Parts for your 2019 Subaru Legacy-Steering bushes

2019 Subaru Legacy steering bushes — what’s actually fitted

Based on Subaru’s own technical literature for the BN/BS platform — the 2019 Legacy’s Steering (ST) section in the Subaru Service Manual and the Subaru parts catalogue for “Steering Gear & Linkage” — there are no separate, serviceable steering rack mounting bushes on this model. The electric power steering (EPS) rack is solid-mounted to the front crossmember with integrated sleeves and brackets, and any isolation is built into the rack and column assembly rather than via removable rubber bushes. This design direction is widely reflected in EPS engineering practice referenced in industry technical papers (SAE EPS NVH and mounting studies), which favour rigid rack mounting for precision and stability.

Why doesn’t the 2019 Legacy use conventional steering rack bushes? The short answer is accuracy and durability. With EPS and driver-assist features relying on consistent steering geometry, manufacturers move away from soft, replaceable rack bushes. Rigid mounting helps maintain on-centre feel, reduces compliance steer, and keeps calibration stable for systems like lane keep and pre-collision assist. NVH is handled by tuned compliance elsewhere — in the front subframe, lower control arm bushes, column coupler and inner tie rod design — rather than a squishy mount under the rack.

What should owners and workshops look after instead? While there aren’t steering rack bushes to replace, there are a handful of items that do the heavy lifting for steering feel and precision:

• Inner and outer tie rod ends — check for play, split boots or corrosion, replace and align if worn.
• Intermediate steering shaft (U‑joints/coupler) — inspect for binding, rust or lash that can cause a clunk or notchiness.
• Front lower control arm rear bushes and front subframe mounts — common sources of wander, shimmy or brake‑steer if cracked or perished.
• EPS rack mounts and fasteners — if the subframe has been lowered, ensure the rack-to-crossmember bolts are refitted and torqued to the service manual spec.
• Wheel alignment and ADAS calibration — any steering or subframe work should be followed by an alignment, if the crossmember or camera was disturbed, complete the appropriate ADAS checks.

If the rack develops free play at its mounts or excessive internal lash, Subaru’s technical guidance is to replace the steering gear assembly rather than fit bushes. Aftermarket polyurethane “steering rack bush” kits commonly seen on older Subarus aren’t listed for the 2019 Legacy, which aligns with the factory’s non‑serviceable mounting approach.

Does the 2019 Subaru Legacy have replaceable steering bushes?

No. The BN/BS Legacy uses an EPS rack that’s rigidly mounted to the front crossmember without separate, serviceable rack bushes. The factory approach is to replace the rack assembly if a mount or internal wear issue is confirmed.

What parts should be checked if the steering feels vague or clunky?

Focus on inner/outer tie rods, the intermediate shaft joints, front lower control arm bushes, and subframe fasteners. Tyre condition and pressures also make a big difference. After any replacement, complete a proper alignment.

Can aftermarket steering rack bushes be fitted to sharpen steering?

They’re generally not offered for the 2019 Legacy’s EPS rack. The rack is designed to be solid-mounted, and adding non‑factory bushes can introduce unwanted geometry changes or NVH without delivering a real gain. Upgrading worn control arm bushes and ensuring alignment is spot on will yield better results.