Parts for your 2000 Nissan Bluebird-Steering bushes

2000 Nissan Bluebird steering-bushes: fitment, purpose and service advice

Based on the Nissan Factory Service Manual for the U14 Bluebird (1996–2001) and the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue, the 2000 Nissan Bluebird uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted with rubber “insulators” (steering-bushes) and a lower steering column support bush. So steering-bushes are absolutely relevant to this vehicle.

On this Bluebird, the steering-bushes secure the steering rack to the subframe and isolate road harshness from the cabin. They keep the rack aligned so the pinion engages correctly and the inner tie-rods track true. When fresh, these bushes tighten up on-centre feel, cut down kickback, and help the car hold a straight line on the motorway.

With age, heat, oil mist, and big bumps, the original rubber can soften or split. Once that happens, the rack can shift under load, which shows up as vague steering, a clunk on turn-in or over speed humps, tramlining, or a slight delay before the front wheels respond. The FSM’s inspection routine ties in neatly here: any free-play at the rack mounts or movement when an assistant rocks the wheel is a prompt to replace the steering-bushes.

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand conditions, it’s sensible for workshops to:

• Visually check the rack mounts every 10,000–15,000 km or at each service.
• Look for oil contamination from a weeping rack—oil swells rubber and accelerates wear.
• Road test for knock, wander, or torque steer that points to bush movement.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent technician: support the rack, remove the mounting bolts and brackets, swap the bushes (matching orientation), then torque to factory spec with the vehicle at normal ride height. An alignment is recommended after any steering-bushes work, as even small positional changes can nudge toe settings and scrub tyres. For owners prioritising comfort and OE feel, rubber bushes are the go. For a crisper response on backroads, quality polyurethane steering-bushes can sharpen steering, noting a mild increase in road feel.

Left unattended, flogged-out steering-bushes can lead to uneven tyre wear, braking pull, and extra stress on tie-rods. Replacing them restores the Bluebird’s tidy, predictable steering that these cars are known for—and keeps WOF/rego inspectors happy.

Popular questions about 2000 Nissan Bluebird steering-bushes

How can someone tell the steering-bushes are worn on a 2000 Bluebird?
Common signs include a dull clunk over bumps, steering that feels loose on-centre, wander on the motorway, or a twitch when accelerating out of a corner. A mechanic may also see the rack shift slightly while an assistant rocks the steering wheel. Uneven front tyre wear can be a clue too.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing steering-bushes?
It’s strongly recommended. Even if the rack goes back to the same spot, tiny changes at the mounts can alter toe. A quick alignment protects tyres and ensures the Bluebird tracks straight.

Rubber or polyurethane steering-bushes for the Bluebird?
OE-style rubber preserves factory comfort and isolation—great for daily use. Polyurethane tightens response and durability, ideal for spirited driving, though it can transmit a touch more road feel into the cabin. Either way, quality and correct fitment matter more than brand badges.