Parts for your 2015 Holden Barina-Steering bushes

2015 Holden Barina steering-bushes — what’s actually fitted?

For the 2015 Holden Barina (TM series, T300 platform), dedicated steering-bushes aren’t a thing. The factory setup uses a rack-and-pinion that bolts directly to the front subframe, and electric power steering is column-assist. There are no separate, serviceable steering rack mounting bushes in this model’s design.

This isn’t guesswork. GM Holden’s Barina TM Service Manual (Steering Gear Replacement – Manual, and Steering Column Description and Operation) details a solid-mounted steering gear without rack isolator bushes. The Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue for Barina TM (Group 6.800 Steering Gear) lists the rack, inner and outer tie rods, boots and hardware, but no rack mount bushes. GM Global Service Information for the T300 Sonic/Barina corroborates the same layout. Major aftermarket suspension bush specialists also don’t catalogue a steering rack bush kit for the Barina TM, which lines up with the OE design.

Why it’s built this way? With column-mounted electric power steering, the torque sensor and assist motor benefit from a rigid, precisely located steering gear. Rubberised bushes at the rack would add compliance and dull steering accuracy, and NVH is instead handled by the subframe mounts, column isolator, and other suspension bushes. That’s why you won’t find a “steering-bushes” replacement procedure in the factory literature for this car.

If there’s clunking, looseness, or on-centre wander, the smart checks on a Barina TM are:

• Outer and inner tie rod ends for play
• Intermediate steering shaft universal joints and column isolator
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser bar D-bushes and links
• Strut top mounts and bearings

A proper inspection on a hoist with a pry bar and dial indicator where needed, followed by a wheel alignment, is the right path. If any steering gear bolts are removed, they must be torqued to spec from the service manual, and the EPS system should be checked for fault codes or recalibration needs after work on the column.

So, for anyone hunting “2015 Holden Barina steering-bushes”, the short answer is they’re not used on this model. Look to the wear items above to sort noises, vibration, or vague feel.

FAQs

Does the 2015 Barina have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. The steering rack is solid-mounted to the subframe and the car uses column-assist electric power steering. There are no separate, serviceable rack mounting bushes in the factory design or parts catalogue.

What usually causes a steering clunk or play on a Barina if not rack bushes?
Common culprits are worn outer or inner tie rods, tired lower control arm bushes, sloppy sway bar links or D-bushes, a notchy intermediate shaft universal joint, or strut top mount wear. Any of these can mimic “rack bush” symptoms.

Can I fit aftermarket steering-bushes to sharpen the feel?
There aren’t recognised aftermarket rack bush kits for the TM Barina. The solid-mounted rack is deliberate for accuracy with EPS. Chasing steering feel is better done by renewing worn tie rods, control arm bushes and top mounts, ensuring correct tyre pressures, and getting a quality alignment.