Parts for your 2018 Subaru Impreza-Steering bushes

2018 Subaru Impreza steering bushes — are they used?

Short answer: steering bushes aren’t a separate, serviceable part on the 2018 Subaru Impreza. Technical sources back this up — the Subaru Impreza (2017–2019) Service Manual’s Electric Power Steering section treats the steering gear as a complete assembly, with no procedure for swapping rack-mount bushes on their own. Likewise, Subaru’s parts catalogue (FAST/EPC) lists the rack-and-pinion as an assembly (common part numbers starting with 34110FL0…), without individual rack bushings. AU/NZ aftermarket catalogues from well-known brands also don’t list steering rack bush kits for the 2017-on GK/GT Impreza, which is a strong indicator they’re not intended to be replaced separately.

Why’s that? This generation Impreza uses an electric power steering (EPS) rack that’s rigidly mounted to the front subframe. Any isolation is built into the rack brackets and subframe design, not via removable rubber bushes like many older hydraulic systems. If there’s play or vibration up front, the usual culprits are different components that are designed to be serviceable:

• Inner and outer tie-rod ends
• Steering column universal joints
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and links

So, for anyone chasing a “steering bush” replacement on a 2018 Impreza, the sensible plan is an inspection of those wear items instead. During regular servicing (every 10,000–15,000 km is common in AU/NZ), a technician should check for free play at the inner tie rods, split dust boots, any notchiness in the column U-joints, and perished control arm or sway bar bushes. Tyre pressures, wheel alignment, and wheel bearing condition also make a noticeable difference to steering feel.

If a workshop suggests fitting a generic “rack bush kit”, ask for the Subaru part numbers — for this model, that typically means the whole EPS rack if there’s mount or housing wear, which is rare. Modifying the rack mounts or trying to adapt universal bushes can affect EPS calibration, NVH, and safety. Keeping to OE-spec components on this platform is the right move.

Popular questions

Does a 2018 Subaru Impreza have replaceable steering rack bushes?
No. The EPS rack is mounted as a complete assembly without a separate rack-bushing kit. If there’s looseness, attention usually turns to inner/outer tie-rod ends, column joints, or front control arm and sway bar bushes.

What symptoms feel like worn steering bushes on this model?
A dull clunk over bumps, vague on-centre feel, or shimmy mid-corner is more often tied to inner tie rods, worn lower control arm rear bushes, or tired sway bar D-bushes/links. A proper inspection on a hoist with the wheels supported will pinpoint the culprit quickly.

Can aftermarket polyurethane steering rack bushes be fitted?
They’re generally not offered for the 2017-on Impreza. Altering the rack mounts can introduce noise and may interfere with EPS behaviour. Sticking to OE-style parts and correcting wear in the tie rods and suspension bushes is the recommended approach.