Parts for your 2004 Toyota Bb-Steering bushes

2004 Toyota bB steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm the 2004 Toyota bB (NCP30/NCP31/NCP35) does use steering bushes. The Toyota repair literature for the NCP3# platform details a rack-and-pinion setup with column-assist electric power steering, and the steering gear is secured to the front crossmember with rubber mounting bushes. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog lists rack mounting “bush, steering gear” for the bB/Scion xB of this era, and mainstream suspension specialists catalog direct-fit replacement rack-mount bushes for these models. So yes — steering bushes are relevant and serviceable on the 2004 Toyota bB.

On this bB, the steering bushes isolate the rack from the body, keeping the wheel feel tight while soaking up harshness. When they harden, crack, or compress with age, the driver can feel play through the wheel, hear a clunk over bumps, or notice vague on-centre feel. Because the bB runs a light, column-assisted EPS, any extra movement from tired bushes is easy to spot — the wheel might shimmy on corrugations and the car can tramline more than it should.

Replacing the steering bushes is a tidy way to firm up the front end without making the ride harsh. Fresh OEM rubber keeps it comfy, quality polyurethane options sharpen response and last longer, handy for cars that see plenty of city kerbs and Kiwi backroads. Under the bonnet, the job involves supporting the rack, loosening the brackets, swapping the bushes, then torquing the hardware to spec. It’s not a wheel-off-the-ground guessing game — mark positions, keep the rack centred, and take care with torque values. A post-job wheel alignment is recommended, as even small changes at the rack mounts can nudge toe.

Good servicing practice is to inspect the bB’s steering bushes every 40–60,000 kilometres, or sooner if there are clunks, wandering, or uneven tyre wear. While you’re there, give the inner and outer tie-rod ends a once-over, check the rack boots for splits, and ensure the column lower joint is free of play. If there’s a slight knock felt through the floor on sharp bumps, or the steering feels rubbery on quick lane changes, new bushes are often the quiet hero fix.

• Typical symptoms: clunk on take-off/braking, vague steering, tramlining, uneven tyres
• Recommended: quality rubber for comfort, polyurethane for sharper response and durability
• Always finish with an alignment and proper torque checks

Popular questions about 2004 Toyota bB steering bushes

How do you tell if the steering bushes are worn on a 2004 bB?

Listen for a dull knock over potholes or when rocking the wheel at parking speeds, and feel for looseness on-centre. If the rack shifts slightly when a helper saws the wheel left–right with the engine off, the bushes are likely tired. Uneven inside-edge tyre wear and tramlining are common clues too.

Do polyurethane steering bushes make the bB too harsh?

On the bB’s column-assist setup, quality polyurethane tightens steering feel without making it crashy. You’ll notice crisper response and better on-centre stability. If ride comfort is the top priority, fresh OEM rubber remains a safe bet.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing steering bushes?

Yes. Even small movements at the rack mounts can alter toe. A quick alignment locks in straight-ahead feel and protects your tyres.