Parts for your 2020 Ford Escape-Steering bushes

2020 Ford Escape steering bushes: are they actually a thing?

Short answer: no, traditional “steering bushes” aren’t a service item on the 2020 Ford Escape. Technical documentation for the model—specifically the Ford Workshop Manual (WSM) for the C2-platform Escape, Section 211-02 (Power Steering)—shows the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack is bolted directly to the front subframe with specified fasteners and torque values, without separate, replaceable rack-mount rubber bushes. The Ford Genuine Parts Catalogue for the same vehicle likewise lists the complete EPAS gear, inner/outer tie rods and hardware, but no standalone steering rack bush kits.

Why the change? Modern EPAS systems use a rigidly mounted steering gear to reduce compliance, tighten steering feel, and keep ADAS calibration (like lane-keeping) consistent. Any soft bushing between the rack and subframe can add flex and noise, so Ford manages noise and vibration with subframe and control-arm bushes, and uses bearings in the steering column rather than old-school column bushes. As a result, “steering bushes” aren’t a thing to replace on this model—if there’s play or a clunk, it’s almost never down to a missing rack bushing, because there isn’t one.

What should owners look at instead? If the Escape’s steering feels vague, knocks over bumps, or wanders, the usual suspects are:

• Outer and inner tie rod ends (wear in the ball sockets)
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Sway bar links and sway bar (stabiliser) bushes
• Front subframe alignment/fasteners after impact or repair
• Tyre pressures, tyre wear, and wheel alignment

Servicing tips that actually help this model: have the tie rods checked for axial and radial play at each service, inspect control arm bushes for cracking or separation, and keep up with wheel alignments after any suspension work or tyre replacement. If there’s a confirmed fault within the EPAS gear (for example, excessive internal play or electrical assist faults), the workshop manual steers technicians toward replacing or repairing the complete rack assembly rather than pressing in bushes—because there aren’t any to press.

So, while “steering bushes” are common language across older setups, the 2020 Ford Escape doesn’t use them as a separate, serviceable part. That’s by design, and it’s backed by the Ford WSM procedures and the Ford parts catalogue for this vehicle.

Popular questions about 2020 Ford Escape steering bushes

Do 2020 Ford Escapes have steering rack bushes I can replace?

No. The EPAS rack on the 2020 Escape bolts directly to the front subframe without separate, replaceable rubber bushes. Ford’s workshop procedures and parts listings show the rack, tie rods, and fasteners—no rack bush kit. If there’s movement, technicians check fastener torque, tie rods, and the surrounding suspension bushes instead.

What causes a clunk or looseness in the steering on a 2020 Escape?

Most commonly worn outer tie rod ends, inner tie rods, sway bar links, or control arm bushes. Tyre wear and incorrect pressures can add to the vague feel as well. If diagnostics rule those out and there’s still play, the EPAS rack is assessed as a unit per the WSM.

What’s the best maintenance approach if there are no steering bushes?

Request a steering and suspension inspection at regular service intervals, including tie rod play checks and a look over the control arm and sway bar bushes. Keep tyres rotated and aligned. Any confirmed rack issue is handled as a complete assembly job rather than a bush replacement.