Parts for your 2012 Ford Transit-Steering bushes

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

Technical documentation confirms the 2012 Ford Transit does use steering bushes. Ford’s Workshop Manual (Section 211-02 Steering System), Ford ETIS/Microcat parts listings for the 2006–2013 Transit (V347/V348) showing “steering gear mounting insulator/bushing,” and the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel 2006–2013 service manual all describe replaceable bushes that locate and isolate the steering rack on the front crossmember.

On a 2012 Transit, the steering bushes are rubber (or upgraded polyurethane) insulators that secure the power-assisted rack to the subframe. Their job is to keep the rack precisely located while soaking up vibration and road harshness so the wheel feels steady and the cabin stays quiet. When these bushes wear, the rack can shift under load, leading to a clunk over bumps, vague on‑centre feel, and feathered tyre wear from tiny, unwanted changes in toe.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the bushes for cracking, crushing, or oil swelling from any power-steering leaks. A quick workshop check is to have someone gently rock the steering wheel while a tech watches the rack: any visible rack movement relative to the crossmember points to tired bushes. Address fluid leaks promptly, because PAS fluid can degrade rubber over time.

Replacement is straightforward workshop fare: support the rack, remove the mounting bolts, press or lever out the old bushes, and fit new items in the correct orientation before torquing the fasteners to the Ford spec. Many techs replace bushes in pairs and renew the mounting bolts if specified by Ford. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards, as even small changes at the rack mounts can alter toe. Quality OE-style rubber keeps NVH civil for courier and tradie work, polyurethane can sharpen steering feel but will transmit more vibration—great for precision, less so for comfort on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.

• Watch for: clunks at low speed, steering shimmy, tramlining, or uneven/rapid inner-edge tyre wear.
• Service tip: inspect the bushes at each service interval (or ~10–15,000 km) and after any front-end knock.
• If the rack has lateral play, don’t delay—worn bushes can snowball into tyre wear and driver fatigue.

Popular questions

How do you tell if the steering bushes are worn on a 2012 Ford Transit?
Common signs include a dull clunk over speed humps or when parking, a slightly loose or wandering feel on the motorway, and light feathering on the front tyres. With the van on the ground, have a helper rock the steering wheel left–right while you watch the rack, if the housing shifts in its mounts, the bushes are due.

Also listen for a knock when braking to a stop or pulling away—movement at the rack mounts can present as a fore–aft tap you can feel through the column.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing steering bushes?
Yes, it’s good practice. Any change at the rack interface can nudge toe settings. A quick alignment ensures the wheel sits straight, toe is back to spec, and new tyres don’t wear prematurely—cheap insurance after front-end work.

Rubber vs polyurethane bushes—what’s best for a work van?
OE-style rubber offers factory NVH and is the pick for long days and mixed roads. Polyurethane tightens steering response and holds geometry well under load, but it will transmit more vibration. If the Transit lives with heavy cargo and smooth tarmac, poly can make sense, for urban runs and coarse-chip seal, quality rubber keeps it comfy.