Parts for your 2010 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

2010 Subaru Forester steering bushes — what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 2010 Subaru Forester (SH) uses steering bushes. The steering rack is mounted to the front subframe using rubber “cushion” bushes that locate the rack and isolate noise and vibration. This isn’t guesswork: the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2009–2013 Forester (SH) shows the rack-and-pinion assembly secured with mounting bushes, and Subaru’s parts catalog lists them as steering gearbox/rack mounting cushions. Aftermarket fitment guides from well-known brands in Australia and New Zealand also catalogue replacement steering rack mount bushes for the 2008–2013 Forester range, confirming they’re a serviceable item on this model.

On this Forester, the steering bushes keep the rack correctly located so the wheel points where it’s told without delay or wobble. They soak up harshness from bumps and corrugations, reduce kickback through the wheel, and help preserve consistent toe under load. When they age, harden, or split, the rack can shift on the subframe, leading to vague on-centre feel and clunks over sharp bumps.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but they’re worth a look every major service (around 40–60,000 km), any time the undertray is off, or if there are steering complaints. A quick visual check from underneath will often show perished rubber or cracking. With the vehicle safely supported, a technician can gently lever the rack to see if it moves in its mounts—excess movement points to tired bushes.

Replacement is straightforward workshop fare. The rack is supported, the mounting bolts are removed, and the old bushes are swapped for new items—ideally one side at a time to keep alignment honest. The bolts are tightened to the spec in the Subaru service manual, and a wheel alignment is recommended afterwards. Genuine-style rubber maintains factory refinement. Polyurethane options can sharpen response and steering feel, though they may add a touch more NVH—handy for drivers who prefer a firmer, more connected front end.

• Common signs they’re due: clunking over potholes, a twitchy or wandering feel, kickback on rough roads, or uneven tyre wear that doesn’t resolve with alignment.
• Good servicing habits: inspect during front-end work, replace in pairs, torque to spec, and book an alignment.
• Budget guide (AU/NZ): parts typically $60–$180, labour about 1–2 hours, plus alignment.

Looked after properly, fresh steering bushes restore that tidy Subaru steering feel the SH Forester is known for, keeping it sure-footed on city streets and back-country roads alike.

Popular questions about 2010 Subaru Forester steering bushes

Do all 2010 Foresters have steering rack bushes?
They do. The SH-series Forester uses a rack-and-pinion with rubber mounting bushes shown in the Subaru service documentation and parts listings. Aftermarket fitment guides for this generation also catalogue direct-replacement rack mount bushes.

What symptoms point to worn steering bushes?
Owners often notice a dull clunk over sharp bumps, vague or wandering steering on the motorway, or kickback through the wheel on rough surfaces. Sometimes an alignment won’t “hold” because the rack is moving on tired bushes. A quick under-car inspection usually confirms cracking, deformation, or excessive movement.

Should I choose rubber or polyurethane replacements?
Rubber keeps factory comfort and quietness—great for daily use. Polyurethane sharpens steering response and longevity, favoured by drivers who want a firmer feel and don’t mind a bit more road texture through the wheel. Either way, proper installation and a post-job alignment matters most.