Parts for your 2017 Subaru Legacy-Steering bushes

2017 Subaru Legacy steering bushes — what they do and when to replace

Yes, the 2017 Subaru Legacy is fitted with steering bushes. Subaru’s own technical literature confirms this: the Subaru Service Manual for the BN/BS series (2015–2019) in the Steering section, and the Subaru Global/Regional Parts Catalog (Group 34: Steering) both list rubber “cushion” or mounting bushes for the steering gearbox (rack) on this model’s electric power steering setup. Those bushes locate the rack on the front subframe and isolate noise and vibration.

In everyday driving, the steering bushes keep the rack precisely in place while soaking up harshness from bumps, corrugations, and quick steering inputs. When they age, soften, or split, the rack can nudge about under load. Drivers often notice a dull clunk over potholes, a vague or rubbery feel on initial turn-in, or a slight steering wheel twitch under braking. Left alone, that movement can knock other components about and contribute to uneven tyre wear.

Servicing-wise, it’s smart to have the bushes inspected at each routine service, especially if the car sees rough roads. A technician will look for cracking, flattening, or oil-soaking of the rubber, and may check for rack movement while an assistant nudges the wheel side to side. Any visible shift of the rack against its mounts is a give-away.

Replacement is straightforward workshop fare but does require safely supporting the rack, loosening the rack brackets, swapping the bushes, then refitting and torquing to the factory spec in the Subaru Service Manual. Because the rack position can influence toe, a wheel alignment afterwards is good practice. On late-model EPS Subarus, sticking with genuine-style rubber bushes generally preserves the factory NVH balance, performance polyurethane options can sharpen feel but may add a touch of vibration — a trade-off some drivers like and others don’t.

To help the bushes live a long life:

• Keep an eye out for fluid leaks that might attack rubber (engine oil in particular).
• Avoid hard kerb strikes and deep potholes, get an alignment check after any big hit.
• Inspect more often if the car does country kilometres or carries extra front-end weight.

With fresh steering bushes, the 2017 Legacy keeps that tidy, confident on-centre feel that Subaru owners expect, while staying quiet and composed on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Q: Does the 2017 Subaru Legacy actually have steering rack bushes?

A: It does. Subaru’s BN/BS Service Manual (Steering section) and the Subaru parts catalog (Group 34: Steering) show rubber mounting/cushion bushes for the steering gearbox. These isolate vibration and secure the rack to the subframe.

Q: How long do steering bushes typically last on this model?

A: It varies with roads and driving style. Many owners see well over 80,000–200,000 km before noticeable wear. Frequent corrugations, kerb knocks, or oil contamination can shorten that. A quick check at each service is sensible.

Q: Should owners choose polyurethane instead of OEM rubber?

A: Polyurethane can firm up steering feel and reduce rack shift, which some drivers love. On the flip side, it can add a bit of vibration and harshness compared with OEM rubber. For a daily driver prioritising comfort, genuine-style rubber is usually the safe bet.