Parts for your 2012 Mazda Premacy-Steering bushes

2012 Mazda Premacy steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Mazda’s technical literature, steering bushes are indeed relevant to the 2012 Mazda Premacy (Mazda 5, CW series). The Mazda MGSS Workshop Manual for the CW chassis (Steering System section) and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue list rubber “insulators” that mount the electric power steering rack to the front subframe. These insulators are the steering rack mounting bushes, they isolate vibration, steady the rack under load, and help keep the steering direct and quiet.

On this model, the steering is electric-assist, but it still relies on those rubber bushes to locate the rack. Over time, heat, age, oil contamination, and rough roads around Australia and New Zealand can harden or crack the rubber. When that happens, the rack can shift slightly on the subframe, dulling steering feel and creating knocks on bumps or a clunk when quickly changing direction at low speed. Excess movement can also add a faint vibration in the wheel and contribute to accelerated inner or outer tyre wear if left too long.

As part of routine servicing, a visual inspection is smart: look for splitting, flattening, or oil-soaked rubber around the steering gear mounts, and check that the rack mounting bolts are torqued correctly. If the bushes are worn, replacement is the fix. Many OE-style bushes are supplied with the steering gear, but quality aftermarket options may be available on their own. Polyurethane upgrades can sharpen steering feel, though they can add a touch more road feel and cabin buzz compared with OE rubber.

Replacement typically involves safely supporting the vehicle, relieving subframe load and, on many CW-platform cars, partially lowering the front subframe to access the bushes and fasteners. After refitting, torque the hardware to spec from the workshop manual, centre the steering, and book a wheel alignment. If there’s still play after new bushes, check inner tie rods, outer tie rod ends, and lower control arm bushes, as those can mimic similar symptoms.

• Typical signs it’s time: low-speed clunk, vague on-centre feel, shimmy over corrugations, and visible bushing cracks.
• Service tips: keep engine oil off the bushes, inspect every 20,000–30,000 km, and always align the front end after any steering or subframe work.

Popular question: Does the 2012 Mazda Premacy actually have “steering bushes” if it’s electric power steering?

Yes. The electric assist motor is on the rack, but the rack is still mounted to the subframe with rubber insulators (bushes). Mazda’s CW-series workshop manual and parts catalogue both show these mounting insulators as part of the steering gear assembly.

Popular question: Will worn steering rack bushes fail a WOF/RWC?

They can. Excessive movement of the steering rack or obvious deterioration of the mounting insulators is a common reason for a fail. It can also lead to uneven tyre wear, so it’s worth addressing promptly.

Popular question: Can the bushes be replaced at home?

Competent DIYers can tackle it with proper support equipment, but partial subframe lowering and precise torqueing are often required. Plan on an alignment straight after, and follow the torque specs in the Mazda workshop manual.