Parts for your 2006 Ford Mondeo-Steering bushes

2006 Ford Mondeo steering-bushes — what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Ford workshop literature (Ford TIS for 2000–2007 Mondeo, Steering – Rack and Pinion) and common service guides such as the Haynes manual for the Mk3 Mondeo, the 2006 Ford Mondeo uses rubber steering-bushes to mount the steering rack to the front subframe. These bushes are very much relevant on this model and are a normal wear item.

On a 2006 Mondeo, the steering-bushes cushion the rack-and-pinion from the body, keeping noise and vibration down while holding the rack accurately in place. When they’re fresh, the car tracks straight, the wheel feels tidy on-centre, and bumps don’t send shudders through the cabin. As the rubber ages, heat, oil mist and road grime can harden or crack the bushes, allowing the rack to shift more than it should.

Tell-tales of tired steering-bushes include:

• Clunks or knocks felt through the wheel over sharp bumps.
• Vague or wandering steering, especially on the motorway.
• Uneven tyre wear or a steering wheel that doesn’t return to centre cleanly.
• Visible rack movement when an assistant rocks the wheel with the car on a hoist.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but most Mondeos benefit from inspection every service once they’re past 120,000–150,000 km. If there’s noticeable movement, replace them as a set. Standard rubber bushes preserve factory comfort, quality polyurethane options sharpen steering feel and last longer, but may add a touch more road feel.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work: support the rack, remove the mounting bolts, press out the old bushes and press in the new ones, then torque everything to spec. On some cars the front subframe is loosened slightly for access. It’s smart to combine this job with checks of inner/outer tie rods and lower control arm bushes. Always book a wheel alignment afterwards, as even small changes in rack position can nudge toe settings.

Tips for keeping them happy:

• Fix power steering leaks promptly—fluid can swell and soften rubber.
• Avoid levering directly on the rack housing during other repairs.
• Recheck fasteners after a few hundred kilometres if polyurethane bushes were fitted.

Technical references: Ford TIS Workshop Manual (Mondeo 2000–2007, Steering – Rack and Pinion, Mounting/Insulators), Haynes Ford Mondeo 2000–2007 (Petrol & Diesel) manual, and OEM electronic parts catalogues that list rack mounting insulators/bushes for this model.

Popular questions about 2006 Ford Mondeo steering-bushes

Do all 2006 Mondeos have steering-bushes?

Yes. All mainstream 2006 Mondeo variants (rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power steering) use rubber bushes to mount the steering rack to the subframe. That isolation is a key part of the car’s NVH tuning and steering precision.

Will worn steering-bushes fail a WOF/RWC?

They can. Excessive rack movement, clunks, or poor steering return can be flagged during a WOF (NZ) or roadworthy inspection (AU). If there’s measurable play at the rack mounts or the vehicle doesn’t steer consistently, replacing the bushes is usually required.

Rubber or polyurethane—what’s better for a daily-driven Mondeo?

For most daily drivers, fresh OEM-style rubber keeps the factory ride and quietness. Polyurethane adds durability and tighter steering feel, which keen drivers appreciate, but it may transmit a little more road texture. Either way, a post-fitment alignment is essential.