Parts for your 2022 Nissan X-trail-Steering bushes

2022 Nissan X‑TRAIL steering bushes — fitted from factory and worth keeping in top nick

On the 2022 Nissan X‑TRAIL (T32 series), steering bushes are absolutely used. Technical references including the Nissan Electronic Service Manual (ST – Steering System), the Nissan parts catalogue (EPC) and widely used workshop databases note rubber “insulators” that mount the electric rack‑and‑pinion steering gear to the front subframe. Those insulators are the steering bushes, and they isolate vibration while keeping the rack solidly located for precise feel.

In day‑to‑day driving, these bushes soak up road harshness and stop the rack from shifting under load. That’s why a tidy set of bushes helps the X‑TRAIL track straight, feel settled on corrugations, and keep the steering nice and quiet. When they age, the rubber can crack or compress, allowing tiny movements that show up as knocks over potholes, a vague on‑centre feel, or a steering wheel that tugs a bit on rough surfaces.

Good servicing practice for a 2022 X‑TRAIL includes a visual check of the steering gear mounts at each service, with a more deliberate inspection every 20,000 km or annually. A technician will:

• Inspect the rack mounting insulators for splits, perishing or deformation.
• Pry‑bar test the rack housing to check for unwanted movement.
• Re‑torque the rack fasteners to the Nissan ESM spec if required.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work but often needs the front undertrays off and may require lowering the subframe slightly for access. After bush replacement, a wheel alignment is a must. Depending on VIN/market, Nissan lists the rack insulators as service parts, in some cases, workshops may recommend replacing the complete rack if the insulators aren’t separately available or if there’s wear elsewhere. Sticking with genuine rubber bushes or a reputable equivalent keeps NVH where it should be, harder polyurethane options can sharpen response but may add a touch more road feel.

On Aussie and Kiwi roads, lifespan varies with conditions and load—think 80,000 to 150,000 km as a ballpark, earlier if the car tows, sees gravel regularly, or runs heavy accessories. Telltales that the X‑TRAIL might want fresh steering bushes include:

• A dull clunk from low‑speed bumps or driveway entries
• Shimmy through the wheel on rough bitumen
• Vagueness around centre or tramlining
• Uneven tyre wear despite correct pressures and alignment

Given the 2022 X‑TRAIL’s electric power steering has no hydraulic fluid to leak, noise and play are the big giveaways. Catching worn bushes early helps protect the rack, keeps the alignment true, and makes the car feel new again. These points are supported by the Nissan ESM (T32 ST section), OEM EPC listings for “insulator – steering gear,” and common dealer workshop bulletins covering steering gear mounting inspections.

Popular questions about 2022 Nissan X‑TRAIL steering bushes

Do 2022 X‑TRAILs actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The T32’s electric rack is mounted to the subframe with rubber insulators (steering bushes). Nissan’s Electronic Service Manual and parts catalogue list them as the steering gear mounting insulators, and they’re part of the factory setup.

How long do the steering bushes last?
Anywhere from about 80,000 to 150,000 km is typical, depending on roads, load and driving style. Frequent gravel use, heavy wheels or a lot of urban speed‑bumps can bring forward replacement. Regular inspections help pick up wear early.

Can worn bushes fail a WoF or RWC?
They can. Excess movement or knocking in the steering gear mounts can be noted during a WoF (NZ) or RWC (AU). If there’s play at the rack or evidence of perished bushes, an assessor may require repair before sign‑off.