Parts for your 2008 Subaru Impreza-Steering bushes

2008 Subaru Impreza steering-bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, steering-bushes are relevant on the 2008 Subaru Impreza. The factory setup uses rubber bushes to mount the rack-and-pinion to the front crossmember, controlling movement and isolating vibration. This is detailed in Subaru’s 2008 Impreza Service Manual (Steering, ST section), and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue lists steering gear mounting bushes for this model. Leading aftermarket catalogues for the GE/GH chassis also offer replacement rack bush kits, confirming fitment across the range.

On the road, those bushes keep the steering rack located under load, so the wheel points where it should when cornering, braking, or hitting bumps. When the bushes soften or crack with age, the rack can shift a touch, which feels like play on-centre, vague turn-in, a small clunk over rough stuff, or even a shimmy that new tyres and balancing don’t fix. Fresh bushes tighten everything back up for a more direct, confident feel.

As part of regular servicing on a 2008 Impreza, it’s smart to have the steering-bushes inspected every 40,000–60,000 km or whenever there’s steering play or noise. Any sign of perishing, oil soak, or deformation is a nudge to replace. A workshop can handle it in an afternoon, it’s usually a straightforward job on stands: support the rack, remove the bracketry, swap the bushes (mind the orientation), then refit and torque to the Subaru specification from the Service Manual. Because the rack location can change slightly, a wheel alignment afterwards is good practice.

Owners can choose between OEM-style rubber for factory comfort or polyurethane for a firmer, more connected feel. Poly bushes can sharpen response, handy if the Impreza does weekend runs or carries a bit more camber. For daily commuting on rougher roads, fresh rubber is often the nicest compromise for noise and vibration.

• Typical symptoms of worn bushes: vague steering, clunks over potholes, rack shift when someone rocks the wheel, uneven or accelerated front tyre wear.
• Good times to replace: alongside front control arm bushes, new tyres, or after any front-end refresh.
• Best practice: use quality bushes, follow Subaru torque specs, and book an alignment.

Do all 2008 Subaru Imprezas use the same steering rack bushes?

Most GE/GH 2008 Impreza variants share the same rack mounting style, but trim and steering rack part numbers can vary between models (for example, WRX versus non-turbo). It’s best to match by VIN or rack code when ordering.

Reputable parts catalogues and the Subaru FAST listing will confirm the correct bush kit for the exact vehicle build.

How long do the steering-bushes last on a 2008 Impreza?

In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, factory rubber bushes often last 100,000–160,000 km, but leaks from power steering fluid, harsh roads, or bigger wheels can shorten that. Polyurethane options can resist deformation longer but may pass a bit more road feel into the cabin.

Regular inspection during services helps catch wear early, before it starts chewing out tyres or ball joints.

Will replacing the steering-bushes require a wheel alignment?

It’s strongly recommended. Even a few millimetres of change to rack position can nudge toe settings. A quick post-replacement alignment locks in straight-ahead feel and protects tyre life.

Ask the workshop to check the whole front-end while it’s up — tie rods, ball joints, and control arm bushes — so everything works together once it’s aligned.