Parts for your 2020 Subaru Impreza-Steering bushes

2020 Subaru Impreza steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm that steering bushes are used on the 2020 Subaru Impreza. The Subaru Service Manual for the 2017–2021 Impreza (GK/GT on the SGP platform) in the Electric Power Steering section depicts the steering rack mounted to the front crossmember via rubber cushion/bushing brackets. Subaru’s FAST electronic parts catalogue also lists a steering gear bushing for this generation. So, steering bushes are relevant to the 2020 Impreza.

On the 2020 Subaru Impreza, the steering bushes (sometimes called rack-mount cushion rubbers) isolate the electric power steering rack from the subframe. They soak up vibration and road harshness, keep the rack properly located under load, and help the car track straight without kickback through the wheel. When those bushes age, soften, or split, the rack can shift under torque, which dulls steering feel and can add clunks over bumps.

There’s no set replacement interval from Subaru, but they’re a sensible inspection item at regular services, especially if the car sees rough roads. A quick visual and lever check can pick up early wear. Look for:

• Cracking, tearing, or obvious compression set in the rubber
• Rack movement relative to the crossmember when a helper saws the steering wheel
• Clunks on turn-in or over potholes, vague on-centre feel, or the car wandering on the motorway

If replacement’s needed, it’s a straight-forward workshop job: support the rack, remove the mount brackets, swap the bushes, then torque everything to factory spec. Because the rack’s location can change slightly, it’s smart to get a wheel alignment afterwards. While the bushes aren’t expensive, allow 1–2 hours of labour depending on access and corrosion.

Choosing parts comes down to how the Impreza is used. Genuine-style rubber bushes keep NVH low and suit daily commuting. Quality polyurethane upgrades tighten steering response and resist oil and heat better, but may add a touch more vibration and road feel through the wheel—some drivers love that, others prefer the quieter OEM feel. Either way, sticking with reputable brands and following the service manual torque specs will keep the steering sorted.

A good rule of thumb for local conditions is to have the steering bushes inspected every 40,000–60,000 km or whenever there’s a change in steering feel. If the Impreza is carrying loads, running bigger wheels and tyres, or doing regular trips on corrugated roads, bring the checks forward a bit. It’s a small part that makes a big difference to confidence behind the wheel.

Popular questions

Does the 2020 Subaru Impreza actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The 2020 Impreza’s electric power steering rack is mounted to the front crossmember using rubber cushion/bushing mounts. This layout is shown in the Subaru Service Manual (Steering – Electric Power Steering) and reflected in the Subaru FAST parts catalogue, which lists a steering gear bushing for this model.

How often should steering bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Inspect them at regular services—about every 40,000–60,000 km works well for Aussie and Kiwi roads. Replace if the rubber is cracked, oil-soaked, deformed, or if the rack moves during a lever check, or you’re chasing clunks and vague steering feel.

Do upgraded bushes change the way the Impreza feels?
Polyurethane options can sharpen response and reduce rack movement, which keen drivers may prefer. They can add a touch more vibration and road texture at the wheel. If comfort is the priority, quality OEM-style rubber is the better fit, if precision’s the goal, poly is worth a look.