Energy Suspension Rack and Pinion Bushing Set | Red | 2008–2014 Subaru WRX | GR / GH | 19.10101R
Energy Suspension Rack and Pinion Bushing Set – Red | 2008–2014 Subaru Impreza WRX | GR / GH | 19.10101R
Fits 2008–2014 Subaru Impreza WRX (GR hatchback and GH sedan). Confirm your WRX is the 2008–2014 GR/GH generation — not compatible with the 2015+ VA WRX or the 2002–2007 GD WRX without separate fitment verification. STI fitment of this generation should be confirmed separately. Red colour is cosmetic only — same Hyper-Flex material as the black variant (19.10101G).
Energy Suspension 19.10101R polyurethane rack and pinion bushing set for the 2008–2014 Subaru Impreza WRX. Replaces the OEM rubber rack mount bushings with Energy Suspension’s Hyper-Flex polyurethane — reducing steering rack deflection under cornering load and sharpening steering response. 0.3 lbs. Ships fast across Canada and the US.
Rack and Pinion Bushings — What They Do
The steering rack on the GR/GH WRX is mounted to the subframe via rubber bushings that cushion the rack’s connection to the chassis. OEM rubber provides compliance that absorbs road vibration and NVH — but that same compliance allows the rack to shift laterally under cornering loads, a phenomenon called steering rack deflection or “rack walk.”
When the rack moves under load, the effective toe angle of the front wheels changes mid-corner — the steering input you’ve applied no longer produces the expected result. The symptoms are:
- Vague or imprecise turn-in response, particularly at higher cornering speeds
- Mild understeer or inconsistent cornering behaviour that varies with speed and load
- On-centre feel that lacks precision, particularly noticeable on track or in spirited road driving
Polyurethane rack bushings significantly reduce this deflection. The firmer Hyper-Flex material holds the rack more securely to the subframe under lateral load, maintaining consistent steering geometry through the corner.
Energy Suspension Hyper-Flex — Polyurethane Material
Energy Suspension’s Hyper-Flex is their proprietary polyurethane formulation, positioned between rubber and solid aluminium in the compliance spectrum:
- vs OEM rubber: Significantly stiffer — less deflection, more precise steering feel, longer service life (polyurethane does not degrade from oil or ozone exposure the way rubber does). Trade-off: marginally more road NVH transmission into the chassis vs rubber — acceptable on a performance-driven WRX application.
- vs solid aluminium: Retains some compliance — less harsh than a fully rigid aluminium rack mount, appropriate for a dual-purpose street/track car that still encounters road imperfections at speed.
The red colour is Energy Suspension’s traditional Hyper-Flex finish — identical material to the black variant (19.10101G). Choice between red and black is purely cosmetic based on personal preference for the underhood appearance.
GR / GH WRX Fitment — 2008–2014
The 19.10101R fits the third-generation Impreza WRX platform:
- GR (hatchback): 2008–2014 WRX hatchback body style
- GH (sedan): 2008–2014 WRX sedan body style
Both share the same rack mounting dimensions and are covered by this bushing set. This part is not listed for the GR/GH STI — confirm STI compatibility separately, as STI suspension geometry and subframe specifications can differ from WRX. The 2015+ VA WRX and 2002–2007 GD WRX use different rack mounting specifications and are not covered.
Installation
Rack and pinion bushing replacement requires removing the steering rack from the subframe — a straightforward job for an experienced DIY mechanic or performance shop. The bushing set replaces the OEM rubber inserts at the rack mounting points. A thin application of Energy Suspension’s supplied or recommended grease to the polyurethane bushing surfaces prevents squeaking, which can occur if polyurethane bushings run dry against metal surfaces.
2008–2014 Subaru WRX GR/GH only. Red — same material as black 19.10101G. STI fitment: confirm separately. Grease bushing surfaces on installation to prevent squeaking.
Specifications
- Brand: Energy Suspension
- Part Number: 19.10101R
- Type: Rack and pinion bushing set
- Material: Hyper-Flex polyurethane
- Colour: Red
- Application: 2008–2014 Subaru Impreza WRX — GR hatchback / GH sedan
- Weight: 0.3 lbs