Parts for your 2012 Nissan Pulsar-Steering bushes

2012 Nissan Pulsar steering-bushes — do they even exist on this model?

Short answer: no. On the 2012 Nissan Pulsar (B17 series, as sold in AU/NZ), there aren’t separate, serviceable “steering-bushes” on the steering rack. The factory setup uses an electric power steering (EPS) rack that’s rigidly mounted to the front subframe without the traditional rubber rack-mount bushes you might find on older designs. This isn’t guesswork — the Nissan Pulsar/Sentra B17 Electronic Service Manual (ST section, 2012–2014) shows the rack bolting directly to the member with no standalone bush components listed. The Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue also doesn’t list steering rack mount bushes as individual parts for B17. Likewise, major aftermarket catalogues in AU/NZ (e.g., SuperPro and Whiteline) list plenty of control arm and sway bar bushes for this platform, but no steering rack bushes for the B17 Pulsar.

Why did Nissan do it this way? With EPS, manufacturers often aim for a more direct, precise feel and consistent alignment under load. Rigid or non-serviceable mounts reduce compliance in the steering gear, while noise and vibration are handled elsewhere (subframe isolators, column joints, and tuned geometry). The trade-off is that if there’s play or a clunk that seems “rack related,” it’s rarely a bush — it’s more likely inner or outer tie rod ends, lower control arm bushes, sway bar bushes/links, or (less commonly) wear within the rack itself.

What should owners and workshops focus on instead? During routine servicing, it’s worth checking:

• Outer and inner tie rod ends for play and split boots
• Front lower control arm bushes (common wear items) and ball joints
• Sway bar D-bushes and end links for knocks over bumps
• The steering column intermediate shaft for free play or binding
• Wheel alignment and tyre wear patterns after any suspension work

If steering feel has gone vague or there’s a knock, those areas usually deliver the fix on a B17 Pulsar. If the EPS rack itself is at fault, the remedy is generally rack replacement rather than fitting bushes, because there aren’t separate “steering-bushes” to replace on this model.

Popular questions about 2012 Nissan Pulsar steering-bushes

Are there aftermarket steering rack bushes I can fit to my 2012 Pulsar?
For the B17 Pulsar, mainstream AU/NZ performance bush brands don’t list steering rack mount bushes. The rack is designed to mount solidly to the subframe, so there’s nothing to swap out. Upgrades typically target control arm and sway bar bushes instead.

What causes steering play on a Pulsar if it’s not the steering bushes?
Most play or clunks come from worn tie rod ends, tired lower control arm bushes, or sway bar links/bushes. Less commonly, the EPS rack or the column’s intermediate shaft can wear. A quick check on a hoist with a pry bar and a wheel play test will usually pinpoint the culprit.

How should the steering be maintained during regular servicing?
Inspect tie rods, control arm bushes, sway bar bushes/links and the column joint each service or at least every 20,000 km. Keep an eye on boot condition and any uneven tyre wear, and book a wheel alignment after front-end work or pothole hits.