Parts for your 2017 Ford Focus-Steering bushes

2017 Ford Focus — are steering bushes fitted or relevant?

Short answer: no. On the 2017 Ford Focus (LZ/Mk3.5), there aren’t any separate, serviceable “steering bushes” for the steering gear. This isn’t guesswork. The Ford Workshop Manual for 2015–2018 Focus (Section 211-02 Steering System), Ford’s Microcat/ETIS parts catalogue, and general repair references such as the Haynes manual and Autodata list the steering gear (EPAS rack) as a rigidly mounted assembly to the front subframe with no separate rack-mount bushes supplied as service parts. Any isolation elements are integral to the rack and not sold on their own.

Why it’s built that way: the Focus uses Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). For precise assistance, road feel and stability control integration, Ford mounts the rack solidly to the subframe. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is managed through the rack design and elsewhere in the chassis, rather than with soft, replaceable rack bushes. If there’s movement at the rack, Ford’s procedure is to replace the complete steering gear rather than press in “bushes”.

If someone’s chasing a knock, vagueness or a squeak up front on a 2017 Focus, it’s usually not a mythical steering bush. The likely culprits are below, all of which are documented service items in the sources above:

• Front lower control arm bushes (front and large rear hydrobush)
• Anti-roll bar (sway bar) D‑bushes and end links
• Inner and outer tie rod ball joints
• Steering column intermediate shaft/universal joint
• Front subframe locating/through bolts (check torque, many are torque‑to‑yield and must be renewed if removed)

Maintenance tips for owners and workshops:

• Inspect control arm bushes and sway bar D‑bushes for cracking, oil swelling, or excessive play every service interval, especially on rough or corrugated roads common in Aus/NZ.
• Check inner tie rods by feeling for axial or radial play at the rack boots, outers by rocking the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock.
• If the subframe is lowered for any reason (e.g., clutch, rack, or bush work), use new bolts where specified and perform a wheel alignment afterwards.
• Any confirmed movement of the steering rack on its mounts means replacing the entire EPAS unit, per Ford repair procedures.

So, while the phrase “steering bushes” pops up online, it doesn’t apply to the 2017 Focus rack. Focus owners are better off budgeting for control arm and sway bar bushes, tie rod ends, and a good alignment to keep steering feel crisp and tyres wearing evenly.

FAQs — 2017 Ford Focus steering bushes

Do 2017 Ford Focus models have replaceable steering rack bushes?
No. The EPAS steering rack mounts rigidly to the subframe and there are no separate, serviceable rack bushes. Any isolation is built into the rack assembly. If the rack is loose or noisy at its mounts, standard practice is to replace the complete steering gear unit.

What usually causes clunks or vague steering if it’s not steering bushes?
On these cars it’s commonly worn front lower control arm bushes, tired sway bar D‑bushes or links, or play in inner/outer tie rods. The steering column intermediate shaft can also develop play. A proper inspection on stands, with a pry bar and dial checks for tie rods, will pinpoint the issue quickly.

What should be done during servicing to keep the steering tight?
Inspect the control arm bushes and sway bar bushes each service, check tie rod joints for play, and make sure the subframe hardware is correctly torqued after any work. Replace any torque‑to‑yield bolts that were removed, and finish with a four‑wheel alignment to protect your tyres and steering feel.