Parts for your 2010 Subaru Legacy-Steering bushes

2010 Subaru Legacy steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2010 Legacy/Outback BM/BR (Steering section, Rack and Pinion) and the Subaru electronic parts catalogue for the BM/BR steering gear mounting, this model uses rack-and-pinion steering secured to the front crossmember with rubber mounting bushes. So yes—steering bushes are relevant on a 2010 Subaru Legacy (Liberty in AU). Whether the car runs electric or hydraulic assist, the rack still relies on bushes to isolate vibration and keep the rack positively located.

Those bushes act like small, tough cushions between the steering rack and the subframe. They cut noise and harshness, but more importantly they control the rack’s position under load. When they age, soften or crack, the rack can nudge around on bumps or during sharp inputs—translating to vague steering, a knock over corrugations, or a slight delay on turn-in. Left too long, they can also contribute to uneven tyre wear because the steering geometry isn’t being held rock-steady.

For owners keeping a 2010 Legacy humming along, steering bushes are worth a look at regular services—especially if the car has clocked up a few hundred thousand kilometres, tows, or sees rough roads. Subaru’s workshop guidance has inspection steps around rack mounting condition and free play, it’s sensible to build that into a periodic check.

• Common signs they’re tired: a clunk through the column on sharp bumps, wandering on the motorway, shimmy under braking, or a rubbery on-centre feel.
• Good practice: inspect for perishing, splits, oil contamination (power steering fluid or engine oil can swell rubber), and any visible rack movement while an assistant turns the wheel.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: the rack is supported, mounting hardware removed, old bushes swapped for new, then everything is tightened to spec. On some cars the front crossmember is loosened for access. An alignment is recommended afterwards because even small changes at the rack can nudge toe settings. Many owners stick with quality rubber for OE feel, polyurethane options exist for a firmer, more direct response at the expense of a touch more vibration.

If the Legacy’s steering feel has gone a bit woolly, fresh bushes can make it feel tidy again without a big spend—one of those small fixes that restores the car’s trademark Subaru confidence.

Popular questions about 2010 Subaru Legacy steering bushes

Do all 2010 Subaru Legacys have steering rack bushes?
Yes. Per the Subaru service manual and parts catalogue for the BM/BR chassis, the rack mounts to the subframe via bushes. Assist type (electric or hydraulic) doesn’t delete them—the bushes still locate and isolate the rack.

How can someone tell if the steering bushes are worn?
Listen and feel for a knock over sharp bumps, a vague or delayed response when turning, or slight wandering at highway speeds. A technician can watch the rack while the wheel is rocked—any visible rack shift against the mounts usually points to tired bushes.

Should they be replaced as a set and is an alignment needed?
Best practice is to replace all rack-mount bushes together to keep the rack evenly supported. After replacement, a wheel alignment is recommended to ensure toe is spot-on and the steering wheel sits straight.