Parts for your 2020 Volvo Xc60-Steering bushes

2020 Volvo XC60 steering-bushes: what’s actually fitted and what to service instead

For the 2020 Volvo XC60, separate, serviceable steering-bushes are not used. The model runs an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack that’s bolted rigidly to the front subframe without traditional rubber rack-mount bushes. That means there isn’t a “steering rack bush” to replace during routine servicing on this XC60 generation.

Why Volvo does it this way comes down to precision and calibration. EPAS systems rely on a solidly mounted rack so the torque sensor and assist maps deliver crisp, predictable feel. Any compliance from rubber bushes would blur feedback and introduce variation the control software then has to chase. Noise and vibration are instead handled elsewhere: via the subframe isolators, hydro-filled lower control arm bushes, and the anti-roll bar D-bushes and links. So if someone’s hunting for “2020-volvo-xc60/steering-bushes”, what they usually need checked are other front-end bushes and joints rather than a non-existent rack bush kit.

What should an owner or workshop actually look at when there’s a knock, shimmy or vague steering feel?

• Inner and outer tie rod ends: play here is a common source of free play or clunks.
• Lower control arm bushes (especially rear hydro-bushes): wear shows up as instability under braking or mid-corner wander.
• Anti-roll bar bushes and links: creaks and knocks over speed humps or driveway entries.
• Steering column lower universal joint: stiffness or notchiness near centre.
• Front subframe bolts and alignment: any prior impact or subframe shift can mimic steering issues.

Good practice for the 2020 XC60 is a front-end inspection every 20,000–30,000 km, sooner if it regularly sees rough roads. Replace worn tie rods and control arm bushes in pairs, torque rubber-bushed components at normal ride height, and always follow up with a wheel alignment. If there’s genuine damage or play at the steering gear mounts, the fix is by component (rack or subframe) rather than pressing in “steering bushes”, because there aren’t any on this platform.

Technical sources referenced:

• Volvo VIDA (Workshop Information), XC60 (2018–), Group 64 Steering – Electric Power Steering, Design and Function: steering gear bolted directly to front subframe, no serviceable rack-mount bushings.
• Volvo Genuine Parts Catalogue (VIDA/Parts), XC60 (2018–), Group 64 Steering: steering gear listed as an assembly with mounting hardware, no separate rack bush part numbers.
• EPAS supplier technical literature (e.g., ZF/Servolectric) – rack-and-pinion EPAS requires rigid mounting to the axle carrier for correct torque sensing and NVH tuning.

FAQs

Does a 2020 Volvo XC60 have steering bushes?
No. The EPAS steering rack is hard-mounted to the subframe without separate, serviceable rack-mount bushings. If there’s play or noise, technicians check tie rods, control arm bushes, anti-roll bar bushes and links, and the column joint instead.

What should be checked if there’s a clunk or vague steering feel?
Start with inner/outer tie rods and lower control arm rear hydro-bushes. Then look at anti-roll bar D-bushes and links, the steering column lower joint, strut top mounts, and subframe alignment. Most steering feel issues on this XC60 trace back to those items rather than the rack mounting.

Can the steering rack bushes be replaced on a 2020 XC60?
There are no rack bushes to replace. If the rack mounting or gear itself is damaged, the remedy is repair or replacement of the steering gear or subframe per Volvo procedures.