Parts for your 2012 Nissan Pathfinder-Steering bushes

2012 Nissan Pathfinder (R51) steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes — the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder R51 uses steering rack mounting bushes. Nissan’s factory service information for the R51 (Steering section, ST) shows a hydraulic rack-and-pinion unit fixed to the front crossmember via rubber mounting insulators (bushes) and brackets. Major aftermarket technical catalogues for the R51/D40 platform also list replacement steering rack bush kits, which confirms fitment on Aussie and NZ-delivered vehicles.

Those steering bushes sit between the rack housing and the chassis. Their job is to locate the rack solidly while soaking up vibration and noise. When they harden, crack, or swell from power steering fluid exposure, the rack can shift under load. That movement shows up as vague steering, a knock over bumps, tramlining, and uneven tyre wear. Left too long, it can accelerate wear of inner and outer tie rods and make the car wander at highway speeds.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack bushes every 20,000–30,000 km or annually. Look for perished rubber, splits, or oil contamination from any power steering leak. With the vehicle safely raised, a technician can lever the rack gently while watching for excess movement at the mounts. Any play means the bushes are due.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work: support the rack, remove the mounting brackets, swap the bushes, then refit and torque the hardware to the specification in the Nissan service manual. An alignment check is recommended afterwards. Many owners in Australia and New Zealand opt for quality polyurethane (Nolathane/SuperPro style) bush kits for improved location and longer life in hot climates and on corrugated roads, though OEM rubber remains a comfy, quiet choice for daily duty.

Typical signs it’s time to change them include:

• Steering knock or clunk when turning or hitting potholes
• Vague on-centre feel or needing constant correction
• Uneven or rapid inner-edge tyre wear
• Visible cracking or oil-soaked bushes

Keeping fresh, correctly fitted steering bushes helps the R51’s rack stay planted, giving better feedback, straighter tracking, and happier tyres — exactly what’s wanted for towing, touring, and the school run alike.

Popular questions about 2012 Nissan Pathfinder steering bushes

Do all 2012 Pathfinders have steering rack bushes?
They do. The R51 uses a hydraulic rack-and-pinion mounted to the front crossmember with rubber insulators. Both Nissan’s service documentation and major aftermarket catalogues show replacement bush options for this model.

What are the common symptoms of worn steering bushes on an R51?
Expect a dull knock over bumps, vague on-centre feel, wandering at 80–100 km/h, and inner-edge tyre wear. If the bushes are oil-soaked from a power steering leak, the deterioration can be quite rapid.

How often should they be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Many last well past 100,000 km, but harsh roads, heavy towing, and fluid leaks shorten their life. Inspect annually, replace when play, cracking, or contamination is found, then get a wheel alignment.