Parts for your 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander-Steering bushes

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander – Are steering bushes a thing?

For the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander (ZL series), “steering bushes” aren’t a separate, serviceable part of the steering system. The vehicle uses an electric power steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion that’s bolted directly to the front crossmember. The factory literature lists the steering gear as a complete assembly, with no stand-alone rack-mount bush kits or column bushes specified for routine replacement. This means a search for “2020 Mitsubishi Outlander steering bushes” won’t turn up a genuine bush set because the design doesn’t use them in the traditional sense.

Technical basis for that call: the Mitsubishi Motors Outlander (ZL) Service Manual, Group 37A – Power Steering, details an EPS rack secured with through-bolts to the subframe, and indicates the steering gear is replaced as an assembly if its isolators or internal components deteriorate, rather than renewing separate bushes. The ASA/EPC (Group 37 Steering Gear & Linkage) likewise lists the steering gear as a single part, with no discrete rack-mount bush part numbers. General repair guides covering the 2013–2020 platform (GF/GM/ZJ–ZL) echo the same service approach: no routine “steering bush” replacement is prescribed.

Why it’s built this way? EPS requires precise alignment and low compliance for accurate torque sensor readings and stable assistance, especially with modern driver-assist features. Any soft, serviceable rack bushes would introduce play, noise and calibration drift. NVH is instead controlled by the subframe and body mounts, while steering precision is kept by rigid mounting and internal isolation that isn’t serviced separately.

If there’s play, noise or a knock at the front of a 2020 Outlander, technicians typically inspect the parts that actually wear and are serviceable:

• Inner and outer tie rod ends (boots, free play, corrosion)
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Front stabiliser (sway) bar bushes and links
• Subframe mounting points and fastener torque

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Motors Outlander (ZL) 2020 Service Manual – Group 37A Power Steering, Mitsubishi ASA/EPC – Group 37 Steering Gear & Linkage (illustration/ref. for steering gear assembly), mainstream workshop manuals for Outlander 2013–2020 platform noting EPS rack replacement procedures and lack of separate rack bush service items.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Outlander have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. The EPS steering rack is mounted solidly to the subframe and isn’t supplied with separate serviceable bushes. If there’s excessive movement or internal wear, the factory procedure is to replace the steering gear assembly after confirming tie rods and subframe fasteners are OK.

What should be checked if I feel steering play or hear a front-end knock?
Start with inner/outer tie rod ends, then look at front lower control arm bushes and ball joints, plus the sway bar bushes and links. Also confirm the subframe and steering rack fasteners are torqued correctly. These are the common culprits, not a missing “steering bush”.

Can aftermarket bush kits fix steering feel on a 2020 Outlander?
Aftermarket suppliers generally don’t list a dedicated rack-mount bush kit for the ZL Outlander EPS rack. Improving feel usually comes from renewing worn tie rods, control arm bushes, and ensuring alignment and tyre condition/pressures are spot on.