Parts for your 2012 Ford Falcon-Steering bushes

2012 Ford Falcon steering-bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2012 Ford Falcon (FG MkII) uses steering-bushes. The factory workshop literature for FG-series rack-and-pinion steering shows the steering rack mounted to the front crossmember via isolator bushes, and major aftermarket catalogues for the BA–FG range list replacement rack-mount bush kits for this model. That combination of OEM documentation and parts listings confirms steering-bushes are fitted and serviceable on the 2012 Falcon.

On this Falcon, the steering-bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the front subframe. Their job is to cushion noise and vibration while holding the rack securely so the wheel input translates cleanly to the road wheels. When these bushes age, soften or split, the rack can shift under load, which feels like vague steering, a knock over bumps, or a shimmy on turn-in. Because they isolate the rack, perished bushes can also add a bit of torque steer or tramlining on poor surfaces.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check the steering-bushes any time the front end is inspected—say, every 20,000–30,000 km or when rotating tyres. With the car safely lifted, a tech will observe the rack while an assistant nudges the steering from lock to lock. Excess movement at the rack mounts, visible cracking in the rubber, or oil contamination from a weeping power steering system are all red flags.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, remove the mount bolts, press or lever out the old bushes, and install new OEM rubber or quality polyurethane items, then torque the hardware to specification from the Ford manual. An alignment check afterwards is a good idea, especially if any other front-end work was done. Owners chasing sharper steering feel sometimes choose polyurethane bushes, they’ll typically firm up response at the slight expense of additional road feel inside the cabin.

Common signs it’s time for new steering-bushes on a 2012 Falcon include:

• Clunking or thudding from the front when hitting potholes or speed bumps
• Steering that feels loose on initial turn-in or wanders on the motorway
• Uneven tyre wear that persists after a correct alignment

Keeping the steering-bushes healthy helps the Falcon track straight, turn crisply, and keep tyre wear in check—exactly what owners expect from a well-sorted Aussie sedan.

Popular questions about 2012 Ford Falcon steering-bushes

How long do steering-bushes last on a 2012 Ford Falcon?
Service life varies with road conditions and tyre setup, but many Falcons see 100,000–150,000 km before noticeable wear. Frequent corrugations, bigger wheels, or fluid leaks onto the bushes can shorten that. Routine inspections during scheduled services catch issues early.

Rubber vs polyurethane steering-bushes — which is better for a Falcon?
OEM-style rubber keeps factory refinement and isolates more vibration. Polyurethane sharpens steering feel and resists oil and heat better, but can transmit a touch more road texture. For a daily driver, fresh rubber is great, for sportier response, quality poly is a popular upgrade.

Do worn steering-bushes affect wheel alignment?
They don’t alter the static alignment settings, but rack movement under load can mimic poor alignment on the road—wandering, torque steer, or uneven tyre wear. After replacing the bushes, it’s smart to get an alignment check to verify everything is dialled in.