Parts for your 2018 Subaru Exiga-Steering bushes

2018 Subaru Exiga steering bushes – what they do and when to replace them

Based on Subaru’s factory Service Manual (Steering section) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue for the 2015–2018 Exiga/Crossover 7, the car runs a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber bushes. Aftermarket fitment guides from well-known suspension brands also list replacement rack-mount bushes for the Exiga platform, which further confirms they’re a relevant, serviceable part on the 2018 model.

On this Exiga, the steering bushes sit between the rack housing and the subframe, keeping the rack located while soaking up vibration and road harshness. They’re a quiet achiever: when they’re healthy, the steering feels tight and predictable, when they’re tired, the wheel can feel vague on-centre, the car may wander on the motorway, and there can be a dull clunk over bumps as the rack shifts on its mounts.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the bushes every 40,000–60,000 km, or sooner if the car regularly tows, carries full loads, or drives on rough roads. Look for perished rubber, cracks, deformation, or any sign of oil soak. If the vehicle has hydraulic power steering, fluid leaks can accelerate bush deterioration, fixing the leak before fitting new bushes saves doing the job twice.

Replacement is a straightforward workshop task: support the rack, remove the rack-mount brackets, swap the bushes (observing any locating tabs or orientation marks), then torque the hardware to the factory spec from the Subaru Service Manual. It’s best to final-tighten at normal ride height to avoid preloading. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards, as any slight rack shift can nudge toe settings.

Owners can choose OEM-style rubber for factory comfort and NVH, or quality polyurethane for a firmer, more direct feel. Either way, fresh bushes restore steering precision and confidence. While under the bonnet, it also pays to check the lower steering column universal joint for play and the front control arm bushes and tie rod ends, as wear in those areas can mimic similar symptoms.

If the Exiga’s steering suddenly develops free play, shimmy, or a knock you can feel through the wheel, don’t ignore it. A timely set of steering rack bushes is a relatively low-cost fix that brings the car’s on-road feel back to what Subaru intended.

• Common symptoms of worn steering bushes: vague steering, tramlining/wander, clunks over bumps, steering rack movement on hard braking.
• Service tip: inspect at 40,000–60,000 km intervals, always recheck alignment after replacement.
• Choice of materials: OEM rubber for comfort, polyurethane for sharper response.

Popular questions

Do all 2018 Subaru Exiga models have steering rack bushes?
Yes. Technical references including Subaru’s Service Manual (Steering section) and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue show the rack-and-pinion unit mounted to the front crossmember with isolating bushes. Aftermarket catalogues also list direct-fit replacements for the Exiga/Crossover 7 era, confirming fitment.

How long do the steering bushes last on a 2018 Exiga?
In normal use they often last well past 100,000 km, but heat, fluid exposure, and rough roads can shorten that. If there’s on-centre play, a dull knock over potholes, or the car wanders at speed, it’s worth inspecting the bushes sooner rather than later.

Can the bushes be replaced without removing the entire steering rack?
Typically yes. On the Exiga, the rack can be supported in place, the bracket bolts removed, and the bushes swapped. Follow the factory torque specs and get a wheel alignment afterwards to lock in correct toe.