Parts for your 2016 Ford Ranger-Steering bushes

2016 Ford Ranger steering bushes — what they do, and when to swap them

For the 2016 Ford Ranger (PXII), steering bushes are absolutely relevant. The Ranger runs a rack‑and‑pinion steering gear (electric power assist on most PXII models), and the rack is mounted to the front subframe through rubber insulators/bushes. This is documented in the Ford Workshop Manual for the 2016 Ranger (Steering System/211‑02), and the official parts catalogue lists insulators for the steering gear mounts. Reputable aftermarket catalogues from brands like SuperPro, Nolathane and Whiteline also list replacement rack‑mount bush kits for the 2011–2018 Ranger/BT‑50 platform, confirming the part is fitted and serviceable.

Those bushes aren’t just there for show. They locate the steering rack solidly while soaking up vibration and harshness, so the wheel feels planted without buzzing through every corrugation. When they wear, the rack can shift slightly under load, which shows up as a dull clunk over sharp bumps, vague on‑centre feel, wandering at highway speeds, or uneven tyre wear.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering rack bushes every 20,000–30,000 kilometres, or sooner if the ute works hard off‑road, tows, or runs bigger tyres. Look for cracking, perishing, elongation of the mount, and oil or diesel contamination that can soften the rubber. Also check inner and outer tie‑rod ends and the intermediate shaft joints while you’re under there.

• Tell‑tale signs: front‑end clunk or knock, steering shimmy on corrugations, imprecise on‑centre feel, or rapid/uneven front tyre wear.
• Bush options: OE‑style rubber for factory NVH, or quality polyurethane for better location and durability if you tour or tow.
• Workshop tips: the rack usually needs to be loosened or removed to press the bushes in/out. Mark positions, tighten to spec from the workshop manual, and finish with a wheel alignment.

On many PXII Rangers the factory approach is to replace the steering rack as an assembly if the mounts are excessively worn, but plenty of workshops successfully fit bush kits where condition allows. If the vehicle has electric power steering, keep the ignition off during removal, keep the wheel centred, and follow the manual for any steering angle or EPS procedures after reassembly.

Done properly, fresh steering bushes bring back that confident, direct feel the Ranger is known for, and help protect tyres and other front‑end components over the long haul.

Popular questions about 2016 Ford Ranger steering bushes

Does a 2016 Ford Ranger actually have steering rack bushes?
Yes. The PXII Ranger uses a rack‑and‑pinion unit mounted to the subframe via rubber insulators/bushes. Both the Ford workshop documentation and multiple OE/aftermarket parts catalogues list these mounts, and aftermarket suppliers produce replacement kits specifically for the platform.

How long do the bushes last, and what symptoms should drivers watch for?
Lifespan varies with use, but 80,000–150,000 kilometres is typical. Rough roads, heavy loads and fluid contamination shorten it. Common symptoms include a dull clunk over potholes, vague on‑centre steering, tram‑lining on ruts, and feathered or uneven front tyre wear.

Can the bushes be replaced without changing the whole rack?
Often, yes. While the OE route may be a complete rack if wear is severe, quality bush kits allow a targeted repair when the rack itself is sound. A proper press‑in job followed by a wheel alignment restores steering precision without the cost of a full rack.