Parts for your 2000 Toyota Bb-Steering bushes

2000 Toyota bB steering-bushes

Technical references indicate the 2000 Toyota bB (NCP30/NCP31) does use steering-bushes. Toyota’s Repair Manual for the bB/Scion xB platform (Steering – Rack and Pinion, column‑assist EPS) and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for NCP30/NCP31 list rubber “cushions/insulators, steering gear” that mount the rack-and-pinion to the front crossmember. These are the steering-bushes that control rack location and isolate vibration.

On this model, the rack is solidly clamped to the subframe through those bushes. Their job is to keep the steering gear precisely located so toe doesn’t wander, and to soak up harshness so the wheel feels tidy rather than tinny. Whether the bB has column‑assist electric power steering or base mechanical assist arrangements, the rack still relies on these bushes to stay square on the chassis.

When the bushes age, the rubber hardens, cracks or compresses. That lets the rack nudge about under load, which the driver feels as vague initial response, a clunk over potholes or a shimmy mid‑corner. Left alone, that movement can scuff tyres and stress inner tie rods and the steering column’s torque sensor on EPS cars.

• Common signs: knock over sharp bumps, steering that “hunts” on cambered roads, uneven tyre wear, or visible rack movement when a helper saws the wheel while the car’s on the ground.
• Inspection tips: look for splits, oil‑soaked rubber, or ovalled bush sleeves, gently lever the rack with a pry bar and watch for relative movement at the mounts.

Replacement is straightforward workshop fare but benefits from the right approach. The rack usually needs to be unbolted from the crossmember, on some bB variants the crossmember is eased down for clearance. Mark the steering wheel straight‑ahead, lock the column, and protect the spiral cable. After pressing in new bushes (OE rubber keeps NVH factory‑quiet, polyurethane tightens feel but may add a bit of road buzz), torque the mounts to spec with the weight on the wheels. A wheel alignment is a must, and on EPS cars a steering angle zero‑point check is good practice.

There’s no set kilometre interval, but a quick look during each service or at 40,000–60,000 km keeps surprises at bay. Keeping engine oil and power steering fluid (where fitted) off the bushes prolongs life. If the bB’s steering has gone from crisp to a bit woolly, fresh steering-bushes can bring the front end back to its cheerful, pointy best.

• Does the 2000 Toyota bB have steering rack bushes?
  Yes. The NCP30/NCP31 bB mounts its rack-and-pinion to the front subframe with rubber cushions/insulators. Toyota service literature and the EPC for this platform list these parts as the rack mount bushes that control gear position and filter vibration.
• How can someone tell the bB’s steering-bushes need replacing?
  Listen and feel for a light knock over sharp bumps, a vague on‑centre feel, or the car tracking off on camber. Uneven inner/outer tyre wear is another cue. With the wheels on the ground, a helper can rock the steering while someone watches the rack mounts for movement.
• Are polyurethane bushes OK for a daily‑driven bB?
  They’re fine if sharper steering feel is the goal and a touch more road texture in the cabin is acceptable. For factory‑quiet NVH, OE‑style rubber is the safer bet, especially on rough Kiwi and Aussie roads.