Parts for your 2018 Subaru Forester-Steering bushes

2018 Subaru Forester steering bushes

Steering bushes are indeed used on the 2018 Subaru Forester (SJ series). The Subaru Forester Service Manual (ST – Steering section, MY2014–2018) documents the rack-and-pinion assembly with rubber rack-mount bushes, and Subaru’s FAST/EPC parts catalogue lists serviceable steering rack mounting bushes for this model year. That means steering bushes are relevant to this vehicle’s steering system and can be inspected and replaced as part of normal servicing.

On the 2018 Forester, the steering rack is bolted to the front subframe through a pair of rubber bushes. Their job is to hold the rack securely in position while soaking up vibration and harshness that would otherwise travel straight up the column. They also allow a tiny bit of compliance so the steering doesn’t feel jittery on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.

When those bushes harden, crack or deform with age, the rack can shift under load. That’s when drivers may notice a dull clunk over sharp bumps, a vague or slightly delayed response when first turning the wheel, or a light knock on quick lane changes. Left alone too long, the movement can accelerate wear on other steering bits and pieces.

• Purpose: isolate noise and vibration, keep the rack precisely located, and help deliver direct, confident steering feel.
• Materials: OE rubber for comfort, aftermarket polyurethane options for a firmer, more connected feel.

As a rule of thumb, it’s smart to have the bushes inspected every 40,000–60,000 km or at each major service, especially if the vehicle regularly tows, sees corrugated roads, or lives in a hot climate. Rubber naturally ages, and engine oil or road grime can speed that along.

• Tell‑tale symptoms to watch for:
  • Clunk or thud from low in the dash/subframe on bumps
  • Initial “give” or shimmy when you first turn the wheel
  • Steering feel less precise than it used to be

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: support the rack, remove the mounting bolts and brackets, swap in new bushes, and torque everything to the factory spec from the Subaru manual. Because the rack’s position is being disturbed, a wheel alignment check afterwards is good practice. Go OEM rubber if comfort is top priority, choose quality polyurethane if a crisper turn‑in is the goal. Either way, replacing tired bushes is a cost‑effective way to restore that tidy, confidence‑inspiring steering the Forester is known for.

Technician tips:

• Rule out loose column joints and lower control arm bushes before condemning the rack bushes.
• If upgrading to polyurethane, expect a touch more road feel and a hint more vibration at idle on rougher surfaces.

Popular questions about 2018 Subaru Forester steering bushes

Do 2018 Foresters actually have steering rack bushes?
Yes. The factory Service Manual for the SJ Forester (MY2014–2018) shows the rack mounted to the front crossmember via rubber bushes, and the Subaru parts catalogue lists them as service items. They’re part of the electric power steering rack assembly.

How long do steering bushes last on a Forester?
Many last well past 100,000 km, but lifespan depends on road conditions, age, heat, and contamination. From around 60,000–100,000 km, or at 5–7 years, it’s sensible to inspect them for cracking, softness, or deformation, especially if there are knocks or a vague on‑centre feel.

Is it worth upgrading to polyurethane bushes?
If sharper steering feel is wanted, quality polyurethane rack bushes can tighten the response. Expect slightly firmer feedback and potentially a touch more vibration. For daily comfort and factory NVH, stick with OEM‑style rubber. Either option should pass a WOF or rego check if installed correctly with no play.