Parts for your 2016 Mazda Cx-9-Steering bushes

2016 Mazda CX-9 steering-bushes: what’s actually fitted and what to service

For the 2016 Mazda CX-9 (TC), separate, serviceable steering-bushes are not used. This model runs an electric power steering (EPS) rack that’s bolted rigidly to the front subframe, so there aren’t any traditional steering rack mounting bushes to replace. That’s why a “steering-bushes” kit isn’t relevant to this vehicle.

Technical sources support this. The Mazda CX-9 (TC) Workshop Manual steering section describes the rack-and-pinion EPS unit installed directly to the front crossmember with specified bolts and brackets, with no removable rack-mount rubber insulators. The Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the TC CX-9 (2016–on) lists the steering gear assembly, brackets and fasteners, but no separate steering rack bush components. Major aftermarket catalogues for this generation also don’t list a steering rack bush kit for the 2016-on CX-9, while offering sway bar and control arm bushes for the same vehicle.

Why Mazda doesn’t use them here comes down to precision and calibration. Eliminating rubber compliance at the rack mount sharpens steering response and lets the EPS map work consistently across different loads and temperatures. Noise and vibration are managed via the subframe mounts, column isolators and overall chassis tuning rather than a soft rack mount. The upshot is a cleaner feel at the wheel and fewer wear-prone parts in the steering gear itself.

If there’s a clunk, free play or a vague feel on a 2016 CX-9, it’s almost never “steering-bushes”. Common culprits include inner or outer tie rod ends, front stabiliser (sway) bar bushes or links, lower control arm bushes, top strut mounts, or—far less often—internal wear in the rack assembly. Because the rack mounts are rigid, any looseness there points to incorrect torque or structural damage, not perished bushes.

Good servicing practice for the 2016 CX-9 steering is straightforward:

• At regular services (10,000–15,000 km), inspect inner/outer tie rods and rack boots for play or splits.
• Check front sway bar bushes and links, many “steering” knocks come from these instead.
• Keep tyre pressures and alignment on point, both have a big impact on EPS feel.
• After any subframe or front-end work, re-torque the subframe and steering gear fasteners to workshop specs.

So, while “steering-bushes” aren’t a thing on the 2016 CX-9, a tidy front end with healthy tie rods, bushes in the control arms and a fresh alignment will keep the steering feeling right at home on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. The TC-generation CX-9 uses an EPS rack that’s solid-mounted to the subframe, so there are no separate steering rack bushes. If there’s movement or noise, a technician will check tie rods, sway bar bushes/links, control arm bushes and fastener torque instead.

What causes a steering clunk on a 2016 CX-9 if it’s not the rack bushes?
Most commonly: worn sway bar links or bushes, inner/outer tie rods, lower control arm bushes or strut top mounts. Less often, subframe fasteners need re-torquing. The rack itself rarely fails, but if it does, it’s an assembly-level fix rather than a bush swap.

Can I fit aftermarket bushes to sharpen the steering on a 2016 CX-9?
Not for the rack mounts—there aren’t any bushes there. Poly options do exist for sway bar and some control arm locations, which can sharpen response but may add NVH. For most owners, quality tyres, correct pressures and a precise alignment deliver the best steering feel.