Parts for your 2018 Subaru Outback-Steering bushes

2018 Subaru Outback steering bushes — are they actually used?

Short answer: no — the 2018 Subaru Outback doesn’t use replaceable “steering bushes” in the way older cars did. The factory Subaru Service Manual (STIS) for the 2018 Outback (BS/BN) shows an electric power steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion that bolts directly to the front crossmember using rigid brackets, with no separate, serviceable rack-mount bushes called out. The Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue (FAST), group 34 Steering, lists the EPS gear as a complete assembly and does not list any discrete steering rack bush or column bush for this model year. That tells the story.

Why’s that the case? With modern EPS, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control is built into the rack housing, brackets and subframe design. The steering column runs on bearings, the intermediate shaft uses a flexible coupling, and tie rod ends are ball-joint type — none of which are rubber bushes you’d routinely replace. So “steering bushes” aren’t a standard service item on a 2018 Outback.

If there’s play, shimmy or a knock felt through the wheel, it’s usually not missing or worn “steering bushes”. Technicians will instead check other front-end consumables that do affect steering feel and alignment stability:

• Front lower control arm rear bushes (compliance/hydraulic mounts)
• Front stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and link rods
• Inner and outer tie rod ends (ball joints)
• Strut top mounts and front hub bearings

If the EPS rack mounting or the rack itself is damaged or loose, the fix per Subaru documentation is to re-torque hardware to spec or replace the rack assembly — there aren’t separate rack bushes to swap. As part of routine servicing, a workshop can road test for knocks, check those suspension bushes, verify EPS rack bolt torque, inspect tie rods for free play, and keep alignment and tyre wear in check. That’ll restore a crisp, confidence-inspiring steer without chasing a part the vehicle doesn’t actually have.

Popular questions

Does a 2018 Subaru Outback have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. Technical references — the Subaru Service Manual (STIS) and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue — show the EPS rack bolting to the crossmember without separate, serviceable rack-mount bushes. If there’s play or a knock, technicians look to tie rods, control arm bushes, sway bar bushes and strut tops first, or inspect/replace the complete rack if it’s faulty.

What causes vague steering or a clunk on my 2018 Outback if it’s not steering bushes?
Common culprits include worn front lower control arm rear bushes, tired sway bar D-bushes or links, play in inner/outer tie rod ends, or strut top mounts. Tyre pressures, tyre wear and wheel alignment can also make the steering feel off. A proper inspection on a hoist with a shake test will pinpoint it quickly.

Can I fit aftermarket polyurethane steering rack bushes to firm things up?
There’s no provision for add-on rack bushes on this model — most kits you’ll see are for earlier hydraulic-rack Subarus. Modifying mounts can upset NVH tuning, may not be road-legal for WOF/RWC, and can void warranty or insurance. If you want a sharper feel, focus on quality tyres, fresh control arm bushes, good alignment settings and tight tie rods.