Parts for your 2015 Ford Kuga-Steering bushes

2015 Ford Kuga steering-bushes — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: steering-bushes aren’t a service item on the 2015 Ford Kuga. Ford’s factory documentation for the Kuga/Escape platform (C520) shows an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack that bolts directly to the front subframe with specific fasteners, not separate, replaceable rack mounting bushes. The steering column uses bearings within the column assembly. There are no standalone “steering-bushes” listed for routine service or replacement.

This isn’t guesswork. The Ford Workshop Manual for the 2013–2016 Kuga (Steering/EPAS sections, often indexed under Section 211-02) specifies removal/installation of the steering gear and column without calling out rack-mount bushes as service parts. Likewise, OEM parts catalogues for the C520 Kuga list the steering gear assembly, tie rods and mounting bolts, but do not list separate steering rack bushes or column bushes as replaceable items. In practice, if the rack has play or noise, the prescribed fix is inspection of fasteners and, if necessary, replacement of the steering gear assembly rather than pressing in new bushes.

What often gets mixed up here are suspension bushes that can influence steering feel. On the 2015 Kuga, technicians commonly find wear in:

• Front lower control arm bushes (rear/hydraulic bush)
• Stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and links
• Strut top mounts/bearings

Wear in those parts can cause clunks, wander or vague on-centre feel that some people attribute to “steering bushes”. If the Kuga’s steering feels loose or knocks over bumps, a proper inspection usually focuses on the control arm bushes, sway bar hardware, inner/outer tie rods and the intermediate shaft joints, plus verifying the subframe bolts are correctly torqued. Any detected free play within the EPAS rack itself is addressed by replacing the rack, as per Ford service information.

For peace of mind at service time in Australia or New Zealand, ask for a front-end check that includes control arm bushes and sway bar bushes, tyre condition and pressures, and a wheel alignment report. That routine goes a long way to keeping a Kuga pointing straight without chasing a “steering-bushes” part that isn’t fitted to this model.

• Popular questions about 2015 Ford Kuga steering-bushes

Does a 2015 Ford Kuga have steering rack bushes I can replace?

No. The EPAS steering rack on this model mounts to the subframe with specific bolts and does not use separate, serviceable rack bushes. If there’s play or noise traced to the rack, the documented remedy is rack replacement after confirming mounting torque and related hardware are in spec.

My Kuga’s steering feels vague — what should be checked if there are no steering-bushes?

Start with front lower control arm bushes, sway bar D-bushes and links, strut top mounts, and inner/outer tie rods. Also check tyre pressures, tyre wear and alignment. Any clunks through the column warrant a look at the intermediate shaft joints and column assembly.

How often should these front-end bushes be inspected?

As a rule of thumb, inspect at every service or at least every 12 months/15,000 km in local conditions. More frequent checks make sense if the vehicle sees rough roads, corrugations, or heavy loads, as these accelerate bush wear.