Parts for your 2013 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

2013 Subaru Forester steering bushes — what they do and when to sort them out

Yes, this model does use steering bushes. Subaru’s factory service information for the 2013 Forester (SJ, late SH crossover) lists rubber “cushion”/mounting bushes for the rack-and-pinion where it bolts to the front subframe, and shows column support bushings in the steering assembly. Reputable aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Whiteline and SuperPro) also list steering rack mounting bush kits for 2013 Forester models, confirming fitment.

Steering bushes keep the rack located square in the subframe while soaking up vibration and road shock. When they’re fresh, steering feels tidy and consistent on-centre. As they age, the rubber can soften, split or oil-soak (on hydraulic systems), letting the rack shift under load. That’s when drivers notice vague turn-in, a clunk over sharp bumps, or the wheel needing constant little corrections on the motorway.

Typical signs they’re due:

• Knock or thud felt through the column on rough roads
• Steering that feels “floaty” or wanders off-centre
• Visible cracks or deformation in the rack mounts, witness marks from movement
• Premature or uneven front tyre wear and tramlining

Inspection is straightforward: with the car safely supported, a tech watches the rack while an assistant nudges the steering. Any rack movement relative to the subframe is a fail. If the bushes are oil-soaked, fix the power steering leak first (where fitted) or the new bushes won’t last.

Replacement is usually 1–2 hours. The rack stays in the car, the subframe may be loosened or slightly lowered for access depending on variant. It’s best practice to:

1. Replace bushes as a set to keep the rack square
2. Tighten mounts at normal ride height to avoid preloading
3. Book a wheel alignment afterwards

Owners can choose OEM-style rubber (quiet, factory feel) or quality polyurethane (sharper response, slightly more road feel). For many Aussie and Kiwi Foresters doing family and touring duty, fresh rubber is perfect. For those chasing a more planted steer, poly is a neat upgrade.

Service interval isn’t fixed, but many see wear between 90,000–180,000 km, earlier on rough roads. During routine servicing, a quick check of the rack mounts, column joints, and sway-bar and control-arm bushes keeps the Forester’s steering behaving the way it should.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Subaru Forester actually have steering bushes?
It does. The rack-and-pinion assembly is secured to the front subframe with rubber mounting bushes. Subaru’s service manual diagrams show these “cushion”/mount bushes, and aftermarket bush kits are catalogued specifically for this model year.

How long do the steering bushes last, and what does replacement cost?
On local roads, they commonly last 90,000–180,000 km. Budget for 1–2 hours labour, plus parts. Parts pricing varies with material choice (OEM rubber vs polyurethane), and a wheel alignment is recommended once fitted.

Is it okay to upgrade to polyurethane bushes?
Yes, if a firmer steering feel is the goal. Poly tightens up response and resists oil soak, but can pass a touch more road feel into the cabin. For a stock, quiet ride, stick with quality rubber, for a crisper turn-in, poly is a sensible upgrade.