Parts for your 2006 Subaru Outback-Steering bushes

2006 Subaru Outback steering bushes

Yes, the 2006 Subaru Outback uses steering bushes. The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2005–2009 Outback/Legacy (BP/BL platform) shows a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber rack-mount bushes and brackets. Aftermarket catalogues from well-known suspension brands used in Australia and New Zealand (such as Whiteline and SuperPro) also list steering rack mount bush kits specifically for the 2003–2009 Liberty/Outback, confirming fitment. These sources make it clear that steering bushes are relevant to this model.

On this Outback, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the subframe. Their job is to locate the rack solidly while soaking up vibration and harshness coming up from rough roads. When these rubber bushes wear or soften with age, the rack can shift under load. That shows up as vague steering on-centre, a clunk over bumps or when rocking the wheel, tramlining on corrugations, and sometimes a subtle kickback through the wheel.

Owners who want a sharper feel often choose polyurethane bushes. Poly tightens up the rack location and improves response, though it can pass a bit more road feel and noise into the cabin. Sticking with fresh OEM-style rubber preserves the factory comfort balance. Either way, quality matters.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth inspecting the steering bushes every 40–60,000 km, sooner if the car sees gravel, towing, or heavy city kerbing. Look for cracks, oil swelling (leaking power steering fluid can degrade rubber), or visible rack movement while a helper nudges the steering wheel side to side.

• Typical replacement is straightforward: safely support the vehicle, support the rack, remove the rack mount brackets, swap the bushes (note orientation), then reinstall and torque the hardware to factory spec.
• If fitting polyurethane, use the supplied grease on contact faces to prevent squeaks and bind.
• A wheel alignment check is recommended after any steering work, even though the rack position isn’t adjusted.

Signs it’s time? The Outback starts to wander on the motorway, there’s a dull knock when turning into driveways, or the steering feels a bit lazy compared with how it used to. Fresh bushes can restore that confident, tidy Subaru steering feel.

How can someone tell if the steering bushes are worn on a 2006 Outback?

Common giveaways include a clunk when quickly rocking the steering wheel at standstill, vague on-centre feel, or the rack visibly shifting on its mounts while a helper turns the wheel side to side. Excessive toe change over bumps and a tendency to tramline on corrugations also point to tired bushes.

If power steering fluid has leaked onto the rack mounts, the rubber may be swollen or softened. In that case, replace the bushes and fix the leak at the same time.

Should they choose polyurethane or rubber steering bushes?

Rubber keeps the Outback close to factory comfort and isolates vibration well. Polyurethane tightens steering response and lasts longer, which many owners prefer for touring or spirited driving. Expect a touch more road feel with poly, especially on coarse-chip rural roads.

For a daily-driven family wagon, fresh OEM-style rubber is a safe bet. For crisper steering and durability, quality poly is hard to beat.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing the steering bushes?

The job doesn’t alter tie-rod length, so alignment settings may not move by much. Still, it’s smart to get a quick alignment check. Worn bushes can mask small alignment issues, once the rack is held firmly again, any pre-existing toe or camber variation might become noticeable.

Checking alignment ensures even tyre wear and that straight-ahead feel the Outback is known for.