WRX, always check compatibility with the GD platform (2002-2007). OEM parts are reliable but expensive. For daily driving, consider OEM-style replacements from KYB, Monroe, or Sachs. For performance, invest in name-brand coilovers and polyurethane bushings. If you’re only replacing worn parts, focus on: struts and mounts (often sold as quick-struts), lower control arms with ball joints, sway bar end links, and bushings. Always replace hardware (bolts/nuts) to avoid stripped threads. With this guide, you now know the name and function of every suspension part on your 2002 WRX—making your next repair or upgrade much easier.