Parts for your 2013 Honda Civic-Steering bushes

2013 Honda Civic steering bushes — what they do and when to sort them

Yes, the 2013 Honda Civic is fitted with steering bushes. Honda’s factory literature for the 9th‑gen Civic (2012–2015) describes a rack‑and‑pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS) unit mounted to the front subframe using rubber mounting cushions/bushes, and the Honda electronic parts catalogue lists these as steering gearbox mounting cushions. Those technical sources confirm the part is relevant on this model.

On this Civic, the steering bushes support and locate the steering rack while isolating vibration and road noise. They keep the rack centred and steady so the wheel points where it should, and they help stop knocks from rough roads transferring straight up the column. Over time, heat, age, oil contamination, and big potholes can harden or crack the rubber, which lets the rack shift under load and makes the steering feel a bit vague.

Typical signs they’re tired include a dull clunk when turning at low speed or over speed humps, a subtle shuffle in the steering wheel as the car changes direction, wandering on the motorway, and uneven tyre wear. A tech will often spot perished or split rubber, or see the rack move on the subframe when an assistant nudges the steering left–right.

There’s no scheduled maintenance interval for the bushes, so they’re replaced on condition. On many 2013 Civics the bushes aren’t sold by Honda as separate service parts, which is why some dealers quote a complete rack if the mounts are excessively worn. Quality aftermarket bush kits are available for certain variants, and specialist workshops in Australia and New Zealand regularly fit them.

If replacement’s on the cards, plan on a wheel alignment afterwards. The job typically involves loosening or slightly lowering the front subframe to create working room, supporting the rack, swapping the bushes, then torquing the fasteners to the factory spec noted in the Honda Service Manual. Some cars may also need a steering angle sensor calibration with a scan tool after reassembly. Labour times vary with equipment and corrosion, but 1.5–3.0 hours is common. Sticking with OE‑style rubber preserves refinement, firmer polyurethane can sharpen response but may add a touch of vibration.

Quick tips for owners:

• Have the bushes checked whenever you’re chasing front‑end knocks or during a tyre replacement/rotation.
• Rule out loose subframe bolts and worn tie‑rod ends at the same time.
• If you drive rough country roads, inspect them every 20–30,000 km.

Does a 2013 Honda Civic actually have steering rack bushes?

It does. The 9th‑gen Civic uses a rack‑and‑pinion EPS unit mounted to the front subframe via rubber mounting cushions/bushes. This is described in the Honda Civic (2012–2015) Service Manual under Steering/EPS – Steering Gearbox Removal/Installation, and reflected in Honda’s parts catalogue as steering gearbox mounting cushions.

What are the signs the bushes are worn on a 2013 Civic?

Listen and feel for a low‑speed clunk over bumps, a momentary shift in the steering wheel as you turn, light wandering on straight roads, and uneven tyre wear. A technician may see the rack move on the subframe during a steering shake test or find cracked/perished rubber.

Can the bushes be replaced without changing the whole rack?

Often, yes. Many workshops can replace the mounting bushes by loosening the subframe and supporting the rack in place. Some trims see the bushes supplied only with the rack from Honda, but aftermarket kits exist. After any work, get a wheel alignment and, if required, have the steering angle sensor calibrated.