Parts for your 2012 Volvo Xc60-Steering bushes

2012 Volvo XC60 steering bushes — are they actually fitted?

For the 2012 Volvo XC60, “steering bushes” aren’t a service item because the vehicle doesn’t use separate, replaceable steering rack bushes. Volvo’s official workshop system (VIDA) and the 2012 XC60 parts catalogue show the steering rack solid-mounted to the front subframe with no standalone rack bushings listed. Leading European parts catalogues for this model also don’t offer a rack bush kit, which backs up the factory documentation. So, if someone’s searching for steering bushes for this XC60, they won’t find a genuine or recognised aftermarket part because it isn’t used on this platform.

Why did Volvo do it this way? On the P3 platform underpinning the 2012 XC60, steering precision is prioritised by bolting the rack directly to the subframe. NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control is handled upstream by the subframe-to-body mounts and other suspension bushes, rather than with soft rack mounts. This design keeps the rack location consistent under load, giving a more direct, accurate feel at the wheel. If there’s free play, wander, clunks or vibration, the fix typically isn’t a non-existent steering bush — it’s usually wear in related components.

Owners chasing a steering knock, vague feel or tyre feathering should have a technician check these usual suspects on a 2012 XC60:

• Inner and outer tie rod ends
• Front lower control arm bushes (especially the large rear hydro-bush)
• Sway bar links and D-bushes
• Front strut top mounts/bearings
• Front subframe mounts
• Steering column lower universal joint
• Wheel alignment and tyre condition/pressures
• Power steering system condition (hydraulic or electro-hydraulic spec as per the cap/owner’s info)

Bottom line: the XC60 doesn’t use separate steering bushes, so replacement isn’t part of normal servicing. If the steering feels off, a proper inspection of the components above — plus a fresh alignment once any worn parts are replaced — will usually restore that tidy Volvo steering feel.

Popular questions

Does a 2012 Volvo XC60 have steering rack bushes?
Not in the conventional, replaceable sense. Factory information (VIDA) and parts catalogues show the rack bolted to the front subframe without separate serviceable bushes. Any play or noise is generally traced to tie rods, control arm bushes, subframe mounts or strut tops.

What should be checked if the steering feels loose or clunks on this model?
Start with inner/outer tie rods, front control arm bushes, sway bar links/D-bushes, strut top mounts, subframe mounts and the column lower U-joint. Confirm tyre condition and pressures, then finish with a correct-spec alignment once parts are sorted.

Can aftermarket polyurethane “steering rack bushes” be fitted to the XC60?
They’re not applicable. The rack isn’t designed to run separate bushes on this platform. Fitting universal bushes is a workaround that doesn’t address the real cause and can introduce alignment or NVH issues. Focus on the actual wear points noted above.