Parts for your 2005 Subaru Outback-Steering bushes

2005 Subaru Outback Steering Bushes

Based on the 2005 Subaru Legacy/Outback (BP/BL) Factory Service Manual – Steering section – and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, the 2005 Outback uses rubber steering rack mounting bushes that secure the rack-and-pinion to the front crossmember. Aftermarket catalogues from well-known suspension brands also list direct-fit rack mount bush kits for this model. So yes, steering bushes are fitted and very relevant on a 2005 Subaru Outback.

On this Outback, the steering bushes sit between the power steering rack and the subframe. Their job is to hold the rack precisely in place while soaking up vibration and road shock, keeping the steering feel tidy and reducing noise and harshness in the cabin. When they’re in good nick, the wheel feels planted on-centre, turn-in is predictable, and there’s less kickback on corrugations.

With age, heat, and exposure to leaked power steering fluid, the rubber can soften, crack, or deform. Once that happens, the rack can shift slightly under load, which shows up as vague steering, an occasional clunk over bumps, or a wandering sensation at highway speeds. It can also feel like the car needs constant little corrections to stay straight. If the rack is visibly moving while someone turns the wheel with the car on the ground, the bushes are likely tired.

These bushes aren’t a scheduled service item in Subaru’s maintenance program, but they’re absolutely worth inspecting at regular services. A tech will usually check for splits, oil-soaked rubber, and any free play at the rack mounts. If there’s a power steering leak, fix that first, fluid will prematurely age fresh rubber bushes.

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: support the rack, undo the mounting brackets, swap the bushes, and re-torque the fasteners. Plenty of owners opt for genuine-style rubber for factory comfort, while others choose polyurethane for sharper steering response and better longevity under hard use. If going poly, use the supplied grease and expect a touch more road feel. After any rack bushing work, a wheel alignment is recommended, as the rack’s position can shift a smidge and nudge toe out of spec.

• Common signs they’re due: clunk over bumps, vague on-centre feel, rack movement when you steer, and oil-swollen rubber.
• Good practice: inspect every service, fix steering fluid leaks, and align the wheels after replacement.

Popular questions about 2005 Subaru Outback steering bushes

Do 2005 Subaru Outbacks actually have steering bushes?
They do. The model uses rubber rack-and-pinion mounting bushes that locate the steering rack on the front crossmember. This is detailed in the 2005 Legacy/Outback (BP/BL) Factory Service Manual’s Steering section and reflected in the Subaru parts catalogue. Many aftermarket suppliers also sell direct-fit rack mount bush kits for this generation.

How long do the steering rack bushes last?
There’s no fixed interval, but many last well over 150,000 km. Heat, age, rough roads, and power steering fluid leaks speed up wear. If the wheel feels loose on-centre, there’s a clunk over potholes, or you can see the rack budge as someone turns the wheel, it’s time to inspect or replace them.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the bushes?
It’s a smart move. Even a small change in how the rack sits can tweak toe, and that’s enough to cause uneven tyre wear or a pull. An alignment after bushing replacement keeps the steering straight and the tyres happy.