Parts for your 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander-Steering bushes

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander steering bushes: are they used, and what to know

For the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander, “steering bushes” aren’t a serviceable or separately listed part of the steering system. Referencing technical sources, the Mitsubishi Motors Workshop Manual for the Outlander (Group 37 – Steering, 2018–2020 models including ZK/ZL) describes an electric power steering (EPS) rack that’s bolted directly to the front crossmember, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue lists no separate steering rack mounting bushes for these models. In other words, there aren’t conventional, replaceable steering bushes like those found on older hydraulic systems with rubber rack mounts or idler arm bushes.

Why’s that the case? The 2019 Outlander’s EPS rack uses rigid mounting and internal isolation built into the rack assembly to control noise, vibration and harshness. If that isolation were to fail, Mitsubishi’s service information calls for replacing the steering gear assembly rather than pressing in new bushes. This design improves steering precision and reduces the number of wear items in the steering gear itself.

So if there’s play, noise or a vague feel at the wheel, the usual suspects aren’t “steering bushes”. A technician will typically look at:

• Inner and outer tie rod ends
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints (suspension, but they affect steering feel)
• Stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes
• Intermediate steering shaft universal joints and column couplers
• Tyre condition/pressures and wheel alignment

As part of servicing a 2019 Outlander, it’s smart to request:

• Inspection of tie rods for free play and cracked rack boots
• Check of control arm bushes for splits or fluid leaks (on hydro-bushed arms)
• Verification of subframe and steering gear mounting bolt torque
• Wheel alignment if any components are replaced or if there’s uneven tyre wear

If you’ve been told it needs “steering bushes”, it may be a mix-up in terminology. Shops often use that phrase as a catch‑all for front-end wear. For this Outlander, if the rack mount area is actually loose or damaged, the proper remedy is typically a steering rack replacement, not a bush kit. Always stick with quality parts and get a post-repair alignment to keep it tracking straight on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions

Does the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. The EPS steering rack is solidly mounted to the subframe and doesn’t use separate, serviceable rack bushes. If there’s movement at the rack or a knocking noise traced to the housing, the OEM repair path is replacement of the rack assembly.

What should be checked first if my Outlander’s steering feels loose?
Start with inner and outer tie rod ends, then look at the front lower control arm bushes and ball joints, stabiliser links/bushes, and the intermediate steering shaft joints. Tyre pressures and alignment can also make a night-and-day difference to steering feel.

Can I fit aftermarket polyurethane steering bushes to fix play?
There’s generally no recognised bush kit for the 2019 Outlander’s EPS rack. Aftermarket “steering bushes” typically refer to suspension arm or sway bar bushes, which can help sharpen feel but won’t fix genuine steering rack play. If the rack mounts are compromised, replace the rack.