Parts for your 2002 Daihatsu Terios-Steering bushes

2002 Daihatsu Terios steering bushes — what they do and how to keep them sorted

Referencing the Daihatsu Terios J100/J102 Workshop Manual (Steering section) and the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue for the J1 series, the 2002 Terios runs a rack-and-pinion steering gear that’s mounted to the front crossmember with rubber rack support bushes. There’s no recirculating-ball or idler arm on this model, so “steering bushes” are very much relevant — they’re the rack-mount bushes and, in some cases, a column support bush.

On this Terios, the steering bushes keep the rack located and centred, soak up vibration, and stop harshness from telegraphing through the column. When they’re healthy, the rack stays put under load, alignment stays consistent, and the steering feels tidy and predictable. When they’re tired, the rack can nudge back and forth on bumps or when you switch throttle, which shows up as knocks, vague turn-in, and the sort of tramlining that makes long Kiwi or Aussie highway stints a bit of a chore.

• Clunk or thud over potholes and driveway lips as the rack shifts on its mounts
• Vague on-centre feel, steering wander, or a wheel that won’t settle straight
• Perished, cracked, or oil-soaked bushes on visual inspection
• Uneven tyre wear or toe changing after a bump

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the Terios’ steering bushes annually or every 20–30,000 km, and after any hard off-road or corrugated-road use. Fix power-steering fluid leaks promptly — oil degrades rubber and speeds up bush failure. If replacement’s due, remove the rack clamps, support the rack, and swap the bushes in pairs. Refit and torque the hardware with the vehicle at normal ride height so the bushes aren’t preloaded. A wheel alignment is recommended straight after.

Choosing bushes? OEM-style rubber keeps the ride quiet and compliant, ideal for daily use and touring. Quality polyurethane tightens up steering response and resists oil, handy if the Terios sees rough tracks, but can pass a touch more vibration. If using polyurethane, apply the supplied grease, do not grease rubber bushes. While you’re there, check inner and outer tie-rod ends and the lower column universal joints for play.

Many Terios owners in AU/NZ drive gravel, sand, and goat tracks — all of which can accelerate bush wear. Keeping the bushes fresh helps protect the rack housing and brackets, steadies the steering feel, and makes WOF/roadworthy checks a lot less stressful.

FAQs

Does a 2002 Terios have steering bushes or an idler arm?

It has steering rack mounting bushes, not an idler arm. The Terios uses a rack-and-pinion layout, so there’s no idler arm or idler bushes like you’d find on older recirculating-ball setups.

How often should the steering rack bushes be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval — replace when they’re perished, cracked, oil-soaked, or causing clunks and steering wander. On a mixed city–country Terios, expect to assess them every service and commonly replace somewhere between 80–150,000 km, sooner if it’s used off-road or the power-steering system has leaked.

Rubber vs polyurethane bushes — which suits a Terios best?

Rubber keeps it quiet and comfy, ideal for commuting and touring. Polyurethane sharpens response and resists oil and heat, better for frequent gravel or off-road use. If NVH is a priority, go rubber, if precision and durability matter more, go poly — and use the supplied grease.