Parts for your 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer-Steering bushes

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer steering-bushes

Yes, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ/CF series) uses steering bushes. This is confirmed by the Mitsubishi Lancer CJ/CF Service Manual (Group 37A – Steering) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, both of which show the rack-and-pinion assembly mounted to the front crossmember with rubber bushes. Aftermarket technical catalogues from Whiteline and SuperPro also list steering rack mounting bush kits for 2007–2017 Lancer models, further backing this up.

Steering bushes sit between the steering rack and the subframe, keeping the rack precisely located while isolating vibration and harshness. In everyday driving they help the Lancer track straight, keep the steering feel consistent on-centre, and reduce clunks over potholes and corrugations. Because they’re made of rubber or polyurethane, they naturally wear over time from load, age, heat, and (on hydraulic systems) possible fluid exposure. Even EPS-equipped variants still rely on these bushes for location and NVH control.

When the bushes soften, split, or deform, the rack can shift under load. That shows up as vague steering, a thud on initial turn-in, or the wheel pulling or shimmying when accelerating or braking. Left long enough it can contribute to uneven tyre wear due to tiny but constant toe changes.

• Typical signs they’re tired: knock or clunk over bumps, wandering at highway speeds, tramlining, inconsistent steering feel, and visible cracking or perishing of the bush material.
• Inspection tips: check at every service or 20,000–30,000 km, use a pry bar to gently load the rack mounts while watching for movement, look for oil swelling if the car has hydraulic power steering.

Replacement is a straightforward workshop job: support the rack, remove the mounting hardware, swap the bushes, and refit. It pays to mark the rack position and avoid twisting the column joint. A wheel alignment should follow any rack or bush work. For daily driving and best NVH, quality OEM-style rubber works well. For sharper response, performance polyurethane bushes are available, though they can add a touch more vibration at idle and on coarse-chip roads. Anyone working near the column should disconnect the battery and follow airbag-safe procedures as outlined in the Lancer CJ/CF Service Manual.

• Good practice in Australia and New Zealand: inspect bushes before long road trips, after frequent gravel-road use, or when chasing a WOF/reg inspection knock or wander.

Does a 2014 Lancer actually have steering bushes?

It does. The steering rack mounts to the front crossmember through dedicated rubber bushes. This layout is documented in the Mitsubishi CJ/CF Service Manual (Group 37A – Steering) and shown in the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue, with multiple aftermarket bush kits also listed for the 2007–2017 platform.

How long do Lancer steering bushes last, and what are the symptoms?

Many last well past 100,000 km, but rough roads, heat, and fluid exposure can shorten that. Watch for clunks over bumps, a loose on-centre feel, tramlining, or uneven tyre wear. If in doubt, have a technician lever-test the rack mounts and inspect the bush condition.

Should they be replaced with polyurethane or rubber?

Rubber keeps factory ride and noise levels and suits most daily drivers. Polyurethane tightens response and reduces rack movement, great for spirited driving, but can add a bit of vibration and road feel. Either way, a post-fit wheel alignment is recommended.