Parts for your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer-Steering bushes

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer steering bushes

Yes, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ series) is fitted with steering bushes. The factory service documentation for the CJ platform refers to “steering gear mounting cushions/bushings” that locate the rack-and-pinion assembly on the front crossmember, and outlines inspection and replacement steps in the steering section (Mitsubishi Lancer CJ Service Manual, Group 37A – Steering). Aftermarket technical catalogues also list direct-fit rack-mount bush kits for the CJ Lancer (e.g., performance polyurethane kits from Australian suppliers such as Whiteline and SuperPro), confirming the presence and serviceability of these bushes.

On this Lancer, the steering bushes isolate vibration while keeping the steering rack rigidly located, so the driver’s inputs translate cleanly to the road. When they wear, the rack can shift slightly under load, which dulls steering response and can add a clunk over bumps. Fresh bushes tighten up on-centre feel, reduce kickback, and help tyres wear more evenly — handy for long Kiwi and Aussie highway runs and the odd back-road blast.

Typical signs the Lancer’s steering bushes are due:

• Vague or wandering steering, especially at 80–100 km/h
• Clunking or knocking through the column on sharp bumps or when parking
• Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear despite correct pressures
• Visible cracks, squish or oil-soaked rubber at the rack mounts

As part of regular servicing (or any time the front end is apart), it’s smart to inspect the rack mounts for cracking, hardening or deformation, particularly if the car sees hot summers, rough roads, or fluid leaks. Replacement is straightforward workshop work: safely support the front, disconnect the battery (EPS cars), support the rack, remove the rack-mount bolts and old bushes, press in the new ones, and torque the hardware to the factory spec from the CJ manual. Finish with a wheel alignment. On EPS-equipped models, follow the manual’s steer‑angle or EPS calibration if required.

Owners can choose OEM-style rubber (quiet and comfy) or quality polyurethane (sharper response with a touch more NVH). Either way, sticking with reputable brands pays off on durability. If other front-end parts are worn — control arm bushes, ball joints, inner/outer tie-rods — sort them at the same time to save on labour and to get the alignment bang-on.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ) Service Manual, Group 37A – Steering (steering gear mounting cushions, inspection and replacement procedures), aftermarket technical catalogues listing CJ Lancer steering rack mount bush kits (polyurethane and OE-equivalent).

Popular questions

Does a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The CJ Lancer uses bushings to mount the steering rack to the front crossmember. They act as cushions to control vibration and keep the rack firmly located. Both the factory CJ steering manual and aftermarket bush kit catalogues confirm their fitment and serviceability.

What symptoms point to worn steering rack bushes on a CJ Lancer?
Common clues are a vague or twitchy on‑centre feel, clunks over potholes or when turning at low speed, and steering that seems to wander on the motorway. Visual checks often show cracked or compressed rubber at the rack mounts, and you might notice front tyres wearing unevenly even with correct pressures and alignment.

Should they be replaced with rubber or polyurethane?
For a daily driver prioritising comfort, fresh OE-style rubber is hard to beat. If sharper steering feedback is wanted — and a slight increase in road feel is acceptable — quality polyurethane bushes are popular in Australia and New Zealand for their durability and precision. Either way, a proper alignment afterwards is essential.