Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

2014 Subaru Forester steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2014 Subaru Forester (SJ) uses steering bushes. The electric power steering rack is mounted to the front crossmember via rubber mounting bushes that isolate vibration and keep the rack correctly located. This is documented in Subaru’s 2014 Forester (SJ) Service Manual under the Steering/EPS rack mounting procedure, and shown in the Subaru parts catalogue where the steering gear is illustrated with mounting cushions/bushings. Aftermarket catalogues for the SJ Forester also list direct-fit replacement steering rack bush kits, confirming the part is serviceable on this model.

Steering bushes play a quiet but important role. They cushion the steering rack, reduce noise and harshness, and maintain precise alignment between the rack and the column and tie-rods. When they age or compress, the rack can shift slightly under load, which shows up as vague on-centre feel, clunks over bumps, or a shimmy through the wheel on rough roads. Left too long, that movement can accelerate wear in inner tie-rods and tyres.

As part of servicing a 2014 Forester, it’s wise to have the steering bushes inspected any time the front underbody is checked—typically every 20,000 km or during WOF/rego prep. A technician will look for cracks, oil swelling, excessive softness, or witness marks where the rack’s been moving on the crossmember.

• Common signs they’re tired: a dull knock over potholes, wandering or tramlining, steering that feels a bit rubbery when changing lanes, and uneven inside-edge tyre wear.
• They’re often replaceable without removing the entire rack, though the subframe may need supporting and the rack loosened for access.

1. Confirm bush style and fitment for the SJ Forester, OE rubber restores factory comfort, while quality polyurethane can sharpen feel but may add a touch more road texture.
2. Mark rack position and follow torque specs and alignment procedures from the Subaru manual to avoid introducing steering angle sensor or EPS issues.
3. Finish with a wheel alignment to ensure straight-ahead feel and even tyre wear.

With fresh bushes, the SJ Forester’s steering regains that tidy, confident feel—especially noticeable on corrugated rural roads and windy motorway runs common in Aus and NZ.

FAQs

Do all 2014 Foresters have replaceable steering rack bushes?
Yes. The SJ Forester’s steering rack mounts via serviceable bushes. OEM parts may be supplied with the rack assembly in some channels, but reputable aftermarket suppliers offer bush kits that fit the factory brackets.

What symptoms point to worn steering bushes on a 2014 Forester?
Owners often notice a clunk when turning into driveways or over speed humps, a vague or wandering feel at highway speeds, or light shimmy on coarse chip. Uneven tyre wear and steering that “returns” inconsistently after a corner can also be clues.

Can the bushes be changed at home?
It’s a doable driveway job for a competent DIYer with stands, a torque wrench and a service manual. The rack typically needs to be supported and partially loosened. If EPS alignment or steering angle calibration is required afterward, a workshop visit may still be needed.