Parts for your 2016 Ford Escape-Steering bushes

2016 Ford Escape steering-bushes — are they used?

After checking the Ford Workshop Manual for the 2016 Escape/Kuga (Section 211-02 Steering), the Ford Electronic Parts Catalogue (Microcat), and common parts listings used by workshops, steering-bushes are not a separate, serviceable part on this model. The 2016 Escape uses an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack that mounts directly to the front subframe. The rack’s isolation and mounting features are built into the steering gear assembly, and Ford specifies the steering gear is serviced as a complete unit with new fasteners where required, rather than replacing individual rack bushings.

That’s why a dedicated “steering-bushes” kit doesn’t show up in Ford’s EPC or reputable aftermarket catalogues for this vehicle. While earlier or different-platform vehicles sometimes use separate steering rack bushes, the EPAS setup on the 2016 Escape/Kuga integrates NVH control and alignment stability into the rack and its hardware. This design improves steering precision and reduces play, and it aligns with modern safety and driver-assist expectations. As a result, bushings aren’t treated as a standalone wear item in the steering gear on this car.

If there’s looseness or a clunk felt through the wheel, workshops usually look beyond “steering-bushes” and instead check:

• Inner and outer tie rod ends for play.
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints.
• Sway bar links and D-bushes (these are suspension, not steering, but can sound similar).
• Intermediate steering shaft joints for binding or free play.
• Steering rack mounting and subframe fasteners for torque and condition (replace torque-to-yield bolts as specified by Ford).

Where the mounting interface or internal isolators of the EPAS rack are worn or damaged, the approved fix is replacement of the steering gear assembly. It’s a job that should include new single-use bolts as per Ford’s procedure and always ends with a wheel alignment. Good practice on a 2016 Escape service is to inspect the tie rods, control arm bushes and sway bar hardware at each service interval, and road test for knocks over sharp bumps or a dead spot on centre. Any sign of wander, rattle or notchiness is a prompt to get the EPAS rack and related hardware assessed.

Popular questions about 2016 Ford Escape steering-bushes

Do 2016 Ford Escapes have replaceable steering-bushes?
No. The EPAS steering rack mounts directly to the subframe and is serviced as a complete unit. There aren’t separate, catalogued rack bushings for this model.

What should be checked if there’s a steering clunk or play?
Start with inner/outer tie rods, front control arm bushes, sway bar links and D-bushes, and the intermediate shaft. If those pass, the EPAS rack and its mounting hardware should be evaluated and fasteners replaced or retorqued per Ford guidance.

Can aftermarket bushes be fitted to the steering rack?
Aftermarket catalogues typically don’t list a rack bushing kit for the 2016 Escape/Kuga. If isolation or mounting wear is confirmed, the correct repair is replacement of the steering gear assembly and relevant single-use bolts, followed by a proper alignment.