Parts for your 2005 Ford Falcon-Steering bushes

2005 Ford Falcon steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Steering bushes are absolutely used on a 2005 Ford Falcon (BA MkII and early BF). The factory rack-and-pinion is mounted to the front crossmember via elastomer bushes, and there’s also a small isolating bush in the lower steering shaft coupling. Ford’s BA/BF workshop literature (Steering – Rack and Pinion) shows the rack retained by rubber isolators, and well-known aftermarket catalogues for BA/BF list direct-replacement rack-mount bush kits. Those technical sources confirm they’re a genuine service item on this model.

On the 2005 Falcon, the steering rack bushes keep the rack firmly located while filtering out vibration and road harshness. They’re a quiet achiever: when healthy, they deliver crisp turn-in and straight-line stability, when worn, the rack can shift on the crossmember, which dulls steering feel and can cause an annoying knock over bumps.

Typical giveaway signs include:

• Clunks or thuds through the floor or column on sharp bumps
• Vague on-centre feel or wandering at highway speeds
• Steering wheel shimmy on rough surfaces
• Uneven front tyre wear after other causes are ruled out

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack bushes every 10,000–15,000 km or annually. Look for perishing, cracking, ovalised holes, or bushes soaked in power-steering fluid (oil swells rubber and speeds failure). A quick test: with the front lifted safely and wheels chocked, have a helper gently rock the steering wheel while watching the rack housing, any visible shift against the K-frame suggests the bushes are tired.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent technician. Support the rack, remove the mounts, press in new bushes, then torque the hardware to spec. Many owners choose polyurethane bushes for sharper response and better longevity, OE-style rubber prioritises comfort and isolation. Either way, inspect tie-rod ends and lower control arm bushes at the same time, and book a wheel alignment afterwards to dial everything back in. If there’s fluid contamination, fix any power-steering leaks before fitting new bushes so they don’t degrade prematurely.

Bottom line: fresh steering bushes make a BA/BF Falcon feel tight and confident again, and they’re a relatively low-cost way to restore proper steering feel and protect your tyres.

Popular questions about 2005 Ford Falcon steering bushes

What are the most common symptoms of worn steering rack bushes on a 2005 Falcon?

Owners usually notice a dull clunk over potholes or driveway lips, a slightly floaty or wandering feel at 80–110 km/h, and sometimes a shimmy through the wheel on coarse chip roads. If the bushes are badly perished, you may even see the rack move when someone turns the wheel at a standstill.

Should I choose rubber or polyurethane bushes for my BA/BF?

Rubber keeps the factory comfort and isolates more vibration, which is ideal for daily drivers. Polyurethane tightens up the steering, lasts longer, and resists oil better, but it can transmit a touch more road feel. For most Falcons, poly front rack bushes are a great fit-and-forget upgrade, stick with rubber if maximum refinement is the goal.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the steering rack bushes?

Yes, it’s recommended. Even if you don’t touch the tie-rods, disturbing the rack and mounts can nudge toe settings. A post-repair alignment ensures straight tracking, even tyre wear, and the best steering feel.