Parts for your 2007 Ford Ranger-Steering bushes

2007 Ford Ranger steering bushes — are they even a thing?

For the 2007 Ford Ranger sold in Australia and New Zealand (PJ series), “steering bushes” aren’t a service item because this model doesn’t use a rack-and-pinion with rack mounting bushes. Instead, it runs a power-assisted recirculating-ball steering box with a pitman arm, centre/drag link, idler arm and tie-rod ends. That layout means there are no separate steering rack mounting bushes to replace.

Technical references back this up: Ford’s workshop literature and parts catalogues for the PJ/PK Ranger (2006–2011) describe a recirculating-ball steering gear and list service parts such as the pitman arm, idler arm assembly and tie-rod ends, but do not show any rack mounting bush kits. The platform-mate Mazda BT-50 (J97M) workshop material shows the same steering architecture. Aftermarket catalogues in ANZ also commonly list idler arm assemblies and tie-rod ends for this model, not steering rack bush kits.

Why no steering bushes? With a steering gearbox layout, the gear housing bolts solidly to the chassis and uses bearings and seals internally rather than external rubber bushes to locate a rack. Compliance and wear points are in the linkage ball joints and the idler arm pivot, not in rack bushes. The only “bush” you might hear mentioned is the idler arm’s internal bush or the lower steering column support bush, these are different parts and not the same as rack mounting bushes.

If the Ranger’s steering feels vague, pulls, or clunks, the likely culprits are elsewhere. Smart servicing on a PJ 2007 Ranger should focus on:

• Checking tie-rod ends for play and split boots, replace in pairs if wear is found.
• Inspecting the idler arm and pitman arm for free play, many shops replace the complete idler arm assembly when slack develops.
• Assessing the steering box for leaks and excessive free play, adjust sector lash only per workshop procedure, or recondition/replace if needed.
• Examining the intermediate shaft couplings/unis and the lower column support bush for stiffness or looseness.
• Booking a wheel alignment after any steering-link work and confirming tyre pressures and condition.
• Looking at front suspension bushes and sway-bar bushes, which can also mimic steering looseness.

Bottom line: a “steering rack bush kit” isn’t applicable to the 2007 PJ Ranger. Target the linkage ends, idler/pitman, and the steering box for a proper fix and a tidy on-road feel.

FAQs

Does a 2007 Ford Ranger have steering rack bushes?
No. The PJ-series Ranger in Australia/NZ uses a recirculating-ball steering box with a pitman and idler arm, not a rack-and-pinion. As a result, there are no rack mounting bushes to replace on this model.

What should be replaced to fix vague steering on a 2007 Ranger?
Start with the tie-rod ends, idler arm assembly and pitman arm if there’s measurable play. Check the steering box for leaks and excessive free play, and inspect the intermediate shaft joints and the lower column bush. Finish with a wheel alignment and confirm tyres and front suspension bushes are in good nick.

Can polyurethane steering bushes be fitted to a 2007 Ranger?
Not for rack mounting, because there’s no steering rack. Some aftermarket options may exist for the idler arm or column support bush, but most workshops simply replace the idler arm assembly when it wears. Rack bush kits are more relevant to later Rangers that use rack-and-pinion steering.