Parts for your 2015 Subaru Outback-Steering bushes

2015 Subaru Outback steering bushes — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: no, not as a separate, serviceable part. Referencing the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the BN/BS-series (2015 Outback) and the Subaru parts catalogue (steering gear and linkage group), the steering rack is an electric power steering (EPS) unit that’s rigidly mounted to the front crossmember with bolts and brackets. There are no replaceable “steering rack bushes” or separate column bushes listed for this model. Any isolation for noise and vibration is either handled by the crossmember/subframe insulators or is built into the rack assembly and not supplied as individual bushes.

That’s why a traditional “steering-bushes” replacement isn’t relevant on a 2015 Subaru Outback. With EPS mounted directly to the rack, Subaru prioritised precise steering feel and packaging. Compliance and NVH tuning are managed elsewhere in the front end — think lower control arm bushes and sway bar bushes — rather than soft rack mounts. If anything in the rack-to-body interface were to deteriorate, Subaru’s documentation points to replacing or refitting the rack assembly rather than swapping separate bushings.

If the Outback feels vague on-centre, wanders, or knocks over bumps, it’s worth checking the common wear points that actually affect steering feel on this platform:

• Front lower control arm rear bushes (very common)
• Sway bar D-bushes and link rods
• Inner and outer tie rod ends
• Intermediate steering shaft universal joints
• Front subframe/crossmember mounting insulators
• Wheel alignment and tyre condition/pressures

As part of regular servicing, there’s no specific “steering-bushes” maintenance for this vehicle. Instead, have the front-end bushes, tie rods and alignment inspected at service intervals or every 10,000–15,000 km, keep tyres in good nick, and address any clunks or play promptly. If a technician suspects movement at the rack mounts, the correct remedy per Subaru literature is to verify bolt torque and, if necessary, repair or replace the rack assembly — not fit aftermarket rack bushes.

Technical basis: Subaru Factory Service Manual (BN/BS, Steering/EPS sections) and Subaru genuine parts catalogues for the 2015 Outback list no serviceable steering rack or column bushings, the steering gear is supplied and serviced as an assembly.

Popular questions

Does a 2015 Subaru Outback have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. On the BN/BS Outback the EPS rack bolts directly to the crossmember and Subaru does not list separate rack-mount bushes. If there’s play or noise at the rack, the prescribed fix is to check fastener torque and, if needed, repair or replace the rack assembly.

What should be checked if the steering feels vague or clunks on my 2015 Outback?
Start with front lower control arm rear bushes, sway bar D-bushes and links, inner/outer tie rods, and the intermediate shaft U-joints. Also confirm alignment and tyre health. These parts are the usual suspects for steering feel on this generation Outback.

Can I fit polyurethane steering bushes to sharpen the steering?
Aftermarket polyurethane “rack bushes” aren’t applicable to the 2015 Outback because the rack doesn’t use separate serviceable mounts. If a firmer feel is the goal, focus on high-quality control arm bushes, sway bar bushes, and fresh tie rods, then finish with a proper alignment.