Parts for your 2012 Ford Escape-Steering bushes

2012 Ford Escape steering-bushes: are they actually a thing?

Short answer: no, “steering-bushes” aren’t a separate, serviceable part on the 2012 Ford Escape. Ford’s workshop material for this model (WSM, Steering System 211-00 and Steering Column 211-02) shows the Escape runs a column-assisted electric power steering (EPAS) setup with a rack-and-pinion bolted to the subframe. The rack mounts don’t use replaceable bushes, any isolators are integral to the steering gear and aren’t supplied as loose bushings in the Ford/Motorcraft parts catalogue. When wear is present, the steering gear is replaced as an assembly rather than having bushings pressed in.

This lines up with Ford’s own field guidance from the EPAS programmes around these vehicles (e.g., safety recall 14S05 and extended coverage actions addressing the column torque sensor and PSCM calibration). Those documents tackle assist faults and column issues, not rack “bush” concerns—because there aren’t any service bushings to swap on the rack.

So, if someone’s chasing “steering-bushes” for a 2012 Escape, what they usually mean is play, clunks, or looseness felt through the wheel. On this platform, that’s far more likely to come from:

• Outer or inner tie rod ends (actual steering joints)
• Front lower control arm bushes or ball joints (suspension, not steering)
• Sway bar D-bushes and links (can sound very similar to steering clunks)
• Intermediate steering shaft U-joint or column lower bearing
• EPAS column torque sensor/PSCM faults (heavy/erratic assist, warning lamps)

A sensible service approach is to inspect tie rod ends for axial/radial play, check control arm rear bushes for cracking or separation, and look for movement at the sway bar D-bushes. Verify the intermediate shaft U-joint moves freely without binding. If there are steering effort changes or assist drop-outs, scan the PSCM for fault codes and check if the vehicle’s EPAS recall or customer satisfaction programmes have been completed.

Bottom line: there’s no standalone “steering-bushes” kit for the 2012 Escape because Ford designed the rack mounts as non-serviceable. Focus maintenance on the actual wear points above, and if the rack housing or its integral mounts are damaged or loose, the correct remedy per WSM is steering gear replacement.

• Does a 2012 Ford Escape have steering-bushes?

No. The rack-and-pinion is bolted to the subframe and doesn’t use separate, serviceable rack bushes. Ford’s 2012 WSM and parts listings show no loose bushings for the steering gear—any isolators are built into the assembly.

• What should be checked instead if there’s a clunk or play in the steering?

Start with outer and inner tie rod ends, then the front lower control arm bushes and ball joints. Also check sway bar D-bushes and links, plus the intermediate steering shaft U-joint. For assist issues or warning lights, scan the PSCM and confirm EPAS recall/campaign completion.

• Can the steering rack mounts be re-bushed on this model?

No. The steering gear mounts aren’t designed to be re-bushed. If there’s confirmed movement or damage at the gear mounts, Ford’s workshop procedure calls for replacing the steering gear as a unit.