Parts for your 2013 Holden Captiva 7-Steering bushes

2013 Holden Captiva 7 steering bushes — what’s actually fitted

For the 2013 Holden Captiva 7 (CG Series), “steering bushes” aren’t a separate, serviceable part of the steering system. Technical references that cover this model — including the Holden/GM workshop manual for the CG Captiva Steering section (Rack-and-Pinion removal/installation), the GM Global EPC for Group 06 Steering, and mainstream parts catalogues — list the steering gear, mounting bolts and brackets, but no standalone steering rack mounting bushes. Aftermarket bush specialists typically catalogue sway bar and control arm bushes for the Captiva 7, not steering rack bushes for this generation. That tells the story: there’s no replaceable “steering-bushes” part on this vehicle.

Why’s that the case? The Captiva 7 uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear that’s rigidly mounted to the front subframe. Any isolation required for noise, vibration and harshness is designed into the rack assembly or steering column couplings, rather than via external rubber rack bushes. This solid mounting improves steering response and on-centre feel, and keeps compliance down — good for day‑to‑day control and highway stability.

It also means that if there’s play, vibration or a knock that might get blamed on “steering bushes”, the cause is usually elsewhere. On these cars, the usual suspects are:

• Inner and outer tie rods (wear or play)
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar D‑bushes and links
• Steering column intermediate shaft/universal joints
• Front subframe mounts and strut top mounts
• Tyre wear/pressures and wheel alignment

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check tie rods for free play, inspect the sway bar D‑bushes for cracking, and look over control arm bushes for splitting or oil‑soak. Where fitted, inspect the power steering system for leaks and fluid condition under the bonnet (use the fluid type specified on the cap/owner’s manual), and keep an eye on the rack boots for damage. If the rack itself develops internal wear or the mounts are damaged, the fix on this model is typically repair/replacement of the steering gear assembly rather than swapping a bush kit.

Bottom line: a “steering-bushes” kit isn’t applicable to the 2013 Captiva 7. Focus inspections on the components above to sort shakes, clunks and vague steering.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Holden Captiva 7 have steering rack bushes?
No — not as a separate service item. The steering rack is bolted to the subframe without replaceable rack mounting bushes listed in the Holden/GM technical documentation or common parts catalogues. If there’s play or a knock, look to tie rods, sway bar bushes, control arm bushes, or the column shaft first.

What causes a clunk when turning at low speed?
On these Captivas it’s often worn sway bar links or D‑bushes, tired lower control arm bushes, or a loose/failed tie rod end. Less commonly, the steering column intermediate shaft can develop play. A quick check on a hoist while an assistant rocks the wheel usually pinpoints it.

What should be checked during steering maintenance?
Check inner/outer tie rods, sway bar links and D‑bushes, control arm bushes and ball joints, and the column shaft joints. Verify wheel alignment and tyre condition. Where hydraulic assist is fitted, inspect for leaks and keep the correct fluid topped to mark.