Parts for your 2009 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

2009 Subaru Forester steering bushes — what they are, why they matter, and when to replace them

Yes, steering bushes are used on the 2009 Subaru Forester (SH). The steering rack is mounted to the front subframe with rubber “cushion” bushes that isolate vibration and keep the rack located. This is documented in Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the SH-series Forester (Steering — Power Steering System — Rack and Pinion), which illustrates the rack mounting cushions and bracket hardware, and in official Subaru parts catalogue diagrams that list the steering gear mounting bush/cushion. Aftermarket catalogues for this model also offer replacement rack-mount bush kits, further confirming fitment.

On this Forester, the steering rack bushes help maintain precise alignment of the rack while filtering out harshness from Aussie and Kiwi roads. As they age, the rubber can compress, crack or go soft, letting the rack move slightly under load. That extra movement shows up as vague steering, a light knock over corrugations or driveways, and a tendency to tramline. Don’t mix them up with sway bar bushes — different job, different symptoms.

For servicing, it’s smart to check the rack bushes around the 100,000–150,000 km mark, or sooner if there’s play felt at the wheel. With the car safely raised, a tech will pry the rack gently while watching the mounts, and inspect for perished rubber or oil contamination (power steering fluid can attack rubber over time). If replacement’s needed, it’s a straightforward job: support the rack, remove the bracket bolts, swap in new bushes, refit brackets and torque to the factory spec shown in the Subaru SH service manual. An alignment check afterwards is good practice, especially if any front-end fasteners were loosened.

Owners can choose OEM-style rubber for factory feel and isolation, or quality polyurethane for a firmer, more connected steer. Poly can sharpen response and reduce rack movement, but may pass a touch more vibration into the cabin. Either way, fresh bushes help restore the Forester’s on-centre feel and confidence on open roads. If there’s still looseness after bush replacement, have the shop assess inner/outer tie rods, lower control arm bushes, and front wheel bearings.

• Common symptoms: clunk over bumps, steering wander, delayed response off-centre, uneven tyre wear.
• Good practice: inspect at regular services, keep leaks in check, and renew bushes in pairs.

FAQs

How do I tell if my 2009 Forester’s steering rack bushes are worn?
Look for a dull knock over small bumps, a “floaty” feel when changing lanes, or steering that doesn’t track straight on cambered roads. A technician can lever the rack at the mounts, visible rack movement relative to the subframe, cracked rubber, or oil-soaked bushes are clear signs it’s time to replace them.

Should I go for polyurethane or OEM rubber bushes?
Polyurethane tightens steering response and is popular if sharper feel is the goal. OEM rubber keeps the factory refinement and is kind to cabin NVH on coarse-chip highways. On mixed Aussie/NZ roads, many daily drivers stay rubber, keen drivers often choose poly for better rack location.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing steering rack bushes?
It’s recommended. While the tie rods aren’t adjusted during bush replacement, the rack support can settle slightly with fresh bushes. An alignment check ensures straight-ahead is true and tyre wear stays even.