Parts for your 2012 Honda Accord-Steering bushes

2012 Honda Accord steering bushes — what they do and when to replace

Based on the Honda Accord 2008–2012 factory Service Manual (steering: rack-and-pinion removal/installation and rack guide adjustment) and Honda OEM parts catalogues for CP2/CP3 models (steering gear diagrams showing rack mounting insulators/cushions), the 2012 Accord is fitted with steering bushes. These include rubber bushes that secure the steering rack to the front subframe, and support bushings/bearings in the steering column. So “steering-bushes” are absolutely relevant to this model.

On a 2012 Honda Accord, the steering rack bushes keep the rack located and cushioned, soaking up vibration and stopping the rack from shuffling on the subframe. When these bushes harden, crack, or oil-soak, the driver can feel vagueness on centre, a knock over bumps, or a shimmy through the wheel. Because the 2012 Accord uses a hydraulic power steering rack, any power steering fluid leak can speed up bush deterioration, so it pays to fix leaks early.

As part of regular servicing, a good shop will: inspect the rack mounting bushes for perishing or oil saturation, lever the rack slightly to check for movement, and road-test for clunks or wander. Inspection every 20,000–30,000 km (or at each service) is sensible, especially if the car sees rough roads.

• Common symptoms of worn steering bushes:
  • Clunk or thud felt through the wheel on sharp bumps
  • Loose or wandering steering at highway speeds
  • Uneven or accelerated tyre wear
  • Visible cracking or squish in the rubber, or oil-soaked rubber

Replacement is straightforward in skilled hands: the rack is supported, mounting brackets are removed, old bushes are pressed out, and new OEM-quality bushes are installed. It’s important to torque the hardware to factory spec and settle the bushes at normal ride height to avoid preloading. An alignment check afterwards is wise, while the rack itself isn’t moved much, any disturbance to the subframe or steering gear can nudge toe settings.

Choosing bushes: quality rubber keeps NVH close to factory and suits daily use. Polyurethane options can sharpen steering feel but may pass more vibration into the cabin—great for keen drivers, less ideal if comfort matters most.

One last tip: if power steering fluid has been leaking, replace the bushes only after the leak’s fixed. Fresh bushes won’t last if they’re bathed in fluid. And for WOF/roadworthy inspections, excessive steering rack movement or perished bushes can trigger a fail, so proactive checks save hassle.

Popular questions about 2012 Honda Accord steering bushes

Do 2012 Accords actually have steering bushes, or is everything just ball joints?
The 2012 Accord does have steering bushes. The steering rack mounts to the subframe via rubber bushes/insulators, and the column uses support bushings/bearings. While ball joints and tie-rod ends handle articulation at the wheels, the bushes keep the rack firmly located and help tune noise and vibration.

How long do steering rack bushes usually last on a 2012 Accord?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many last well past 150,000 km, but heat, age, fluid leaks, and rough roads can shorten that. If the car sees city kerb strikes, corrugations, or power steering leaks, expect to inspect sooner and potentially replace around the 100,000–150,000 km mark.

Will worn steering bushes fail a WOF or roadworthy?
They can. If the rack can be seen or felt shifting, if there’s a distinct knock, or if the rubber is badly perished or oil-soaked, inspectors may deem it unsafe. Replacing the bushes and checking alignment normally sorts it.