Parts for your 2000 Ford Falcon-Steering bushes

2000 Ford Falcon steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Steering bushes are absolutely relevant to the 2000 Ford Falcon (AU Series). The Ford AU Falcon Workshop Manual (1998–2002, Steering System, Section 211‑00) describes a rack‑and‑pinion unit mounted to the front crossmember using replaceable rubber bushes. Ford’s Microcat parts catalogue for AU also lists steering rack mounting bushes, and major aftermarket catalogues from brands like Nolathane and SuperPro carry specific AU Falcon rack bush kits. So yes — this Falcon runs steering bushes, and they’re a normal wear item.

On a 2000 Falcon, the steering rack bushes sit between the rack housing and the K‑frame (front crossmember). Their job is to locate the rack solidly while soaking up vibration and road shock. Good bushes help the car track straight, keep steering feel consistent, and cut down on NVH. When the rubber ages, softens from power‑steering fluid, or splits from hard knocks, the rack can shuffle around under load. That’s when the steering starts to feel vague, clunks appear over bumps, and tyre wear can creep in.

Typical signs the AU’s steering bushes are due:

• Clunk or knock from the front when turning or hitting potholes
• Steering that feels loose on centre, or wanders on the motorway
• Visible rack movement if someone rocks the wheel while watching the rack
• Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear

Service advice is pretty straightforward. Inspect the rack mounts during every front‑end check — look for cracking, oil‑soaked rubber, or any free play. If the power steering has leaked in the past, assume the bushes will be softened and plan a replacement. Use quality OEM‑style rubber for factory ride, or polyurethane for a bit more steering precision and durability (expect slightly more road feel with poly).

Replacement is a tidy driveway job for a competent home mechanic: support the car securely, mark rack position, loosen the rack mounting bolts, swap the bushes, then torque everything to the Ford spec from the workshop manual. Avoid prying on the rack input shaft, and don’t pinch power‑steering lines. Because rack position can shift a whisker, a wheel alignment after bush replacement is recommended. It’s also a great time to check tie‑rod ends, lower control arm and caster rod bushes, and make sure there are no active fluid leaks that could attack new rubber. Done right, fresh bushes bring back that tight, confident Falcon steering feel.

Popular questions about 2000 Ford Falcon steering bushes

Do all 2000 AU Falcons use steering rack bushes?
Yes. Across sedan, wagon and ute in the AU Series, the rack‑and‑pinion is mounted to the front crossmember with replaceable bushes. Variations exist in bush material and bracket style across trims, but they all use bushes.

Rubber or polyurethane — which is better for an AU daily driver?
Rubber keeps the OE ride and isolation. Polyurethane sharpens steering and lasts longer, especially if the car sees rough roads or spirited driving. For a comfy daily, rubber is fine, for crisper feel and durability, poly is a good pick.

Will replacing the steering bushes require a wheel alignment?
It’s strongly recommended. Even a slight change in rack position can nudge toe settings. An alignment ensures straight tracking and even tyre wear after the job.