Parts for your 2016 Subaru Legacy-Steering bushes

2016 Subaru Legacy steering-bushes: are they used on this model?

Based on the Subaru Service Manual for the BN/BS platform (2015–2018, Steering section), Subaru’s FAST electronic parts catalogue, and mainstream aftermarket catalogues, the 2016 Subaru Legacy does not use separate, serviceable steering-bushes (rack-mount bushes). On this model, the electric power steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion assembly is bolted directly to the front subframe using rigid mounts specified in the factory procedure, with no standalone rack-bushing kit listed as a replacement part.

That design choice is deliberate. With EPS, Subaru tunes noise, vibration and harshness through the rack housing, subframe, and column isolators rather than relying on soft external bushes around the steering gear. If there’s excessive movement at the rack mounts on a 2016 Legacy, the factory remedy is inspection and torque verification, and if damage or play is found, replacement of the steering gear assembly rather than pressing in new bushes.

For drivers chasing a vague feel, a knock over bumps, or on-centre shimmy, the likely culprits aren’t steering-bushes. Common checks that make a real difference on this car include:

• Inner and outer tie-rod ends (wear here often feels like “rack play”).
• Front lower control arm bushes (especially rear “hydraulic” style bushes).
• Stabiliser (sway bar) bushes and links.
• Steering column universal joints and intermediate shaft splines.
• Front subframe and steering rack mounting bolt torque per the Subaru spec.

As part of routine servicing in Australian and New Zealand conditions—plenty of coarse-chip roads and long kilometres—it’s smart to road test for clunks, check tyre wear patterns, and put a spanner on the rack and subframe fasteners to verify torque. If the steering feels off, measuring tie-rod play and inspecting control arm bushes will usually pinpoint the issue faster than hunting for non-existent steering-bushes on this model.

The takeaway: steering-bushes aren’t a service item on the 2016 Legacy. Keep the EPS rack secure to spec, fix wear in tie-rods and control arm bushes, and finish with a quality wheel alignment to restore that tidy, confidence-inspiring steering feel.

• Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Legacy steering-bushes

Do 2016 Subaru Legacy models have replaceable steering-bushes?

No. The BN/BS Legacy uses an electric power steering rack that mounts directly to the subframe without separate, serviceable rack-mount bushes. Subaru’s service literature and parts catalogue list the steering gear as an assembly.

What should be checked if the steering feels loose or knocks on a 2016 Legacy?

Start with inner/outer tie-rod ends, front lower control arm bushes, sway bar bushes/links, and the steering column joints. Also confirm the rack and subframe bolts are torqued to the Subaru spec before considering steering gear replacement.

Can aftermarket polyurethane steering-bushes be fitted to a 2016 Legacy?

Aftermarket brands don’t generally offer a rack-bushing kit for the BN/BS platform because the rack isn’t designed to accept separate bushes. If sharper steering is the goal, focus on quality tyres, alignment settings, and renewing worn control arm or sway bar bushes instead.