Parts for your 2006 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

2006 Subaru Forester Steering Bushes

Steering bushes are definitely fitted to the 2006 Subaru Forester (SG). The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SG-generation (Steering section) shows the rack-and-pinion secured to the front crossmember with rubber mounting bushes. Subaru’s genuine parts catalogues list a “Bushing – Steering Gear” for this model, and well-known aftermarket suppliers publish application guides for steering rack mount bush kits specifically covering 2002–2008 Forester SG. So the part is relevant to this vehicle and forms a small but crucial link in its steering feel and stability.

What do they do? The steering rack bushes locate the rack solidly on the crossmember while isolating vibration and road harshness. When they’re in good nick, the rack stays centred under load, which keeps the steering precise, reduces kickback, and helps the tyres track straight. As rubber ages, heat, road grime, and power steering fluid can swell or crack the bushes. That allows the rack to shuffle slightly, which can feel like vagueness on-centre, a clunk over bumps, or a nibble under braking and cornering.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the rack bushes every 20,000–40,000 km, or sooner if the car lives on corrugations or sees rough tracks. Look for cracking, perishing, ovalised inner sleeves, or tell-tale oil contamination from a power steering leak. Nipping up the rack bolts to the service manual spec is worth doing if they’re loose, but if the rubber has gone soft, replacement is the fix.

• Common signs they’re due: steering that feels a bit floaty, a dull thud over potholes, the rack shifting when someone rocks the steering wheel, or uneven tyre wear that persists after an alignment.
• Replacement choices: OEM rubber keeps factory comfort, quality polyurethane tightens steering feel and resists oil and heat, with a slight increase in NVH for some cars.
• Workshop notes: replacing the bushes is usually a straightforward job with the rack supported and the mount bolts removed. An alignment is generally not required if the tie-rods aren’t disturbed, but it’s a good time to check toe and tyre wear anyway. Always follow the Subaru service manual for torque values and procedures.

If the steering feels loose or clunky in a 2006 Forester, fresh bushes are a simple, cost-effective way to bring back that planted, confident steering behaviour.

Does a 2006 Forester have steering rack bushes?

Yes. The SG Forester uses rubber bushes to mount the rack-and-pinion to the front crossmember. They locate the rack and soak up vibration so the steering stays precise without passing every bump into the cabin.

How often should they be replaced, and what does it cost?

There’s no fixed interval, but many last 100,000–200,000 km depending on roads, age, and fluid leaks. Inspect them at regular services. Typical parts cost ranges from modest OEM rubber through to polyurethane kits, and labour is commonly around 1–2 hours, depending on access and workshop rates.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing the bushes?

If only the rack mount bushes are changed and the tie-rods aren’t touched, an alignment usually isn’t necessary. That said, it’s sensible to check toe and tyre wear afterwards to make sure everything’s tracking sweet.