Parts for your 2013 Mazda Premacy-Steering bushes

2013 Mazda Premacy (Mazda5 CW) steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Mazda Workshop Manual for the CW-series Premacy/Mazda5 (Steering System section) and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue for CW models, the steering gear is mounted to the front crossmember using rubber insulator bushings. Aftermarket catalogues for the CW/BL platform also list steering rack–mount bush kits. So, steering bushes are indeed fitted to the 2013 Mazda Premacy and are a relevant service item.

On a 2013 Mazda Premacy, the steering bushes (often called rack-mount bushes) cushion and locate the steering rack on the front subframe. They soak up vibration, help keep the rack aligned under load, and keep the steering feel tidy on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads. When they harden, crack or deform with age, the rack can shift slightly, which shows up as vague steering, a clunk over bumps, or the wheel tramlining on uneven surfaces.

Typical signs it’s time to check or replace the steering bushes include:

• Clunks or knocks felt through the steering over potholes or speed humps
• Free play or a “loose” on‑centre feel that wasn’t there before
• Inconsistent steering effort or the wheel not self‑centring as cleanly
• Uneven tyre wear that persists after a correct alignment

Inspection is straightforward during a routine service: with the vehicle safely raised, a tech will check for rack movement while an assistant gently rocks the steering. Any visible shift at the rack mounts or perished rubber is a red flag. Because the bushes locate a safety‑critical component, replacement is the go‑to fix rather than trying to nurse them along.

Replacement involves supporting the rack, undoing the rack‑to‑subframe fasteners, swapping the insulator bushes, and torquing everything to spec. It’s a good idea to budget for a wheel alignment afterwards, while the tie‑rod lengths don’t change, even tiny changes in rack position can nudge toe settings. Many owners choose OE‑style rubber bushes for quiet comfort, while others opt for performance polyurethane for a slightly firmer, more direct feel. Either way, keeping the rack mounts fresh protects the column joints, inner tie rods and tyres, and keeps steering feel crisp for the daily commute and family trips.

As a rule of thumb in local conditions, have the bushes checked every 20,000–30,000 km or at any service where suspension noises or steering play are reported. If other front-end components are being replaced (e.g., control arm bushes or sway‑bar links), it’s efficient to assess and address the steering bushes at the same time.

Popular questions about 2013 Mazda Premacy steering bushes

Do the steering bushes come as separate parts or only with a new rack?

For the CW Premacy/Mazda5, the rack‑mount insulators are available separately in the parts catalogue. That means a noisy or loose‑feeling rack mount can usually be sorted without replacing the entire steering rack, provided the rack itself isn’t leaking or worn.

Will replacing the steering bushes fix a steering clunk on my Premacy?

Often, yes—if the clunk is from rack movement or perished mount rubber. A workshop should also check sway‑bar bushes, drop links, control arm bushes and strut top mounts, as they can create similar noises. Replacing the worn culprit components as a set delivers the best result.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the rack bushes?

It’s recommended. Even though the tie rods aren’t disturbed, tiny changes in rack position from fresh bushes can alter toe slightly. A post‑repair alignment keeps steering straight and protects tyre life.