Parts for your 2012 Subaru Exiga-Steering bushes

2012 Subaru Exiga steering-bushes

Steering-bushes are fitted to the 2012 Subaru Exiga (YA series). The Subaru factory workshop manual for the YA Exiga’s steering section details the rack-and-pinion assembly secured to the front crossmember using cushion rubber bushes, and Subaru’s FAST parts catalogue lists a “bushing – steering gearbox” applicable to the YA chassis. Aftermarket technical catalogues for Subaru platforms of the same era also specify direct-fit steering rack mount bush kits for Exiga-compatible subframes. So yes—steering-bushes are relevant on this model.

On the Exiga, the steering-bushes sit between the steering rack and the subframe. Their job is to locate the rack precisely while isolating road vibration and noise. When they’re in good nick, the car tracks straight, the wheel feels consistent on-centre, and kickback over bumps is kept in check.

• What they do: keep the rack solidly mounted, reduce vibration, and maintain alignment between the pinion and rack for sharper steering feel.
• When they’re tired: expect vague steering, a clunk on turn-in or over potholes, tramlining, or a wheel that doesn’t return to centre as cleanly. You may also notice uneven tyre wear from the extra play.

As part of routine servicing on a 2012 Subaru Exiga, it’s smart to inspect the steering-bushes every 40,000–60,000 km or annually if the car sees rough roads. A pry-bar check for excess rack movement, a look for perished or cracked rubber, and a quick road test for clunks and play are worthwhile. If replacement’s due, owners can stick with OEM rubber for OE comfort or step up to quality polyurethane bushes for crisper response (expect a touch more feedback through the wheel).

• Replacement tips:
  • Support the rack, loosen the rack-to-subframe fasteners, and swap bushes without straining hydraulic/EPS lines or the intermediate shaft.
  • Clean the mounts, seat the new bushes fully, and torque fasteners to Subaru spec from the workshop data.
  • Book a wheel alignment afterwards to confirm toe and steering wheel straightness.

Keeping the steering-bushes sorted helps the Exiga feel tidy and confidence-inspiring, especially on Kiwi back roads or Aussie B-roads. It’s an affordable fix for a big lift in steering precision.

Popular questions about 2012 Subaru Exiga steering-bushes

How can someone tell the steering-bushes are worn on a 2012 Exiga?
They’ll often feel extra play around centre, hear a dull clunk when turning at low speed or over sharp bumps, or notice the car following ruts. A quick under-car check may show cracked, oil-swollen, or squashed bushes, and the rack might shift slightly when levered with a pry bar. Uneven front tyre wear is another common clue.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes—what suits the Exiga best?
OEM-style rubber keeps NVH low and feels factory-smooth—ideal for daily use. Polyurethane tightens the steering up noticeably and lasts well, which enthusiasts like. It can pass a bit more road feel into the cabin, so pick poly if sharper response is the goal, or rubber if comfort is the priority.

Is a wheel alignment needed after changing steering-bushes?
It’s strongly recommended. Any change in rack position can nudge toe and the steering wheel’s straight-ahead. An alignment locks in the feel you just paid for and protects your tyres from premature wear.