Patent attributes
A rack bushing supported by an annular elastic member in a housing includes a bushing body and a flange portion extending outward in a radial direction from a first axial end of the rack bushing. The flange portion is positioned at a step portion of an inner periphery of the housing. The bushing body includes a second axial slit extending from a second axial end to a middle portion in an axial direction. A gap that communicates with the second axial slit is formed between the inner periphery of the housing and an outer surface of the bushing body. A recessed groove (communication passage) of the flange portion allows a first space, disposed on a housing-end side with respect to the rack bushing in the housing, to communicate with the gap.