Parts for your 2002 Toyota Land cruiser-Steering bushes

2002 Toyota Land Cruiser steering bushes

Yes, steering bushes are relevant to most 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser models. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the J100 series (1998–2007) lists “Cushion, Steering Gear” (PNC 45516) for UZJ100/HDJ100 variants with independent front suspension (rack-and-pinion), and the Toyota Repair Manual (Chassis – Steering, J100) details inspection and replacement of these rack-mount bushes. The exception is the 105 Series (FZJ105/HDJ105) solid-axle Land Cruiser, which uses a recirculating-ball steering box rather than a rack, so it doesn’t have steering rack bushes, it instead has column support components and joints that serve different roles.

On IFS-equipped 2002 Land Cruisers, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack and the crossmember. Their job is to locate the rack precisely while isolating vibration and road shock, cutting back on NVH and keeping the steering feel tight. Over time, the rubber can compress, crack or soften (especially if soaked in power steering fluid), letting the rack shift under load and making the steering feel vague.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect these bushes every 40,000–60,000 km, or any time there’s a clunk over corrugations, wandering on the highway, or uneven tyre wear. Look for cracked or oil-swollen rubber and visible rack movement while a helper rocks the wheel with the engine off. If the bushes are tired, replace them as a set.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent tech: support the rack, remove the mount bolts, swap the bushes one at a time and match any orientation marks. Refit fasteners and torque to factory spec from the Toyota Repair Manual. Genuine rubber bushes keep the ride quiet and OEM-feel, quality polyurethane options add sharper response and durability, handy for towing or outback tracks, though they may transmit a touch more vibration. After any bush work, a wheel alignment check is recommended. It also pays to inspect inner/outer tie-rod ends and the lower steering shaft joint at the same time.

Running a 105 Series? There’s no rack to bush, but similar symptoms can come from play in the column support bush, lower shaft joint, or drag link ends—Toyota’s steering section in the J105 manual covers those checks.

• Typical symptoms: steering knock, vague on-centre feel, pulling under braking, or visible rack movement.
• Common causes: age, oil contamination, heavy off-road use and corrugations.

Does my 2002 Land Cruiser have steering rack bushes or a steering box?

Most 100 Series with independent front suspension use a rack-and-pinion with rack bushes. The 105 Series solid axle uses a steering box and has no rack bushes. If the front has upper/lower control arms, it’s the IFS rack type, a live axle housing indicates the box type.

How often should steering rack bushes be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval. Inspect at regular services, many see replacement anywhere from 100,000–200,000 km, sooner if exposed to leaks, corrugations or heavy loads.

Rubber vs polyurethane—what’s best?

Genuine rubber keeps factory NVH and feel. Poly bushes sharpen response and resist deformation, great for touring and towing, but can pass a bit more vibration. Either way, use quality parts and recheck fasteners after a few hundred kilometres.