Parts for your 2003 Toyota Highlander-Steering bushes

2003 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Steering bushes are used on the 2003 Toyota Highlander (also sold as the Kluger in Australia and New Zealand). Toyota’s factory Repair Manual (TIS) for the 2001–2003 Highlander/Kluger, in the Steering – Rack and Pinion Power Steering section, specifies rubber rack mounting bushes that secure the steering gear to the front subframe. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for MCU2#/ACU2# models also lists these rack-and-pinion mounting bushes. Aftermarket technical catalogues from well-known suspension brands likewise offer direct-fit rack mounting bush kits for the 2001–2007 Highlander/Kluger platform, confirming this is a serviceable part.

On this model, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the crossmember. Their job is to keep the rack centred and stable while soaking up vibration and road shock, so the wheel stays pointed where it should with minimal kick-back. When they harden, split, or oil-soak, the rack can shift under load, which shows up as vague steering, a clunk on take-off or over bumps, and a tendency for the car to wander on the motorway. Left too long, that movement can accelerate tyre wear and make the steering feel inconsistent.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to have the bushes visually checked from underneath. A technician will look for cracking, deformation, or soft, oil-soaked rubber, and may use a pry bar to see if the rack moves relative to the crossmember. Any excessive movement is a sign it’s time for new bushes. Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: support the rack, undo the mounting bolts, swap the bushes, and re-torque to spec. Because the rack’s position can change slightly, a wheel alignment check after the job is a good idea to keep tyres wearing evenly.

Owners can choose between genuine-style rubber bushes and polyurethane upgrades. Rubber keeps the plush factory NVH behaviour and is ideal for daily duties. Polyurethane tightens steering feel and resists oil and age better, but it can pass a touch more road feel into the cabin. If going poly, use the supplied grease during install to prevent squeaks. Either way, fitting and torquing the mounts at normal ride height helps avoid pre-loading the bushes.

Common signs it’s time to replace the steering bushes on a 2003 Highlander/Kluger:

• Clunk or thud felt through the floor or column when taking off or hitting bumps
• Vague on-centre feel, tramlining, or wandering at highway speeds
• Visible cracks, distortion, or oil-soaked rubber at the rack mounts

Most shops can knock this over in about 1–2 hours with the vehicle on a hoist. It’s a relatively low-cost job that can make a big difference to steering precision and confidence, especially on higher-kilometre vehicles.

Popular questions

Do the 2001–2003 Highlander/Kluger models actually have steering rack bushes?
Yes. Toyota’s Repair Manual and the Toyota EPC both show dedicated rubber rack-to-subframe bushes for the steering gear on these models. Aftermarket catalogues also list direct-fit replacement kits, so they’re considered a normal wear item that can be serviced.

Should they go with rubber or polyurethane replacements?
Rubber keeps factory comfort and quietness, which most family SUVs will prefer. Polyurethane sharpens steering feel and resists oil and ageing better, but can add a hint more road texture. For mostly urban and touring use, rubber is great. For a firmer, more connected feel, poly is worth a look.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing steering bushes?
It’s recommended. Even though you’re not changing tie-rods, the rack can sit a touch differently once the old, squashed bushes are gone. A quick alignment ensures the wheel is centred and tyres wear evenly.