Parts for your 2020 Volkswagen Amarok-Steering bushes

2020 Volkswagen Amarok steering bushes

Based on Volkswagen’s ErWin workshop information for the Amarok (2H) and the ETKA parts catalogue for MY2020, the Amarok uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber–metal steering rack mounting bushes. It does not use a recirculating-ball steering box, so there are no idler arm or Pitman arm bushes on this model. In other words, “steering bushes” are relevant for the Amarok as the rack is isolated and located by dedicated bushes.

Those steering rack bushes keep the rack securely located while soaking up vibration and road shock. On- and off-road, they control how much the rack can shift under load, which helps maintain precise steering feel and reduces kickback through the wheel. In a ute that tows, carries gear and sees corrugations, they’re a quiet hero for comfort and steering accuracy.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the Amarok’s steering bushes every 20,000–30,000 km, or at least annually if it does a lot of gravel or beach work. Look for perished rubber, cracking, oil swelling, or any witness marks that suggest the rack has been moving on its mounts.

• Common symptoms of worn bushes: front-end clunks on turn-in or over potholes, vague on-centre feel, tramlining, or a knock when blipping the throttle in gear with the wheel held straight.
• OE-style rubber bushes keep NVH low and suit daily driving, performance polyurethane options resist deformation better for towing, bigger tyres and heavy 4x4 use.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work: support the rack, remove the mounting bolts, swap the bushes, then torque new bolts to factory spec (Volkswagen specifies replacing stretch bolts where used). Orientation matters—fit any locating tabs exactly as per the workshop manual. Because the rack’s location can shift slightly when the bushes are renewed, a post-job wheel alignment is recommended, and the steering angle sensor should be checked/calibrated with a scan tool.

To maximise bush life, keep oil leaks off the rubber, wash out salt and mud after beach runs, and avoid hanging the vehicle by the rack when doing front-end work. With good conditions, many Amarok owners see well over 100,000 km from OE bushes, rough tracks and heavy loads shorten that window, so earlier replacement can be preventative rather than reactive.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Amarok actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The Amarok uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with rubber–metal mounting bushes. It doesn’t have idler or Pitman arm bushes because it’s not a steering-box setup.

How often should steering bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval—replace on condition. Inspect every service or 20–30,000 km. Many last 80–150,000 km, but off-road, towing or larger tyres can bring that forward.

Do I need an alignment after replacing them?
It’s wise to get a wheel alignment and check the steering angle sensor after bush replacement, as the rack’s position can change slightly when fresh bushes are installed.