Parts for your 2017 Volvo Xc60-Steering bushes

2017 Volvo XC60 steering-bushes — are they used, and what owners should know

For the 2017 Volvo XC60, “steering bushes” aren’t a separate, serviceable part. Technical sources including Volvo VIDA (2017 XC60 P3 platform workshop procedures and parts catalogue) and the Volvo Electronic Parts Catalogue show the steering gear (rack-and-pinion, hydraulic on some variants and electric power steering on many Drive-E cars) bolted directly to the front subframe without discrete, replaceable rack-mount bushes. The steering column uses bearings and joints rather than serviceable bushes. Major aftermarket catalogues for this model also do not list a steering rack bushing kit, which backs up the factory information.

Why no steering bushes? Volvo engineered the XC60’s steering gear to mount rigidly to the subframe for precision and safety. Compliance and NVH are controlled through the subframe mounts and the suspension bushes (control arm bushes and stabiliser bar bushes), not through soft rack bushings. If there’s play at the rack, it typically indicates wear or damage in the rack itself or the subframe mounts—not a bushing that can simply be replaced.

What owners often call “steering bushes” are usually suspension bushes that affect steering feel. On this XC60, that means lower control arm bushes (front and rear positions) and the stabiliser bar D‑bushes or links. When these wear, the steering can feel vague, pull under braking, or knock over bumps, but the fix is in the suspension, not the steering rack.

• Common checks when steering feels off:
  • Lower control arm bushes for cracking or fluid leak (on hydro-bushed arms)
  • Stabiliser bar bushes and links for play
  • Inner and outer tie rod ends for looseness
  • Subframe mounts for deterioration
  • Steering column U‑joints for stiffness or notchiness
  • Wheel alignment and tyre condition/pressures

Service tip: during routine servicing, a visual inspection of suspension bushes and steering linkages will catch the issues that actually cause the steering symptoms many people attribute to “steering bushes”. If a technician finds movement at the steering gear mounts on a 2017 XC60, the proper remedy is usually steering rack replacement or subframe repair, as there are no standalone rack bushings to install.

Technical sources referenced: Volvo VIDA (Workshop & Parts Information, 2017 XC60, P3 platform), Volvo Electronic Parts Catalogue, and major aftermarket parts catalogues for the model year, which list no separate steering rack bushings for this vehicle.

Popular questions

Does a 2017 Volvo XC60 have steering bushes I can replace?
No. The steering rack mounts directly to the subframe without separate, serviceable rack bushings. Steering feel issues are usually down to suspension bushes, tie rod ends, or subframe mounts rather than “steering bushes”.

What causes a clunk or vague feel in the steering on an XC60?
Most often it’s worn lower control arm bushes, stabiliser bar bushes/links, or tired tie rod ends. Less commonly, subframe mount wear or internal rack wear can be to blame. An inspection on a hoist with a pry bar and a wheel alignment check normally pinpoints it quickly.

Can I fit aftermarket polyurethane steering rack bushes to tighten things up?
Not on this model. There isn’t a separate rack bushing kit for the 2017 XC60. If you want a sharper feel, focus on fresh OEM or quality aftermarket control arm bushes, good tyres, correct pressures, and a precise alignment. Those changes make the biggest difference.