Parts for your 1998 Toyota Crown-Steering bushes

1998 Toyota Crown steering-bushes — purpose, upkeep, and when to replace

Based on Toyota’s technical literature for the S150-series Crown (circa 1995–1999) — including the factory Repair Manual steering section and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for JZS15# models — the 1998 Toyota Crown uses rack-and-pinion steering with rubber “cushions”/bushes that mount the steering gear to the crossmember. Column support bushes are also specified. So steering-bushes are absolutely relevant on this vehicle.

On the 1998 Crown, the steering-bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the front subframe. Their job is to locate the rack precisely while soaking up vibration and harshness. When they’re in good nick, the car tracks straight, the wheel feels settled on-centre, and bumps don’t kick back through the rim. As they age and compress or crack, the rack can shift under load, which shows up as a vague, rubbery steering feel and the odd thunk over sharp edges.

Owners chasing a tidy, confidence-inspiring drive should treat these bushes as service items — not as frequently as fluids or filters, but worth a look at major services or around the 100,000–150,000 km mark, and any time there’s unexplained play. Typical red flags include:

• Clunks or knocks when hitting potholes or driveway lips
• Wandering or tramlining at highway speeds
• Steering wheel shudder on rough roads
• Uneven or feathered tyre wear despite correct pressures

Replacement is straightforward for a competent tech: support the rack, remove the rack-to-subframe bolts and brackets, swap the bushes, then torque everything to spec with the vehicle at ride height. No hydraulic lines are opened, so a fluid bleed usually isn’t needed. It’s smart to pair new bushes with an alignment check, because a rack that no longer shifts will hold geometry more consistently. If the intermediate shaft or column bushes are tired, tackle them at the same time to tidy up any remaining play.

As for materials, quality OE-style rubber keeps the Crown’s plush NVH character. Polyurethane options can sharpen response but may add a touch of road feel and idle vibration — fine for keen drivers, less ideal if the brief is quiet luxury. Whichever way it goes, avoid mixing old and new on opposite sides, and stick with reputable brands. Lastly, keep the steering wheel locked during the job to protect the spiral cable, and always follow torque specs in the factory manual for the S150 Crown.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if their 1998 Crown’s steering-bushes are worn?
They’ll usually feel extra play on-centre, hear a dull knock over sharp bumps, or notice the car wandering a bit on the motorway. A visual check from underneath often reveals perished, cracked or squashed bushes, and a pry-bar test will show the rack shifting more than it should under light leverage.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes for a 1998 Crown — which is better?
Rubber preserves the Crown’s refined, quiet ride and is perfect for daily driving. Poly sharpens steering response and durability but can add a hint more vibration and road texture. For a luxury-first setup, go rubber, for a slightly sportier feel, go poly from a trusted brand.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing steering-bushes?
It’s not always mandatory, but it’s recommended. Fresh bushes stop the rack from shifting under load, which can subtly change toe. An alignment after the job helps lock in even tyre wear and straight-ahead tracking.