Parts for your 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander-Steering bushes

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is fitted with steering bushes. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors service information for the GN-series Outlander (Electric Power Steering section) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue show the steering gear (EPS rack) mounted to the front subframe via rubber isolator bushes/insulators. These bushes are there to control movement of the steering rack and dampen noise and vibration, even though the vehicle runs an electric rack with no hydraulic fluid.

In plain terms, steering bushes help keep the rack exactly where it should be while still soaking up harshness from potholes and corrugations. When the bushes age, harden, or split, the rack can shift slightly under load. That’s when drivers might notice a clunk over bumps, vague on‑centre feel, a knock when turning at low speed, or a shimmy through the wheel on rough roads. Because the Outlander’s EPS is quiet by design, worn bushes can stand out as thuds or creaks you hear at parking speeds.

Servicing advice for Outlander owners is straightforward. During routine services (every 10,000–15,000 km or as scheduled), have the workshop check the steering rack mounts and fasteners, plus the lower control arm bushes and sway bar mounts that can mimic similar noises. Look for perished rubber, cracking, or witness marks showing the rack has been moving. There’s nothing to lubricate—modern rubber bushes are sealed and don’t want grease—so it’s a replace-when-worn item.

If replacement is needed, quality OEM-equivalent bushes are recommended. Some markets may list the rack bushes as separate insulators, in others they’re serviced with the steering gear assembly—your technician will confirm from the VIN in the parts catalogue. Replacement typically involves supporting the subframe, removing the rack brackets, swapping the bushes, and torquing fasteners to spec. It’s smart to book a wheel alignment afterwards, because any change in rack location can nudge toe settings. Polyurethane alternatives can sharpen steering feel but may add a bit more road noise—great for enthusiasts, less ideal if the priority is a quiet commute.

• Typical signs: clunks over bumps, steering knock at parking speeds, vague on‑centre feel, feathering wear on front tyres.
• Ignore them and you risk accelerated inner tie rod wear and extra NVH in the cabin.

These checks align with OEM documentation for the GN Outlander’s EPS layout and the corresponding steering gear mounting insulators listed in the Mitsubishi ASA parts system.

Popular questions about 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander steering bushes

How do I tell if my Outlander’s steering bushes are worn?
Listen for dull thuds over speed humps, a knock when turning at low speeds, or a slight wander on the motorway. A technician can lever the rack gently and check for movement at the mounts. Visual cracks or crushed rubber are red flags.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing steering bushes?
It’s a good idea. Even a few millimetres of shift at the rack can alter toe. A post-repair alignment helps ensure straight tracking and even tyre wear.

Are polyurethane bushes a good upgrade?
They can sharpen steering response and last longer, but may transmit more vibration into the cabin. For daily family duty, quality rubber OE-style bushes usually provide the best comfort/performance balance.