Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer-Steering bushes

1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Steering Bushes

Yes, a 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE series in Australia and New Zealand) uses steering bushes. The factory Mitsubishi Lancer CE workshop manual (Steering, Group 37) shows a rack-and-pinion assembly mounted to the front crossmember via rubber bushes that locate the rack and isolate vibration. This is echoed by major aftermarket technical catalogues from brands such as Nolathane, SuperPro and Whiteline, all of which list steering rack mounting bush kits for CE-era Lancer models. So, steering bushes are absolutely relevant for this vehicle and worth attention during servicing.

On this Lancer, the steering bushes sit between the rack housing and the subframe brackets. Their job is to keep the rack positively located under load while soaking up noise, vibration and harshness. Good bushes help the car track straight, keep on‑centre feel tight, and stop the rack from knocking on bumps or during sharp inputs. When they’re worn, the rack can shift, steering feel goes a bit woolly, and tyres can start wearing unevenly.

• Clunk or knock over bumps or on quick steering inputs
• Wandering or vague on‑centre feel
• Shimmy through the wheel on rough roads
• Visible rack movement while an assistant rocks the wheel
• Oil‑soaked, cracked or perished rubber around the mounts
• Uneven or accelerated tyre wear

During regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the bush condition and the rack mount bolts. If there’s cracking, deformation, or oil contamination from a leak, plan a replacement. The job typically involves safely supporting the car on stands, removing the undertray if fitted, marking the rack’s position on the crossmember, loosening the rack mount clamps/bolts, swapping the bushes, then re‑torquing to the workshop‑manual specs. Replace bushes as a set, and don’t forget to fix any power-steering fluid leaks first—oil kills rubber quickly. While a careful tech can preserve the rack’s position, a wheel alignment check afterwards is a good idea as even slight movement can nudge toe out of spec.

Owners can choose OEM‑style rubber for comfort and factory NVH, or quality polyurethane for a firmer, more precise feel that lasts longer. Either way, correct installation, proper torque, and a post‑job road test are key to keeping this CE Lancer pointing true and feeling crisp through the wheel.

FAQs

Does a 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer have steering bushes?
Yes. The CE-series Lancer mounts its rack-and-pinion steering to the crossmember with rubber bushes, as shown in the Mitsubishi workshop manual and supported by aftermarket bush kit catalogues.

What are the symptoms of worn steering rack bushes?
Common signs include a clunk over bumps, vague steering, shimmy through the wheel and uneven tyre wear. You may also spot the rack shifting when someone turns the wheel with the engine running.

Do you need an alignment after replacing steering bushes?
If the rack’s position changes even slightly, toe can shift. It’s wise to book a wheel alignment after replacement, especially if the rack was loosened or moved.