Parts for your 2013 Mazda Cx-5-Steering bushes

2013 Mazda CX-5 steering bushes: are they used?

For the 2013 Mazda CX-5 (KE series), “steering bushes” aren’t a separate, serviceable part of the steering system. Technical sources show the electric power steering (EPS) rack is rigidly mounted to the front crossmember using bolts and locating sleeves, not rubber isolator bushings. The Mazda CX-5 (KE) Workshop Manual’s Steering Gear and Linkage section depicts a direct-mount EPS rack with no rack-mount bushings to replace. Likewise, Mazda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the KE CX-5 lists the steering gear, fasteners, inner/outer tie rods, and rack boots—but no steering rack mounting bush or insulator. Mazda service information and typical TSBs for steering noises on this model point to items such as the intermediate steering shaft or strut top mounts, not rack bushes.

Why doesn’t Mazda use a rack bushing here? With EPS, the torque sensor and assist motor sit on the rack, and a solid mount helps steering precision, alignment stability, and road feel. Any rubber isolation at the rack could introduce compliance, affecting on‑centre feel and calibration. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control is handled elsewhere—through subframe mounts, column isolators, and suspension bushes—while keeping the rack itself securely located.

Owners looking for “steering bushes” on a 2013 CX-5 are usually chasing play, clunks, or vibration that come from other wear items. The smart move during servicing is to check the components that commonly cause the symptoms people blame on bushes:

• Inner tie rods (rack ends) and outer tie rod ends for play and boot condition
• Lower control arm bushes (especially rear/hydraulic type) and ball joints
• Front stabiliser (sway bar) bushes and links
• Intermediate steering shaft/universal joints for notchiness or knock
• Strut top mounts/bearings and front wheel bearings
• Front subframe mounting bushes and fastener torque

As part of routine servicing, a technician should road test for knocks or wander, inspect for any free play at the wheels with the vehicle lifted, check the steering rack boots for damage or leaks (even though it’s EPS), and verify wheel alignment. Tyre condition and pressures matter, too—uneven or cupped tyres can mimic steering issues. If there’s clunking over bumps or a vague on‑centre feel, it’s worth a closer look at tie rods and control arm bushes before assuming “steering bushes.”

Popular questions about 2013 Mazda CX-5 steering bushes

Does a 2013 Mazda CX-5 have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. The KE‑series CX‑5 uses an EPS rack that’s rigidly bolted to the front crossmember without serviceable rack-mount bushings. If there’s play or noise, attention should go to inner/outer tie rods, control arm bushes, sway bar hardware, or the intermediate shaft rather than chasing a non‑existent rack bush kit.

What usually causes clunks or looseness that people blame on “steering bushes” in a CX-5?
The usual suspects are worn inner tie rods, tired outer tie rod ends, cracked rear control arm bushes, or sloppy sway bar links/bushes. Strut top mounts and intermediate shaft joints can also knock. A proper inspection on a hoist with the wheels free will pinpoint the culprit quickly.

Can I fit aftermarket polyurethane steering bushes to improve feel?
Not for the steering rack on this model—there’s no separate rack bush to swap. For a firmer front end, owners often opt for upgraded sway bar bushes/links or performance control arm bushes, then finish with a quality wheel alignment to sharpen steering response.