Parts for your 2008 Honda Elysion-Steering bushes

2008 Honda Elysion Steering Bushes — What They Do and When to Replace

Based on Honda’s technical documentation for the Elysion RR-series (2004–2012) and equivalent listings in the Honda electronic parts catalogue, the 2008 Honda Elysion runs a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the subframe with rubber isolator bushings (commonly called steering bushes). The lower steering column also uses a support bush. So yes — steering bushes are absolutely relevant and fitted on this model.

On the 2008 Elysion, the steering bushes’ main job is to cushion the steering rack from the subframe, keeping noise and vibration out of the cabin while holding the rack dead straight under load. Good bushes mean tight, confident steering feel, tired ones can let the rack shift, which shows up as a vague on-centre feel, clunks over bumps, or a shimmy under braking.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack bushes every 40,000–60,000 km or during any front-end work. Look for cracks, flattening, or oil saturation (power-steering fluid can soften rubber). If there’s play when levering the rack housing, or the subframe shows witness marks, it’s time to replace.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, remove the mounting brackets, swap the bushes, then torque everything to spec with the vehicle at normal ride height. On higher-kilometre Elysions, it’s practical to replace the bushes when the rack is out for inner tie-rod or boot work. After any bush replacement, a wheel alignment is recommended to keep tyres happy and on track for a clean WOF or rego inspection.

Material choice matters:

• OEM-style rubber: quietest, best NVH control, ideal for family-duty Elysions.
• Polyurethane: firmer steering feel and better rack location, can pass a touch more vibration into the cabin.

A few tips to keep it sweet:

• Fix any power-steering leaks early — fluid kills rubber bushes.
• Tighten mounts only at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bush.
• Pair new bushes with a check of inner/outer tie-rods and lower control arm bushes, worn partners can mask the real issue.

If the steering feels woolly, makes a thud over potholes, or the wheel needs constant correction, the Elysion’s steering bushes are a prime suspect. Quality replacements restore that tidy, direct Honda feel Aussies and Kiwis expect.

Popular questions

Do all 2008 Honda Elysions have steering rack bushes?
Yes. The RR-series Elysion uses a rack-and-pinion setup with rubber isolator bushes on the subframe, as shown in Honda service and parts literature. They’re standard across the range, regardless of trim or engine.

What symptoms point to worn steering bushes on an Elysion?
Common giveaways include a dull clunk over speed humps, light knocking through the steering wheel, vague on-centre feel, and uneven tyre wear. If the rack shifts when gently prised with a bar, the bushes are likely past their best. An alignment that won’t stay put is another clue.

Rubber or polyurethane — which bushes suit local roads best?
For most Australian and New Zealand drivers, fresh OEM-style rubber offers the best comfort and NVH. If sharper feedback is the priority and a bit more road feel is fine, quality polyurethane bushes can keep the rack better located, especially on rougher B-roads.