Parts for your 2015 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

2015 Subaru Forester steering-bushes — what’s actually fitted?

For the 2015 Subaru Forester (SJ series), separate steering-bushes aren’t used as a serviceable part. Subaru’s factory service information for the SJ Forester (Steering section in the Subaru TechInfo Service Manual) shows an electric power steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion that bolts directly to the front crossmember with solid brackets and fasteners, without standalone rubber rack bushes. The Subaru FAST parts catalogue for MY2015 Forester (Group 341: Steering Gear &, Linkage) likewise lists the rack assembly, inner/outer tie-rods, bellows/boots and hardware, but no steering rack mounting bushes as individual items. Aftermarket application guides back this up, brands that offer rack bush kits for earlier Foresters (SG/SH) do not list kits for the SJ generation.

Why no steering-bushes on this model? With the EPS motor mounted on the rack, Subaru engineers aim for a rigid, accurately located steering gear so the assist torque and feedback are precise. NVH is controlled through other components (subframe design, column joints and body isolation) rather than soft rack bushes. Any minimal isolation used is integral to the rack and replaced with the rack as an assembly, not serviced separately.

If someone’s chasing steering-bushes for a 2015 Forester, they’re likely mixing it up with earlier models that did use replaceable rack bushes. On the SJ, if there’s play, wander, or a clunk over bumps, the usual suspects to inspect are:

• Inner and outer tie-rod ends (for axial and radial play)
• Front lower control arm bushes
• Stabiliser (sway bar) bushes and links
• Steering column universal joints
• Rack securing bolts to the crossmember (correct torque)
• Strut top mounts and front wheel bearings

Because the system is EPS, there’s no power steering fluid to service. Keep the rack boots intact and dry, and address any free play promptly to avoid accelerated tyre wear. If the rack itself develops internal play or noise, the remedy on this model is typically rack replacement rather than pressing in new bushes—exactly as indicated by the Subaru TechInfo manual and the Subaru parts catalogue listings.

Popular questions about 2015-subaru-forester steering-bushes

Does a 2015 Subaru Forester have steering-bushes I can replace?
No. Technical documentation (Subaru TechInfo Service Manual, SJ Steering section) and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue for MY2015 show no separate rack mounting bushes. The rack is rigidly mounted, any isolation is part of the rack assembly, so there’s nothing to press in or swap like on older Foresters.

What should be checked if the steering feels vague or there’s a clunk?
On the SJ Forester, look at inner/outer tie-rods, control arm bushes, sway bar bushes/links, strut tops, and the steering column joints. Also confirm the rack-to-crossmember fasteners are correctly torqued. These are the common wear points when owners suspect “steering-bushes”.

Will rack-bushing kits from earlier Foresters fit a 2015 model?
They won’t. Aftermarket application guides that list bush kits for SG/SH generations do not list them for the SJ (2014–2018) because the EPS rack uses a different, rigid mounting design.