Parts for your 2017 Ford Escape-Steering bushes

2017 Ford Escape steering bushes — what’s actually fitted

Short answer: separate “steering bushes” aren’t a thing on the 2017 Ford Escape. The model runs an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack-and-pinion that bolts directly to the front subframe without serviceable rack-mount bushes. Ford’s 2017 Escape/Kuga Workshop Manual (Steering — EPAS, removal/installation and exploded view) shows the steering gear secured with bolts and locating sleeves, with no replaceable bush components listed. Likewise, the Ford/Motorcraft parts catalogues and common aftermarket catalogues don’t list a steering-rack bushing kit for this year/model, which is the industry’s usual tell that none are fitted or serviced separately.

Why no bushes? Modern EPAS systems are tuned for sharp on-centre feel and precise input. A rigidly mounted rack avoids the compliance and squirm that rubber bushes can introduce, helping the EPAS motor and control module deliver consistent assistance and accurate self‑calibration. On this platform, any isolation is built into the rack assembly itself and isn’t a separate consumable item.

Chasing a knock, shimmy or play at the wheel? On a 2017 Escape it’s far more likely to be elsewhere:

• Inner or outer tie-rod joints
• Lower control arm bushes (front suspension, not steering)
• Sway-bar links or sway-bar chassis bushes
• Steering column lower universal joint
• Subframe or rack mounting bolt looseness, or wear within the rack assembly

For servicing, a good workshop will road test, check EPAS for fault codes, inspect tie-rod end play, torque the rack/subframe fasteners to spec, and look over suspension bushes and sway-bar hardware. If the rack itself is worn, Ford’s documentation treats it as an assembly replacement rather than a bush swap. That approach aligns with the lack of separate bush part numbers in OE and aftermarket parts references.

Put simply, if someone is trying to sell “steering bushes” for a 2017 Ford Escape, they’re probably mixing it up with suspension bushes. Focus maintenance where it counts, keep tyres correctly inflated and balanced, and get the front end aligned after any steering or control arm work to protect tyre wear and keep the Escape tracking straight on Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Popular questions

Does a 2017 Ford Escape have steering rack bushes I can replace?

No. The EPAS rack mounts rigidly to the subframe and doesn’t use separate, serviceable rack bushes. Ford’s workshop information and parts catalogues list no such part for this model year. If there’s play or noise, diagnosis normally points to tie rods, suspension bushes, sway-bar hardware, the column U-joint, or the rack assembly itself.

What should be checked first if there’s a clunk when turning?

Start with outer and inner tie-rod joints, sway-bar links and bushes, and the front lower control arm bushes. Also inspect the steering column lower joint and ensure the rack and subframe fasteners are correctly torqued. If all that’s sound, the EPAS rack may have internal wear and would be replaced as a unit.

Can I fit aftermarket polyurethane steering bushes to firm things up?

There aren’t steering rack bushes to replace on this model, and no reputable kits are listed for that purpose. Adding homemade or non-approved inserts can alter steering geometry and EPAS feel, and may introduce noise or calibration issues. Stick to OE-spec hardware and address wear in the genuine wear items listed above.