Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Asx-Steering bushes

2018 Mitsubishi ASX steering-bushes — what they do and when to replace

Technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors ASX/Outlander Sport (GA/CF) Workshop Manual, Group 37A – Electric Power Steering, the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for GA/CF series, and common aftermarket catalogues (e.g., SuperPro/Whiteline listings for ASX 2010‑on) confirm that the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX uses steering-bushes. Specifically, rubber isolator bushes mount the rack-and-pinion steering gear to the front crossmember. In some markets these bushes are supplied as part of the complete steering rack assembly rather than as separate OEM service parts, but the function remains the same.

On the 2018 ASX, the steering-bushes cushion the rack, cutting down vibration and road noise while keeping the rack positively located so steering feel stays tight. When the bushes age, compress, or crack, the rack can shift a fraction under load. That’s when owners start to notice vague steering, clunks over sharp bumps, or a slight knock when rocking the wheel at a standstill.

As part of regular servicing, a quick bush check is worth it. On a hoist, a tech will support the rack and have an assistant rock a front wheel left–right while watching for any rack movement on its mounts. They’ll also inspect the rack boots and confirm the rack-to-subframe fasteners are torqued to the workshop manual spec. Because the ASX runs electric power steering on the rack, any work around the rack should follow battery and EPS safety steps in the manual.

• Typical symptoms of worn steering-bushes: front-end clunk or knock, steering wander on cambered roads, shimmy through the wheel on corrugations, and accelerated inner or outer tyre wear.
• Replacement tips: choose quality rubber OEM-equivalent for comfort, or polyurethane for a firmer, more direct feel. Some dealers will only supply the bushes with a complete rack, reputable aftermarket options can be used where appropriate.
• After fitting: recheck torque after an initial few hundred kilometres, perform a wheel alignment, and road-test for any remaining noise or play.

There’s no set kilometre interval to replace ASX steering-bushes, it’s condition-based. High heat, oil contamination, big potholes, and gravel use can age them faster. If the steering still feels tight and quiet and there’s no visible bush damage, they can be left alone. Once play, noise or off‑centre feel creeps in, fresh bushes can bring the ASX’s steering back to how it left the factory.

Popular questions

Do all 2018 ASX models have steering-bushes?
Yes. The 2018 ASX uses a rack-and-pinion setup mounted with isolator bushes. The workshop manual (Group 37A) and the Mitsubishi parts catalogue show the rack secured to the crossmember with insulated mounts. Depending on market, those bushes may be serviced only with the complete rack assembly.

What are the signs the ASX steering-bushes need attention?
Common signs include a light knock over sharp bumps, vague or wandering feel on the motorway, minor steering kickback on rough surfaces, and uneven tyre wear. On a hoist, any visible cracking of the bushes or rack movement when the wheel is rocked indicates replacement time.

Do steering-bushes upgrades change the feel?
Polyurethane replacements can sharpen steering response and reduce rack movement, which some drivers prefer. They may transmit a touch more road feel. For comfort-first daily use, quality rubber bushes keep NVH low while restoring factory steering precision.