Parts for your 2007 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

2007 Subaru Forester steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2007 Subaru Forester (SG series) uses steering bushes. Technical references back this up: the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SG Forester lists steering gearbox (rack) mounting bushes in the Steering (ST) section, and reputable aftermarket catalogues such as Whiteline (e.g., KSR-series rack bush kits for 2002–2008 Forester) and SuperPro (polyurethane rack mount bush kits for SG) specifically list compatible steering rack bushes for this model. So, they’re very much part of the car’s steering setup.

Steering bushes sit between the steering rack and the crossmember to locate the rack, absorb vibration and keep the rack square to the wheels. When they’re in good nick, the Forester feels precise on-centre, tracks straight, and doesn’t kick back over bumps. When they’re tired, the rack can shift slightly under load and the steering gets vague.

Common signs they’re due:

• Extra play on-centre or a “wander” at highway speeds
• Clunks or knocks through the wheel on rough roads or when parking
• Steering wheel shimmy when turning over bumps
• Visible rack movement when someone rocks the wheel with the engine off
• Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear (often with other worn bushes)

Inspection is quick and worth doing every 40,000–60,000 km or at major services, especially if the vehicle sees corrugations or city kerbs. Check for rubber cracking, ovalled holes, or oil-soaked bushes from power steering leaks—fluid contamination can soften rubber and hasten wear.

Replacement options include OEM-style rubber (great NVH control and OE feel) or polyurethane (sharper response and durability, with a touch more road feel). Many owners pick polyurethane for better steering accuracy on ageing SGs. If fitting poly, use the supplied silicone grease and don’t over-tighten brackets—torque to the FSM spec.

Typical replacement involves supporting the rack, removing the mounting brackets, swapping the bushes, re-centring the rack, and tightening to specification. It’s a straightforward job for a competent home mechanic with axle stands and a decent spanner set, but a wheel alignment afterwards is smart to make sure everything points true.

If the steering still feels off after new rack bushes, also inspect front control arm rear bushes, tie rod ends and sway bar bushes—on Foresters, these often age together and can mimic similar symptoms.

Popular questions

How long do steering rack bushes last on a 2007 Forester?
Service life varies with road conditions and fluid leaks, but many SG Foresters need them anywhere from 120,000 to 200,000 km. Frequent gravel or corrugated roads, heavy loads and oil contamination will shorten that window. A quick check at each major service keeps surprises away.

If there’s noticeable steering play or a clunk when nudging the wheel at standstill, it’s time to inspect the bushes properly before they take out your tyres or other steering components.

Will polyurethane steering bushes make the steering too harsh?
On an SG Forester, quality polyurethane rack bushes usually add a little more road feel without turning it harsh. Most owners report crisper on-centre feel and better stability in crosswinds. If maximum comfort is the priority, fresh OEM rubber is a safe bet.

The rest of the front-end condition matters too—worn control arm bushes or noisy tyres can mask or exaggerate changes in NVH.

Can worn steering bushes fail a WOF or roadworthy?
They can, if there’s obvious rack movement, excessive play, or deterioration that affects steering security. Inspectors look for mounting integrity and free play at the wheel, so perished or oil-soaked bushes may attract a fail.

Sorting the bushes and confirming torque to factory spec typically restores steering tightness and keeps the Forester compliant for inspection.