Parts for your 2002 Honda Fit-Steering bushes

2002 Honda Fit steering bushes — what’s fitted and how to look after them

Based on technical references — including the Honda Jazz/Fit (GD1/GD3) 2002–2008 Workshop Manual (steering section) and Honda’s electronic parts catalogue for GD-series — the 2002 Honda Fit runs an electric power steering rack-and-pinion that mounts to the front subframe with rubber isolator bushes. Honda treats these steering rack bushes as part of the complete rack assembly, so they’re generally not listed as separate OE service parts. That means steering bushes are present on this model, but replacement in OEM practice usually means replacing the whole rack if the bushes are flogged out.

On the 2002 Honda Fit, the steering bushes sit between the rack housing and the subframe, keeping the rack located while soaking up vibration. Their job is to keep the steering precise on turn-in and quiet over bumps, without sending every ripple through the wheel. When they age, harden, or crack, the rack can shift a touch under load, which shows up as a clunk on sharp bumps, a vague on-centre feel, or the car tram-tracking on coarse chip. Because this Fit uses electric power steering, there’s no hydraulic fluid to leak from the rack, but oil from the engine or gearbox can still soften the rubber over time.

Good servicing practice is simple: inspect the steering bushes at each service or WOF check. Look for splits, perishing, or shiny witness marks that suggest the rack has been moving. If there’s a knock while nudging the wheel at standstill or a thud over speed humps, get the rack mounts checked before chasing wheel bearings or strut tops. Tyre wear that’s a bit odd across the fronts can also hint at a shifting rack or excess compliance up front.

If replacement is needed, Honda’s official path on the GD Fit is a complete rack assembly, as the bushes aren’t normally supplied separately. Some specialists may offer aftermarket polyurethane solutions, but fitment needs care to keep the rack square on the subframe. After any rack or bushing work, a four-wheel alignment is a must — even a few millimetres of toe change can make the Fit feel nervous. Expect a slight uptick in steering feel with firmer aftermarket bushes, along with a touch more road texture through the wheel — some drivers love that, others prefer the factory isolation.

• Common signs they need attention: clunks over potholes, steering nibble, wandering at motorway speeds, or uneven front tyre wear.
• Service tips: keep an eye out for oil contamination, torque-check rack fasteners during routine servicing, and align the car after any steering work.

Do 2002 Honda Fits actually have steering bushes?

Yes. The GD-series Fit/Jazz uses rubber isolator bushes where the electric steering rack mounts to the subframe. In the Honda parts system they’re generally bundled with the rack, so dealerships will usually quote a complete rack when the bushes are worn.

Can the steering bushes be replaced without changing the whole rack?

Honda doesn’t typically supply the bushes on their own for this model, but some aftermarket and specialist options exist. If going that route, it’s important the new bushes centre the rack correctly and the car gets a proper alignment afterwards to keep it tracking straight.

How often should they be checked or replaced?

Have them inspected at every service or WOF — annually, or about every 10–15,000 kilometres if you’re doing a lot of city driving. Replace when there’s visible cracking, excessive compliance, or any knock when loading the steering. Driving on rough roads, age, heat, and oil contamination all speed up wear.