Parts for your 2013 Ford Focus-Steering bushes

2013 Ford Focus steering bushes — what’s actually fitted

For the 2013 Ford Focus (Mk3/LW), “steering bushes” aren’t a separate or serviceable part of the steering system. This model uses an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack that’s bolted directly to the front subframe, and there are no conventional, replaceable steering rack or column bushes listed for it.

This isn’t just workshop hearsay. Technical documentation backs it up: the Ford Workshop Manual for the 2011–2014 Focus (Steering, Section 211) shows the EPAS rack mounting directly to the subframe with bolts, and does not specify serviceable rack-mount bushes. Ford’s official parts catalogues (ETIS/Microcat) list the steering gear as a complete assembly with inner/outer tie rods and hardware, but no separate rack bush part numbers. General repair guides (e.g., Haynes for 2011-on Focus) likewise treat the rack as a direct-mount unit with no replaceable bushings.

Why isn’t it used here? With EPAS, Ford designed the rack and housing to control noise, vibration and harshness without relying on soft isolation bushes. Steering feel benefits from a more rigid mount, while NVH is handled by subframe, control arm and anti-roll bar bushings elsewhere. The column uses bearings and a collapsible intermediate shaft with universal joints, not rubber bushes. Tie rods use ball-and-socket joints.

If someone’s told there are “worn steering bushes” on a 2013 Focus, they’re almost certainly referring to other wear items that can mimic steering play or clunks. The usual suspects are:

• Front lower control arm bushes (front and rear)
• Anti-roll bar (sway bar) D-bushes and link rods
• Inner and outer tie rod ends (ball joints)
• Intermediate steering shaft universal joint
• Subframe mounting bushes/bolts and engine/trans mounts

Good servicing practice for this Focus is to inspect those components for cracking, free play or perished rubber, especially if there’s a knock over bumps, a shimmy through the wheel, wandering on the motorway, or uneven tyre wear. Replace worn tie rods in pairs when possible, then book a four-wheel alignment. If the rack itself is noisy, notchy or has visible play, the repair path is rack replacement and a steering angle sensor reset rather than a bush swap.

Bottom line: the 2013 Focus doesn’t have serviceable steering bushes. Focus on the control arm bushes, sway bar hardware and tie rods to restore tight, confident steering feel.

Popular questions about 2013 Ford Focus steering bushes

Do 2013 Ford Focus models have steering rack bushings I can replace?
No. The EPAS steering rack on the 2013 Focus mounts directly to the subframe without separate, serviceable rack bushes. If there’s play or noise, technicians typically inspect tie rods, control arm bushes and sway bar bushes first. Rack concerns usually mean replacing the rack assembly, not a bush.

What’s causing a clunk in my Focus steering over bumps if it’s not the steering bushes?
Most often it’s worn front lower control arm bushes, sway bar D-bushes or link rods, or an outer tie rod end. Less commonly, the intermediate shaft universal joint or subframe mounts can contribute. A quick lever test at the control arm and a check of the sway bar hardware usually points to the culprit.

How do I maintain the steering on a 2013 Focus without steering bushes?
Schedule inspections of inner/outer tie rods, control arm bushes and sway bar bushes at each service or every 20,000 km, rotate tyres, and keep alignment on spec after any steering or suspension work. If the wheel feels off-centre or there’s new vibration, get it checked early to protect tyres and keep steering feel sharp.