Parts for your 1999 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

1999 Subaru Forester steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 1999 Subaru Forester (SF series) uses steering bushes. Technical sources back this up: the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SF chassis (Steering “ST” section) depicts the steering rack mounted to the front crossmember with “cushion rubber” bushings, and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue lists these mount bushes for SF5 Forester models. Aftermarket catalogues from brands like Whiteline, Nolathane and SuperPro also offer rack-mount bush kits specifically for 1997–2002 Forester, confirming the fitment.

On this Forester, the steering bushes sit between the rack-and-pinion housing and the front subframe. Their job is to isolate noise and vibration while keeping the rack securely located, so the wheel inputs translate cleanly to the tyres. Over time the original rubber can soften, crack or compress, letting the rack shift slightly under load. That’s when the steering starts to feel a bit vague or wander on the motorway, and a thud may be felt over bumps or during hard turns.

As part of servicing a 1999 Forester, it’s smart to inspect the steering rack bushes every 40,000–60,000 km, or sooner if there’s play at the steering wheel, clunks, or uneven tyre wear. Look for perished rubber, oil swelling from power-steering leaks, off-centre rack location, or shiny witness marks on the rack brackets. If the rack moves when someone saws the wheel side‑to‑side with the engine off, the bushes are likely tired.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, remove the bracket bolts, swap the bushes one side at a time, and torque the hardware to the Subaru spec in the ST section of the service manual. Polyurethane bushes can sharpen steering feel and resist deformation better than aged rubber, while OE-style rubber retains maximum isolation. After any bush change, a wheel alignment is recommended to ensure on-centre feel and correct toe.

While in there, it’s worth checking related items that influence steering precision on the SF Forester—front lower control arm rear (caster) bushes, sway bar D-bushes and links, inner/outer tie rods, and front crossmember fasteners. Also fix any power-steering fluid leaks first, oil can prematurely degrade rubber bushes. Kept in good nick, fresh steering bushes restore that tight, confident feel many owners remember from new.

• Typical symptoms of worn bushes: vague steering, rack “shift” clunk, tramlining, and uneven front tyre wear.
• Service tip: replace in pairs and recheck torque after initial kilometres, especially with new poly bushes.

Popular questions about 1999 Subaru Forester steering bushes

How can someone tell if their Forester’s steering rack bushes are worn?
They’ll often notice extra play at the wheel, a dull knock over potholes, or the car wandering with road camber. With the engine off, have a helper turn the wheel quickly left–right while watching the rack, visible rack movement against the subframe or cracked, oil‑soaked rubber are giveaways.

Do steering bushes need an alignment afterwards?
Yes, it’s best practice. Even if the rack position looks unchanged, small shifts can alter toe. A post-replacement alignment ensures straight-ahead tracking and even tyre wear.

Rubber or polyurethane for replacements?
OE-style rubber keeps things quiet and comfy, ideal for daily use. Polyurethane sharpens response and lasts longer under hard use, great for spirited driving or light mods. Both are commonly listed for the 1999 Forester in reputable aftermarket catalogues.