Parts for your 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer-Steering bushes

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Steering Bushes — Purpose, Care, and When to Replace

Yes, the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (CS/CT platform) uses steering bushes. The factory Mitsubishi Workshop Manual (Group 37: Steering) shows the rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber insulators (bushes). Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue also lists steering gear mounting insulators for this model, and well-known aftermarket catalogues from brands like SuperPro and Whiteline offer replacement steering rack mount bushes for 2001–2007 Lancer. That combination of factory documentation and parts listings confirms steering bushes are fitted and relevant on this vehicle.

On the Lancer, the steering bushes secure the steering rack to the subframe while isolating vibration. Their job is twofold: keep the rack exactly where it should be under load so the wheel alignment and steering feel stay consistent, and soak up noise and harshness so the cabin stays quiet and composed. When the bushes age, harden, or tear, the rack can shift slightly during cornering, braking, or over bumps, which can make the steering feel vague or knocky.

Typical symptoms of worn bushes include a dull clunk over rough roads, wandering or tramlining, a light knock felt through the column, and sometimes uneven tyre wear. During a service, it’s smart to visually check the rack mounts for cracks, perishing, or oil-soaked rubber. With the car safely supported, a light pry on the rack housing while watching the mounts can reveal excessive movement.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech and a realistic DIY for someone confident with jacking, stands, and hand tools. Expect to support the rack, remove its clamp brackets, swap the bushes, then re-fit and torque everything to the workshop manual specs. It’s important to tighten the fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading the new bushes. Because the rack location can shift slightly when the mounts are disturbed, a wheel alignment is recommended after replacement.

Choosing the right material comes down to use. Genuine-style rubber keeps the factory ride and NVH, ideal for daily commuting. Quality polyurethane offers a bit crisper steering response and durability, with a small increase in road feel. Either way, replacing tired bushes restores confidence in the Lancer’s steering and helps protect tyres and other suspension parts from accelerated wear.

• Inspect at regular services or every 20,000–30,000 km, sooner if driving on rough roads.
• Address fluid leaks that can attack rubber bushes.
• Always follow the Lancer workshop manual for safe support points and torque values.

Popular questions about 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer steering bushes

What are the signs my Lancer’s steering rack bushes are worn?
Owners often notice a muted clunk over bumps, a slight knock through the wheel, or on-centre vagueness. The car may wander more on the motorway and feel sensitive to road ruts. Under the bonnet, the bushes can look cracked, squashed, or oil-soaked.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the steering bushes?
Yes, it’s good practice. Even small changes in how the rack sits can alter toe. An alignment ensures the steering wheel sits straight and the tyres wear evenly after the new bushes bed in.

Rubber or polyurethane — which is better for a daily 2002 Lancer?
Rubber best matches the factory feel with the least NVH. Polyurethane sharpens response and usually lasts longer, which many drivers like. For mainly city and motorway use, rubber is fuss-free, for a more connected feel, go poly.