Parts for your 2002 Daihatsu Yrv-Steering bushes

2002 Daihatsu YRV steering bushes — what they are and why they matter

Technical sources confirm the 2002 Daihatsu YRV does use steering bushes. The Daihatsu YRV (M201/M211) workshop manual’s Steering section details a rack-and-pinion setup mounted to the front crossmember through rubber bushes, and the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for M20#G models lists a “bush, steering gear mounting.” Australian and New Zealand aftermarket catalogues also carry replacement steering rack mounting bushes for the YRV/Sirion platform. So yes — steering bushes are relevant and fitted on this vehicle.

On the YRV, the steering bushes secure the steering rack to the subframe while isolating vibration and road harshness. They keep the rack located so the toe angle stays consistent when cornering or braking. Over time, the original rubber can harden, crack or swell (especially if contaminated by leaking power steering fluid), which lets the rack shift under load. That’s when drivers notice vague steering, a clunk on turn-in, tramlining, or uneven tyre wear.

For servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering bushes whenever the front end is up — say, every 40–60,000 kilometres or if there’s a knock through the wheel. Look for perished or oil-soaked rubber, or get a helper to rock the steering left–right while watching for the rack housing moving relative to the crossmember. Also note that the column has support bushes and the inner/outer tie rods are separate wear items, so don’t mix them up with the rack mounts.

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: safely support the car, keep the steering centred, support the rack, then remove the rack clamp hardware and swap in new bushes in the correct orientation. Refit the brackets, tighten to the workshop-manual torque, and check that the column joint is secure. If any hydraulic lines were disturbed, bleed the power steering. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards because even a slight rack position change can alter toe. Owners chasing durability can consider polyurethane bushes for a firmer, longer-lasting result, while those after factory comfort can stick with OEM-style rubber.

• Common symptoms: clunk over bumps or on turn-in, steering wander, kickback, and feathered front tyres.
• Related checks: inner/outer tie rods, lower control arm bushes, and power-steering leaks that can degrade rubber.
• Workshop time: typically about 1–2 hours with a hoist and alignment to finish.

Popular questions about 2002 Daihatsu YRV steering bushes

Does a 2002 Daihatsu YRV actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The YRV runs a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber bushes. The Daihatsu workshop manual and the Daihatsu EPC both show and list these mounting bushes for M201/M211 models, and local aftermarket catalogues stock direct replacements.

How can someone tell if the YRV’s steering bushes are worn?
Tell-tales include a light clunk when turning, vague on-centre feel, steering shimmy on rough roads and uneven front tyre wear. With the front lifted, an assistant can rock the steering while a tech watches the rack, noticeable movement of the rack housing relative to the subframe points to tired bushes.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing steering bushes?
It’s strongly recommended. Even when installed carefully, small changes in rack position can nudge toe settings. A proper alignment ensures the YRV tracks straight, the steering wheel sits level, and the tyres wear evenly.