Parts for your 2016 Mazda Cx-5-Steering bushes

2016 Mazda CX-5 steering bushes — are they actually a thing?

For the 2016 Mazda CX-5 (KE/KF transition year, 2016 build), “steering bushes” aren’t a separate, serviceable part of the steering system. The vehicle uses a rack-and-pinion layout with electric power steering assistance at the column. In Mazda’s factory documentation for this model, there are no standalone steering rack mounting bushes listed for replacement.

Technical sources to back that up: the Mazda CX-5 (KE) Workshop Manual, Steering section (Steering Gear and Linkage – exploded view and removal/installation) shows the steering gear bolted directly to the front crossmember with brackets/fasteners and no separate rack-mount insulators called out as service parts. The Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 2016 CX-5 likewise lists the steering gear assembly, inner/outer tie rods, bellows boots, and the steering column assembly, but does not list rack-mount “bushes” or column bushes as individual replacement items. Mazda’s scheduled maintenance information for AU/NZ markets also doesn’t include any steering-bush replacement interval, steering checks focus on free play, leaks, boot condition, and tie-rod ends.

Why they’re not used as a separate part: with the column-assist EPS layout, Mazda controls noise, vibration, and harshness primarily via the subframe, control-arm bushes, and the column’s own isolation design. The rack mounts rigidly for precision and feel, and any internal support bush within the rack housing is non-serviceable—if it’s worn, the complete steering gear is replaced rather than pressing in a new bush.

If there’s clunking, wander, or shimmy that might make someone think “steering bushes”, the usual culprits on a 2016 CX-5 are elsewhere:

• Outer/inner tie-rod ends (play or torn boots)
• Front lower control arm bushes or ball joints (common NVH sources)
• Sway bar links and D-bushes
• Intermediate steering shaft (U-joint) or column play
• Wheel alignment or tyre/wheel issues

A technician will typically check steering free play at the wheel, inspect tie-rod ends and boots, lever-test the control arm bushes, and confirm the column and intermediate shaft are tight and smooth. If the rack itself is faulty internally, the fix is replacement of the steering gear assembly rather than “bush” replacement.

• Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have steering rack bushes?
  Not as a separate, serviceable item. Mazda’s workshop manual and EPC don’t list rack-mount bushes for the 2016 CX-5, the rack is bolted to the crossmember, and any internal support bush is part of the rack and not replaceable on its own.
• What should be checked if there’s a knock in the steering?
  Start with outer and inner tie rods, then look at front lower control arm bushes/ball joints, sway bar links/bushes, and the intermediate steering shaft. Also verify wheel/tyre balance and an up-to-date alignment.
• Can the internal steering rack bush be replaced separately?
  No. If the internal support bush or rack gear is worn, Mazda’s prescribed repair is replacement of the complete steering gear assembly.