Parts for your 2002 Toyota Bb-Steering bushes

2002 Toyota bB steering bushes

Steering bushes are relevant to the 2002 Toyota bB. Technical references including the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the NCP30 series (Steering Gear & Link section) and the Toyota/Scion workshop manual for the NCP30/31 bB/Scion xB show a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber “bush/insulator, steering gear” pieces. Even though many bB models use column-assist electric power steering, the rack is still secured by these bushes, so they are very much a service item on this vehicle.

On the 2002 Toyota bB, the steering bushes are the small but crucial rubber (or polyurethane) insulators that cradle the steering rack on the subframe. Their job is to hold the rack exactly where it should be, absorb vibration and road shock, and keep steering geometry steady under brakes and cornering. When they age, harden, or swell from oil contamination, the rack can shift a fraction. That little bit of movement shows up at the wheel as vagueness on centre, tramlining, and the odd clunk over bumps.

Typical signs the bB’s steering bushes are tired include:

• Clunk or knock from low in the dash/subframe on rough roads or when turning into driveways
• Steering that feels loose, wanders, or needs constant correction on the motorway
• Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear despite correct pressures
• Visible rack movement when an assistant rocks the steering wheel with the car safely raised

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the bushes every 40,000–60,000 km, or any time there’s an oil leak onto the crossmember. Look for cracking, flattening, separation from the sleeve, or soft, swollen rubber. Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, mark positions, remove the mount bolts, swap the bushes, then refit and torque to the factory spec from the workshop manual. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards, and it’s worth checking inner and outer tie rod ends, rack boots, and the intermediate shaft joint at the same time.

Owners can choose OEM-style rubber bushes for OE comfort and isolation, or quality polyurethane for a firmer, more direct feel. On New Zealand and Australian roads, polyurethane can sharpen steering response, but may pass a touch more vibration into the cabin. Either way, fresh bushes restore the bB’s tidy steering behaviour, protect the rack housing from impact, and help tyres last the distance. Keep oils and solvents off the new bushes, recheck fastener torque after a few drives, and the steering will feel spot-on again.

Does a 2002 Toyota bB actually have steering rack bushes?

Yes. The NCP30 bB uses a rack-and-pinion mounted to the front crossmember via rubber insulators (“bushes”). Toyota EPC and the bB/Scion xB workshop manual list these parts and the rack mounting procedure.

What are the symptoms of worn steering bushes on a bB?

Expect a light clunk over bumps, vague on-centre feel, and a tendency to wander. You might see the rack shift slightly when someone rocks the wheel with the car safely supported, and front tyres can wear unevenly.

Should they be replaced with rubber or polyurethane?

Rubber keeps it quiet and comfy, close to factory feel. Polyurethane firms up the rack location for sharper response, which some drivers prefer. If the bB is mainly a daily driver on coarse-chip roads, rubber is the most refined choice, for a sportier feel, go poly.