Parts for your 1998 Toyota Altezza-Steering bushes

1998 Toyota Altezza steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 1998 Toyota Altezza (XE10) uses steering bushes. This is confirmed by Toyota’s factory documentation (Altezza/IS200 Repair Manual, Chassis – Steering section), Toyota EPC group listings for Steering Gear & Link, and well-known aftermarket catalogues from brands like SuperPro and Whiteline that list steering rack mounting bushes for 10/1998–2005 Altezza/IS200. These bushes mount the rack-and-pinion to the front subframe and help keep the rack located while filtering vibration.

On an Altezza, the steering bushes have two jobs: hold the rack firmly so the wheel angle matches what the driver asks, and soak up road harshness so the wheel doesn’t chatter over every ripple. When the original rubber compresses, cracks or oil-soaks, the rack can shift fractionally under load. That shows up as vague steering on the motorway, a dull knock on bumps, or tramlining that makes the car chase ruts.

For regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack mounts any time the front end is up, or at least every 20,000–30,000 kilometres. Look for perished rubber, cracking, ovalled sleeves, or obvious rack movement when rocking a front wheel side to side. Because engine oil or power steering fluid can swell rubber, address any leaks first or new bushes won’t last.

• Common signs they’re tired: vague on-centre feel, clunks over potholes, wandering under braking, shimmy through the wheel on rough chip.
• If the rack slides or you can see it twist in its saddles, the bushes are due.

Replacement is straightforward for a skilled DIYer or workshop: support the rack, remove the rack-to-subframe bolts, swap bushes, and torque everything to spec with the car at ride height. A wheel alignment isn’t always mandatory if tie rods stay undisturbed, but it’s recommended to tidy up toe and steering-centre. For feel, owners can choose OEM-style rubber for comfort or polyurethane for a crisper response, poly usually adds a touch more road feel and a hint of extra NVH, which many Altezza drivers actually like.

• Replace bushes as a matched set, not one side only.
• Check tie rod ends, ball joints and the lower steering shaft joint at the same time.
• Re-torque rack and subframe fasteners after a short shakedown (100–200 km).
• Remember: bushes won’t stop a hydraulic leak — leaking racks need seals or overhaul.

Look after the steering bushes and the Altezza rewards with that tight, confidence-inspiring turn-in it’s known for across New Zealand and Australia.

Popular questions about 1998 Toyota Altezza steering bushes

Do 1998 Altezzas actually have steering rack bushes, or is it all metal mounts?
They do have bushes. The rack is mounted to the front crossmember using rubber isolator bushes from factory. This is shown in Toyota’s steering gear diagrams and workshop manual procedures, and it’s why aftermarket polyurethane upgrade kits are widely available for the XE10 platform.

Should they go rubber or polyurethane on an everyday Altezza?
For a daily driver or long country trips, fresh OEM-style rubber keeps things quiet and comfy. If the driver prefers sharper response and better on-centre feel, polyurethane tightens the front end nicely with only a small increase in noise and road texture. Both are warrant-friendly when fitted correctly.

Will a wheel alignment be needed after replacing the bushes?
If the tie rods and column joints aren’t disturbed, it’s often fine. That said, because the rack position can shift a fraction when old, squashed bushes are replaced, getting an alignment is good practice to make sure toe and steering wheel centre are bang-on.