Parts for your 2003 Honda Fit-Steering bushes

2003 Honda Fit (Jazz) Steering Bushes — What They Do and When to Replace

Technical sources confirm the 2003 Honda Fit/Jazz (GD1/GD3) is fitted with steering bushes. The Honda Jazz/Fit 2002–2008 Service Manual (Steering: Rack and Pinion, EPS — exploded view and installation) identifies “steering gearbox mounting cushions” that isolate and secure the rack to the front subframe. The Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue for GD1/GD3 likewise lists “Cushion, Steering Gearbox Mounting” and “Stopper Set, Steering Gearbox,” indicating serviceable rubber bushes at the rack mounts, along with a support bush within the steering column assembly.

On the 2003 Fit, the steering bushes sit where the rack bolts to the subframe. Their job is simple but critical: keep the rack centred and solid under load while soaking up vibration and road harshness. Good bushes mean tidy on-centre feel, quieter cabin vibes and less kickback through the wheel. When they age, compress or crack, the rack can shift slightly under cornering and over bumps, which shows up as vague steering, clunks and annoying wander on the motorway.

Typical signs they’re due include:

• A dull knock over potholes or speed humps
• Steering that feels loose or slow to self-centre
• Uneven tyre wear or a tendency to tramline
• Visible perishing, cracks or oil-soaked rubber at the rack mounts

Inspection is best done with the car safely raised. A tech will check for side-to-side rack movement while an assistant turns the wheel, and assess bush condition and the torque of the rack mounting bolts. Because the GD uses electric power steering, there’s no hydraulic fluid to leak onto the bushes, but engine oil or road grime can still degrade the rubber over time.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work: support the subframe as needed, remove the rack bolts, swap the mounting cushions and stoppers, then torque everything to the factory spec from the Honda manual. It’s smart to replace bushes as a matched set. Many owners stay with genuine-style rubber for OE feel, while others choose quality polyurethane for a slightly firmer, more direct response. After any rack movement, a wheel alignment check is recommended to keep toe bang-on and protect your tyres.

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand conditions, a quick look at the steering bushes every 40,000–60,000 km (or at each WOF/reg check) pays off. While you’re there, have the tie-rod ends and lower control arm bushes looked at too, as they can mimic similar symptoms.

Popular questions about 2003 Honda Fit steering bushes

Do all 2003 Honda Fits have steering rack bushes?
Yes. The GD-series Fit/Jazz uses an electric power steering rack mounted to the subframe with rubber mounting cushions (bushes). These parts control rack movement and isolate vibration, so they’re very much part of the steering system on this model.

How can someone tell if their steering bushes are worn?
Listen and feel for a dull clunk over bumps, vague steering or a slight delay when turning off centre. Under the car, cracked or squashed bushes are a giveaway. A technician can also rock the rack while the wheel is turned to spot excess movement at the mounts.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing steering bushes?
It’s a good idea. If the rack has been loosened or shifted, even slightly, toe settings can change. A quick alignment keeps the Fit tracking straight and helps prevent premature tyre wear.