Parts for your 2019 Ford Escape-Steering bushes

2019 Ford Escape steering bushes – are they a thing?

Based on Ford’s own service information, dedicated “steering bushes” are not a separate or serviceable part on the 2019 Ford Escape (including AU/NZ ZG models). The Ford Workshop Manual (Steering System, Section 211-02) specifies an Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) rack that bolts directly to the front subframe with fasteners, and the factory parts catalogues for the 2019 Escape list the steering gear, mounting bolts, intermediate shaft and tie rods – but no standalone steering rack mounting bushes. In other words, there are no replaceable steering bushes in the rack mounting on this model.

Why’s that? With EPAS, Ford engineers aim for a rigid, precise connection between the rack and the body structure so the steering angle, assistance, and driver-assist features (like lane-keeping systems, where fitted) behave consistently. Any noise, vibration and harshness control is managed through the rack design itself, the subframe and body isolation, and other suspension bushes. Deleting separate steering rack bushes reduces compliance, helps steering feel and accuracy, and removes a component that would otherwise add tolerance stack-up and wear points.

Owners sometimes use “steering bushes” as a catch-all for front-end rubber components. On the 2019 Escape, the rubber bits likely to affect steering feel and noise are elsewhere:

• Sway bar (stabiliser) bushes and links
• Lower control arm bushes (especially the large rear hydra-bush)
• Front subframe mounts
• Top strut mounts/bearings
• Intermediate steering shaft joints

If there’s play, clunks, or vague steering on a 2019 Escape, a technician will typically check those items, verify subframe bolt torque, inspect inner/outer tie rod ends, and assess the EPAS rack for any internal wear. If the rack’s mounting interface is worn or damaged, the service action is replacement of the steering gear assembly rather than fitting bushes.

Technical sources referenced: Ford Workshop Manual for 2019 Escape/Kuga (Steering, Section 211-02 – EPAS rack mounting and service procedures) and Ford parts catalogues/illustrations for “Steering Gear and Linkage” showing no separate steering rack bush kits for this model year.

FAQs

Does the 2019 Ford Escape have steering rack bushes I can replace?

No. The EPAS steering rack mounts directly to the front subframe without separate, serviceable steering rack bushes. If there’s movement at the rack or damage at the mount points, the fix is typically rack replacement and hardware renewal, not bush replacement.

What usually causes steering clunks or looseness on a 2019 Escape if not the steering bushes?

Common culprits are sway bar bushes or links, lower control arm rear bushes, top strut mounts, inner/outer tie rods, and play in the intermediate shaft. It’s also worth confirming the front subframe bolts are correctly torqued and checking for tyre or wheel issues that can mimic steering faults.

How should the steering system be maintained on a 2019 Escape?

During routine servicing, have the shop inspect tie rods, control arm bushes, sway bar bushes/links and strut mounts, check subframe fasteners, and verify there’s no free play in the intermediate shaft. Keep tyres correctly inflated, rotated, and aligned. If the EPAS rack shows excessive play or noise, it’s assessed and replaced as an assembly.