Parts for your 2019 Subaru Xv-Steering bushes

2019 Subaru XV steering bushes — what they do and when to sort them

Based on Subaru’s factory technical literature and diagrams, steering bushes are indeed fitted to the 2019 Subaru XV (GT series). The Subaru Service Manual (STIS) Steering section identifies the steering gearbox mounting “insulator” (bushing) on the front crossmember, and the official Subaru parts catalogue shows the rack secured with insulator bushes and brackets. So, steering-bushes are relevant for this model.

On the 2019 XV’s electric power steering rack, the steering bushes act as isolators between the rack housing and the front crossmember. Their job is to keep the rack precisely located while soaking up vibration and road harshness. Good bushes help the wheel stay steady on-centre, reduce kickback on corrugations, and keep steering feel consistent. They’re a small bit of rubber (or equivalent material), but they make a big difference to NVH and steering accuracy.

Over time, bushes can harden, crack, or deform. Tell-tale signs include a dull knock over sharp bumps, vague on-centre feel, slight rack movement when someone rocks the steering with the bonnet up, or the car tramlining on rutted roads. Because the XV uses an electric rack, there’s no power-steering fluid to leak onto the bushes, but engine oils and general grime can still accelerate deterioration.

As part of routine servicing (every 12 months or 15,000 km typical for AU/NZ), it’s smart to inspect the steering bushes for splits, softness, or ovaling, and to check the rack brackets and bolts for correct torque using Subaru’s specifications. If one bush is worn, replacing them as a matched pair maintains alignment and feel. After bush replacement, a wheel alignment is recommended to confirm the rack sits true and the toe is spot on.

Replacement on the XV generally involves supporting the rack, removing the retaining brackets, swapping the insulators, and refitting to factory torque values from the Subaru Service Manual. While some aftermarket options exist, sticking with genuine-spec material is usually best for the XV’s balance of comfort and control. Poly upgrades can sharpen feel, but may introduce extra vibration. Most owners will only need new bushes if symptoms present or at higher kilometres, they’re not a scheduled consumable, but a periodic check avoids surprises at rego or WOF time.

Popular questions about 2019 Subaru XV steering-bushes

Do 2019 Subaru XVs actually have steering bushes?
Yes. Subaru’s Service Manual (STIS) describes the steering gearbox “insulator” and the parts catalogue shows the rack mounted to the front crossmember with bushings and brackets. They’re integral to how the rack is located and isolated from vibration.

How often should the steering bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Inspect them at each service for cracks, softness, or movement. Replace when there’s noise, vague steering, or visible wear. Always torque to Subaru specs and get a wheel alignment after replacement.

Can worn steering bushes cause a WOF or rego issue?
They can. Excess movement in the rack or evidence of perished bushes may be flagged during inspection. If the tester can see or feel rack shift, or steering is unstable, expect a fail until the bushes are sorted and alignment verified.