Parts for your 1998 Daihatsu Terios-Steering bushes

1998 Daihatsu Terios Steering Bushes

Yes, the 1998 Daihatsu Terios uses steering bushes. The J100-series Terios is built with a rack-and-pinion steering gear that’s mounted to the front crossmember using rubber bushes. This is shown in the Daihatsu Terios J100 workshop/service manual steering section and mirrored in common parts catalogues for the model, which list rack-mount bushes for the steering gear. Because it’s a rack setup, there’s no idler-arm bush like you’d see on a steering-box system.

On this keen little 4x4, the steering bushes isolate the rack from the chassis, cutting vibration and road harshness while keeping the rack positively located. When those bushes age, crack, or squash out—especially after plenty of corrugations or city kerbs—the driver will feel vague steering, a clunk on turn-in, or the wheel won’t quite self-centre as cleanly.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to inspect the Terios’ steering rack mounts. Look for perished rubber, misalignment of the rack on the crossmember, and any fore–aft movement when an assistant rocks the steering wheel with the engine off. If there’s noticeable play, fresh bushes will tighten things up and bring back that light, tidy feel these runabouts are known for.

Replacement is straightforward workshop fare. Most go for like-for-like rubber bushes for OE ride comfort, but polyurethane options are popular in Australia and New Zealand for vehicles that see gravel and light off-road work because they resist oil and hold geometry better. If using polyurethane, a proper assembly lube prevents squeaks. During the job, it’s smart to check related bits—inner and outer tie-rod ends, rack boots, and the lower control arm bushes—so you’re not chasing the same symptoms twice.

After any steering bushing work, a wheel alignment is recommended to keep tyre wear even and the steering wheel straight. Drivers should also recheck fastener torque after the first few hundred kilometres, especially if the vehicle tows or sees rough roads. With good-quality bushes and sensible servicing, the Terios’ steering stays whisper-quiet, direct, and drama-free for years.

• Typical symptoms of worn bushes: clunks over bumps, vague on-centre feel, tramlining, and light knocking felt in the wheel.
• Service tip: inspect annually or every 15,000 km, sooner if used off-road.
• Rubber for comfort, polyurethane for durability—choose based on how the Terios is used.

Popular questions

Where are the steering bushes on a 1998 Terios?
The steering bushes sit between the rack-and-pinion housing and the front crossmember. They cushion and locate the rack. You’ll spot them where the rack bolts through sleeves into the subframe.

How do you know the bushes need replacing?
Common giveaways include a dull clunk on turn-in or over potholes, a wandering feel on the motorway, and visible cracking or deformation of the bush rubber. Movement of the rack when the wheel is rocked is another clear sign.

Should you choose rubber or polyurethane bushes?
For a factory feel and minimal NVH, rubber is the easy pick. If the Terios spends time on corrugations or carries extra weight, polyurethane can hold alignment better and last longer, with a slight increase in steering feel and firmness.