Parts for your 2016 Subaru Outback-Steering bushes

2016 Subaru Outback steering bushes — relevant or not?

For the 2016 Subaru Outback (BS series), standalone “steering bushes” aren’t a relevant or serviceable item. The vehicle uses a rack‑mounted electric power steering (EPS) system that is bolted rigidly to the front subframe. Subaru’s factory Service Manual for the 2015–2017 Outback/Legacy (Steering System, ST section) shows the steering gear secured with solid mounts and fasteners, without any replaceable rack‑mount rubber bushes. Likewise, the official Subaru parts catalogue (Group 34: Steering, Gear & Linkage) does not list steering rack mounting bushes as separate parts. In practice, if there’s movement at the rack mounts, Subaru’s remedy is replacement of the rack assembly rather than bush replacement.

Why no bushes? EPS racks are calibrated for precise torsional feedback and on‑centre feel. Rubber isolator bushes introduce compliance that can blur that feedback, so manufacturers often use rigid mounting strategies and manage noise, vibration and harshness elsewhere in the platform. On this Outback, serviceable wear points around the steering are the inner and outer tie‑rod ends, rack boots, and related suspension bushes (control arm and stabiliser bar bushes) that can mimic steering looseness if worn. The steering column itself uses bearings and guides within the column assembly, again, no separate “bush kit” is listed.

If the Outback presents with vibration, clunks or vague steering, a technician typically checks:

• Outer and inner tie‑rod ends for play
• Rack boots for tears and fluid residue (EPS is electric, but boot damage still lets in grit)
• Front lower control arm rear bushes and stabiliser bar bushes/links
• Steering column universal joints
• Front subframe and rack fastener torque
• Wheel alignment, tyre condition and pressures

Owners looking for aftermarket polyurethane “steering rack bushes” will find they’re commonly offered for earlier Subaru hydraulic racks, but not for the BS‑series Outback with EPS. Any attempt to retrofit generic bushes would mean fabricating or modifying safety‑critical mounts, which isn’t recommended and could affect EPS calibration and roadworthiness.

Technical references: Subaru Service Manual (2015–2017 Outback/Legacy, Steering System—ST), Subaru FAST/official parts catalogue (2016 Outback, Group 34 Steering). These documents show no separate steering rack bush components for this model year.

FAQs

Does the 2016 Outback have replaceable steering rack bushes?
No. The EPS rack is rigidly mounted to the subframe and Subaru does not list separate rack‑mount bushes. If mounting play is found, the prescribed repair is typically rack replacement after confirming fastener torque and subframe condition.

What should be inspected if the steering feels loose or clunks over bumps?
Check the outer and inner tie‑rod ends, front control arm rear bushes, stabiliser bar bushes and links, the steering column U‑joint, and verify rack and subframe bolt torque. Also ensure tyres and wheel alignment are in good order, as they strongly influence steering feel.

Can aftermarket polyurethane steering bushes be fitted to sharpen the steering?
They’re not offered for the BS‑series Outback EPS rack. Fabricating or adapting bushes is unsafe, can upset EPS calibration, and may compromise compliance with Australian and New Zealand roadworthy standards.