Parts for your 2013 Ford Escape-Steering bushes

2013 Ford Escape steering-bushes — are they actually a thing on this model?

Short answer: steering-bushes aren’t a service item on the 2013 Ford Escape. This model runs an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack that bolts directly to the front subframe without separate, replaceable rack-mount bushes. That setup is shown in the Ford Workshop Manual for the 2013 Escape/Kuga (WSM Section 211-02: Power Steering — EPAS, Steering Gear Removal/Installation) and reflected in the Ford parts catalogue for Steering Gear & Linkage, which lists the steering gear, tie rods, and mounting hardware — but no steering rack bushings. Any isolation of noise and vibration is managed by the front subframe mounts and other suspension bushes, not by “steering-bushes” on the rack itself.

Why doesn’t it use steering-bushes? The EPAS unit is designed for precision and tight control from the torque and position sensors. A solidly mounted rack improves accuracy and steering feel, and reduces the compliance that rubber rack bushes would introduce. NVH is tuned via the subframe insulators and component design instead. Ford repair information (WSM Section 502-00: Front Subframe and Mounting) points to those subframe bushes as the primary isolation points.

If there’s a clunk, play, or vagueness on a 2013 Escape’s steering, the usual culprits are elsewhere. A technician will typically inspect:

• Outer and inner tie rod ends for wear or looseness
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and link rods
• Front subframe bushes and mounting hardware
• Steering intermediate shaft/universal joint

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to road test for knocks over speed humps, check for free play with the wheels off the ground, and look for split dust boots or leaking grease around tie rods and ball joints. Any worn items should be replaced with OEM-quality parts and correctly torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height. A wheel alignment should follow any steering or suspension work. If steering feel is inconsistent but no mechanical wear is found, checking for EPAS software updates or known service messages can help, as the 2013 Escape’s steering assist is electronically managed.

Technical references: Ford Workshop Manual (2013 Escape/Kuga) Section 211-02: EPAS Steering Gear R&I, Ford Parts Catalogue — Steering Gear & Linkage, Ford WSM Section 502-00: Front Subframe and Mounting.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Ford Escape have steering rack bushes that can be replaced?
No. The EPAS rack is solid-mounted to the subframe with hardware only — there are no separate, serviceable steering rack bushes. Steering feel and isolation come from the subframe mounts and suspension bushes instead.

What should be checked if the 2013 Escape has a steering clunk or looseness?
Start with the outer and inner tie rods, lower control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar D-bushes and links, and the steering intermediate shaft. Also check subframe bushes and fasteners. If those pass inspection, consider EPAS diagnostics and a wheel alignment.

Can aftermarket steering-bush kits be fitted to improve feel on a 2013 Escape?
Not recommended. The rack isn’t designed for add-on bushes and altering the mounting can affect EPAS calibration, NVH, and safety. The proper path is to renew any worn suspension bushes and tie rods, verify correct torque, and perform an alignment.