Parts for your 2007 Mazda Premacy-Steering bushes

2007 Mazda Premacy steering bushes — what they do and when to replace

Technical sources confirm the 2007 Mazda Premacy (CR series, also known as Mazda 5) uses steering bushes. The Mazda Global Service Information (Workshop Manual for CR Premacy, Steering/Power Steering section) specifies a hydraulic rack-and-pinion unit mounted to the front subframe via rubber insulator bushes, and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue lists mounting bush components for the steering gear. So steering-bushes are relevant and fitted on this vehicle.

On a 2007 Mazda Premacy, the steering-bushes sit between the steering rack and the front subframe. Their job is to hold the rack firmly in place while soaking up vibration and road harshness. Done right, they keep the rack aligned so the wheel points true, reduce kickback through the steering wheel, and help keep the cabin nice and quiet. Because they’re rubber (or polyurethane if upgraded), they cop years of heat, oil mist, and the odd pothole hit, so they do eventually harden, crack, or squash out.

When these bushes start to tire, the driver might notice a few tells: a light clunk over sharp bumps, slightly vague on‑centre feel, or the car wandering a touch on the motorway. If a power steering fluid leak has been present, rubber bushes can degrade faster. It’s worth getting them checked during routine servicing, especially from about 100,000 km onward or if the steering feel just isn’t as tight as it used to be.

Replacement is a straightforward workshop job. A tech will support the rack, loosen the mounting hardware, and swap the bushes. On some cars the subframe may need to be lowered a fraction for access. If tie rods aren’t disturbed, a wheel alignment isn’t strictly mandatory, but it’s smart to have alignment checked afterwards to make sure the toe is spot on. Always torque the rack bolts with the vehicle at ride height to avoid preloading the new bushes.

Owners can choose OEM-style rubber for factory NVH comfort, or quality polyurethane for a firmer, more responsive feel (with a bit more road texture in the wheel). There’s nothing to lubricate, but it pays to fix any power steering fluid weeps promptly, as oil can shorten bush life. As part of regular servicing, ask for a quick visual: cracks, separation, or noticeable rack movement when the wheel is rocked side to side all point to replacement time.

• Typical signs of wear: clunks over bumps, vague steering, tramlining, uneven tyre wear.
• Service tip: inspect every 20,000–30,000 km, replace in pairs, recheck fastener torque after a few drives.

Popular questions

Does a 2007 Mazda Premacy have steering rack bushes?
Yes. The CR-series Premacy uses a hydraulic rack-and-pinion mounted to the subframe with rubber insulator bushes. They’re a normal wear item and can be replaced with OEM rubber or aftermarket polyurethane.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing steering-bushes?
If the tie rods aren’t touched, alignment usually won’t change much. Still, it’s good practice to check alignment after any steering or subframe work to make sure the toe and steering wheel centring are perfect.

How long do steering-bushes last on a Premacy?
Many last beyond 100,000 km, but rough roads, age, and power steering fluid exposure can shorten that. If there are clunks, vague feel, or rack movement on inspection, it’s time to replace them.