Parts for your 2013 Subaru Impreza-Steering bushes

2013 Subaru Impreza Steering Bushes

Steering bushes are absolutely used on the 2013 Subaru Impreza (GJ/GP). The Subaru factory service manual for the GJ/GP platform details the steering gear being mounted to the front crossmember via rubber rack-mounting bushes, with specific removal/installation steps and torque notes under Steering > Electric Power Steering > Rack and Pinion. Subaru’s FAST parts catalogue also lists these as steering gear cushion rubbers for 2012–2016 Impreza models. Aftermarket fitment catalogues from well-known brands such as Whiteline and SuperPro offer rack-and-pinion mount bush kits for GJ/GP Imprezas, further confirming they’re a serviceable part on this vehicle.

On this model, the steering bushes sit between the electric power steering rack and the subframe. Their job is to isolate noise and vibration while keeping the rack precisely located. When they get tired, the rack can shift slightly under load, which dulls steering feel and can add a knock over bumps. Fresh bushes help the Impreza track straighter, feel sharper on turn-in, and keep cabin NVH in check.

Common signs it’s time to look at the steering-bushes on a 2013 Impreza include:

• Vague or wandering steering on the motorway
• Clunks or knocks felt through the wheel on rough roads
• Rack movement visible while an assistant rocks the wheel with the car on a hoist
• Perished, cracked, or oil-soaked rubber at the rack mounts

Replacement is straight-forward workshop work: support the rack, remove the mounting bolts, swap the bushes (noting orientation), and torque everything to the factory spec. Because the tie-rods don’t need to be disturbed, a wheel alignment may not strictly be required, but it’s smart to get toe checked afterwards to make sure it’s bang-on. With EPS on this Impreza there’s no hydraulic fluid to leak onto the bushes, but engine oil seepage can still degrade rubber, so address any leaks early.

Owners can choose OEM-style rubber for quiet comfort or polyurethane for a bit more steering feel and durability (expect a smidge more NVH with poly). In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, bushes often last 8–12 years depending on kilometres and road quality. As part of routine servicing, a quick visual check for cracking and a lever test for rack movement pays dividends. If there’s play, replacing the steering bushes is a relatively low-cost way to restore confidence and accuracy to the front end of a 2013 Subaru Impreza.

Popular questions

Do 2013 Subaru Imprezas actually have steering rack bushes?
Yes. The GJ/GP Impreza uses an electric power steering rack mounted to the front crossmember with rubber bushes. This is documented in Subaru’s service manual procedures and reflected in both OEM parts listings and aftermarket bush kits for this exact model range.

Will I need a wheel alignment after replacing the steering bushes?
Often not, because the tie-rods stay untouched. That said, it’s wise to check toe afterwards. Even a small shift in rack position can nudge alignment, and a quick check keeps tyre wear and steering feel spot on.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes—what’s better for a daily-driven Impreza?
Rubber maintains the factory comfort and NVH levels. Polyurethane tightens steering feel and typically lasts longer, but you may notice a little more road texture through the wheel. For most daily drivers, fresh OEM-style rubber is perfect, for a sportier feel, go poly.