Parts for your 2015 Ford Ranger-Steering bushes

2015 Ford Ranger steering bushes — are they actually a thing?

For the 2015 Ford Ranger (PX series), “steering bushes” aren’t a service part and aren’t used the way many older utes did. Technical references back this up: the Ford Workshop Manual for Ranger PX (Steering — Rack and Pinion, Section 211-02) details a rack-and-pinion steering gear that’s rigidly bolted to the front crossmember without separate, replaceable rack-mount bushes. The Ford parts catalogue for 2015 PX (Microcat/ETIS) likewise lists no steering rack mounting bushes or idler-arm bushes, because the platform uses rack-and-pinion rather than a recirculating-ball setup. Aftermarket AU/NZ catalogues (Nolathane, SuperPro) list control-arm and stabiliser-bar bushes for this model but no steering-rack bushes, which aligns with the factory design.

Why no steering bushes? The 2015 Ranger’s design aims for precise on-road feel and durability off-road. The hydraulic rack (PX1) and, on late-2015 PX2 models, the electric power-assisted rack (EPAS) are both hard-mounted via metal brackets and sleeves to maintain steering accuracy and reduce compliance. Any isolation required is handled inside the steering gear or via other chassis bushes, not by separate external rack bushes.

What should owners look at instead when chasing vague steering or clunks? The usual suspects on a 2015 Ranger are:

• Outer tie-rod ends and inner tie rods (rack ends)
• Front lower and upper control-arm bushes
• Stabiliser-bar (sway bar) D-bushes and link assemblies
• Steering column universal joints and firewall seal
• Front wheel bearings and alignment settings

As part of routine servicing, a good workshop will check tie-rod play, inspect rack bellows for splits, confirm column U-joints turn freely, and look over control-arm and sway-bar bushes for cracking or extrusion. On PX1 models with hydraulic power steering, fluid condition matters—dark, burnt, or contaminated fluid accelerates rack wear, so periodic fluid refresh helps. For late-2015 PX2 with EPAS, keep an ear out for assistance-motor noises and inspect mount hardware torque rather than chasing non-existent rack bushes.

Drivers who work their Ranger hard—corrugations, towing, beach or mud—should rinse the front end after off-road sessions and recheck boots and joints at shorter intervals. If the steering feels off-centre, the ute drifts, or tyres start feathering, a prompt alignment and a front-end inspection will usually sort it. The key point: a search for “steering bushes” on a 2015 Ranger will hit a dead end because the vehicle doesn’t use them, attention is better spent on the components above.

Popular questions

Do 2015 Ford Rangers have steering rack bushes?
They don’t. The PX Ranger’s rack-and-pinion is hard-mounted to the crossmember with no separate, serviceable rack-mount bushes. This is shown in Ford’s Workshop Manual and reflected in the parts catalogue and aftermarket listings. Any play or noise is more likely from tie-rod ends, control-arm bushes, sway-bar hardware, or column U-joints.

What fixes vague steering on a 2015 Ranger if there are no steering bushes?
Start with a front-end inspection: outer tie-rod ends and inner rack ends for play, control-arm bushes for cracking or movement, and sway-bar links/bushes for knock. Check tyre pressures and do a wheel alignment. On hydraulic racks, make sure the power-steering fluid is clean and at the right level, leaks or contaminated fluid point to rack wear that may need repair or replacement.

How often should steering components be checked?
At each service (typically 10,000–15,000 km or annually in AU/NZ conditions). If the ute hits a pothole hard, sees a lot of corrugations, or gets new tyres, bring alignment and front-end checks forward. Quick inspections and timely tie-rod or bush replacements keep steering tight and tyres wearing evenly.