Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Steering bushes

2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross steering bushes

Based on Mitsubishi’s workshop manual for the Eclipse Cross (GK, 2017–) Group 37 Steering, the vehicle uses an electric rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember via rubber isolator bushes. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for GK models also lists steering gear mounting bushes for the rack assembly. So, steering bushes are relevant and fitted to the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

On this model, the steering bushes sit between the rack housing and the front subframe. Their job is to hold the rack firmly in place while soaking up vibration and road shock. That isolation helps the Eclipse Cross feel quiet and composed over rough surfaces, while still keeping the steering precise and linear. When these bushes wear, the rack can shift slightly under load, which shows up as a dull clunk over bumps, vaguer on-centre feel, kickback through the wheel, or alignment that doesn’t seem to stay put. Tyre wear on the shoulders can creep in too.

As part of regular servicing, a quick visual and lever-check of the rack mounts is smart—especially for cars driven on corrugated roads or patched tarmac common around Australia and New Zealand. Look for perished rubber, cracking, off-centre rack mounting, or any witness marks that suggest movement. Have a second person gently rock the steering while watching the rack, any obvious shift relative to the subframe points to tired bushes.

Replacement is straightforward workshop fare but can require carefully supporting the rack and, on some cars, lowering the front subframe a touch for access. Best practice is to replace bushes as a matched set, use quality OE-equivalent parts, and torque the mounting hardware to the workshop manual spec. Where the manual calls for single-use bolts, fit new ones. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards, as even tiny changes at the rack mounts can nudge toe settings.

Owners chasing a sportier feel sometimes opt for polyurethane bushes. They do sharpen steering response but can pass a bit more road texture into the cabin—perfectly fine for some, not everyone’s cup of tea. Either way, if there’s clunking, wandering, or tramlining, don’t leave it—fresh steering bushes will restore the tidy, confident feel the Eclipse Cross is known for.

• Common signs: clunks over bumps, vague on-centre, uneven tyre wear
• Service tip: inspect every service or 20,000 km, align after replacement
• Driving conditions: rough roads accelerate bush wear

Popular questions about 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross steering bushes

Are the steering bushes serviceable separately on the 2017 Eclipse Cross?
Yes. The rack mounts use isolator bushes that can be replaced without changing the entire steering rack on most vehicles. Access varies, some workshops lower the subframe slightly for room. Always follow the factory procedure and torque specs, and replace any single-use bolts if specified.

Will worn steering bushes affect wheel alignment and tyre wear?
They can. If the rack moves on its mounts, toe can shift under load, causing feathering or shoulder wear on the tyres and a steering wheel that won’t stay straight. After fitting new bushes, a proper alignment helps lock in the sharp steering feel and protect tyre life.

How often should steering bushes be checked or replaced?
Inspection at every service or around 20,000 km is a good rule of thumb. In harsher conditions—gravel, potholes, or frequent kerb strikes—checks should be more frequent. Replacement is condition-based: if the rubber is cracked, split, oil-soaked, or the rack can be seen to move, it’s time to replace.