Parts for your 2000 Honda Stream-Steering bushes

2000 Honda Stream steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Steering bushes are relevant and used on the 2000 Honda Stream (RN1–RN5). The Honda Service Manual for the RN-series Stream (Steering section) specifies a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front subframe with rubber mounting cushions, and details inspection/replacement of the rack guide bush. The Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for RN1 further lists these items under the steering gearbox assembly. Being Civic-based, the Stream shares this arrangement with contemporary Civic/Integra models.

On this model, the steering rack mounting bushes and the internal rack guide bush keep the rack precisely located while soaking up vibration and road harshness. They stop the rack shifting under load, which keeps the steering wheel feel tight and predictable, reduces noise, and helps tyres wear evenly. When those bushes age, harden, or tear, the rack can move a fraction. That’s when a driver might notice a clunk over sharp bumps, a shimmy mid-corner, vague on-centre feel, or wandering on cambered roads.

For Aussie and Kiwi conditions, heat, UV, and wet roads accelerate rubber degradation. It’s smart to inspect the bushes at every major service or every 20,000–40,000 kilometres. Look for cracking, ovalled holes, oil swelling (from power-steering fluid), and any rack movement while an assistant rocks the steering wheel. If the tie-rod ends or lower column universal joint feel loose, sort those at the same time.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: gently support the rack, remove the rack-to-subframe bolts, swap the mounting bushes one side at a time, and torque fasteners to the Honda spec. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards because even small changes in rack position can alter toe. If the rack guide bush is worn, follow the manual’s procedure to set the rack guide preload—done correctly, it restores crisp on-centre feel without adding bind.

Choosing bushes comes down to priorities. Genuine rubber delivers OEM refinement and isolation. Quality polyurethane options sharpen steering response and resist oil/heat better, but may transmit a touch more vibration into the cabin. Whatever the choice, avoid petroleum-based greases on rubber, a silicone-based assembly lube is safer. With fresh bushes and a proper alignment, a 2000 Honda Stream’s steering feels tight, quiet, and confidence-inspiring—exactly how it should.

• Typical signs of worn bushes: clunks, vague steering, rack shift on bumps, uneven tyre wear.
• Good practice: inspect every major service, replace in pairs, align afterwards.

Popular questions about 2000 Honda Stream steering bushes

Do all 2000 Honda Stream models have steering rack bushes?
Yes. The RN-series Stream uses a rack-and-pinion unit mounted with rubber bushes, and it includes a serviceable rack guide bush. This is documented in the Honda Service Manual steering section and illustrated in the Honda EPC.

How often should the steering bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Many last well past 150,000 km, but climate, fluid leaks, and rough roads can shorten life. Inspect at each major service or if there’s clunking, steering play, or tyre wear. Replace when cracked, soft, oil-swollen, or if the rack shifts.

Are polyurethane bushes OK for daily use?
They’re fine for daily driving and typically sharpen steering feel and resist oil/heat better. Expect a slight increase in vibration compared to OEM rubber. If maximum comfort is the priority, stick with genuine-style rubber.