Parts for your 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander-Steering bushes

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander steering bushes

Based on Mitsubishi’s Outlander (CW series) Service Manual, Group 37 – Steering, the 2011 Outlander uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the subframe with rubber insulator bushings. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue also illustrates these insulators as serviceable components, and major AU/NZ aftermarket catalogues list steering rack mount bushes for the 2006–2012 Outlander. Taken together, these technical sources confirm that steering bushes are fitted and relevant on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander.

On this Outlander, the steering bushes (often called rack mount or rack-and-pinion insulator bushes) keep the steering rack securely located while soaking up vibration and road shock. When they’re in good nick, the wheel feels planted and the car tracks straight. As the rubber ages, hardens or tears, the rack can shift under load, which shows up as vague on-centre feel, a clunk over bumps, kickback through the wheel, or a steering wheel that doesn’t return as crisply from a turn.

Because these bushes live on the front subframe, they cop heat, water and the odd splash of oil or road grime. It’s smart to have them inspected at regular services—especially from around 80,000–120,000 km or if the vehicle sees corrugated roads or towing. A technician will look for cracking, deformation, excessive movement of the rack when the wheel is rocked side-to-side, and perished rubber. Any play here affects alignment stability and overall steering feel.

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: the rack is supported, old bushes are pressed or pried out (depending on design), new bushes installed, and mounts torqued to spec. A wheel alignment should follow, as even small shifts in rack position can alter toe. Owners can choose OEM-style rubber for factory comfort and low NVH, or quality polyurethane for sharper response and longer life—handy if the Outlander regularly carries loads or tackles rough roads. Whichever way they go, keeping the rack boots intact and the subframe clean helps the new bushes last.

• Watch for: clunks over speed humps, steering wander, tramlining, or a delayed response to steering inputs.
• Service tip: pair bush replacement with a fresh alignment and a check of inner/outer tie rods and lower arm bushes.

FAQs

Do 2011 Outlanders actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The rack-and-pinion assembly mounts to the front subframe using rubber insulator bushes. This design is shown in Mitsubishi’s Group 37 – Steering service documentation and in OEM/aftermarket parts catalogues for the CW-series Outlander.

How often should steering bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval, as life depends on roads and loads. Many last well past 100,000 km, but they should be inspected at routine services. Replace them if there’s visible cracking, hardening, or if the rack shifts during a steering play test, or if the Outlander shows clunks or wandering.

Rubber or polyurethane—what’s best?
Rubber keeps factory comfort and isolation—great for daily commuting. Polyurethane generally sharpens steering response and resists wear better, which suits touring or rougher roads. It can add a touch more NVH, so the choice comes down to the driver’s priorities.