Parts for your 2005 Toyota Altezza-Steering bushes

2005 Toyota Altezza steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm the 2005 Toyota Altezza (XE10, IS200/IS300 platform) uses steering rack mounting bushes. Toyota’s factory repair literature for SXE10/GXE10 identifies the rack “mounting insulators” in the steering section, and Toyota’s EPC lists these rubber isolators as service parts. Aftermarket catalogues from well-known suspension specialists also list direct-fit rack-mount bush kits for 1998–2005 Altezza/IS models, which further verifies their presence.

On this Altezza, the steering bushes sit between the power steering rack and the front crossmember. Their job is to locate the rack solidly while soaking up vibration and road harshness. When they’re fresh, steering feels precise, the wheel recentres properly, and the car tracks straight. As the rubber ages, heat, oil mist and hard cornering can soften or crack the bushes. The rack can then shift slightly under load, which shows up as vague steering, a dull knock on bumps, or a steering wheel that wriggles on corrugations.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering rack bushes every 20,000–30,000 kilometres or annually. Look for perished rubber, splitting, or obvious rack movement when an assistant rocks the steering left–right with the car on the ground. If there’s any free play, replace the bushes. Many owners choose polyurethane replacements for sharper response and durability, they do transmit a touch more road feel, while fresh OEM-style rubber stays the quietest. Either is fine for street use—pick based on noise/feel preferences.

Replacement is a straightforward driveway job with stands and basic tools: support the car securely, note rack position, loosen the rack U-brackets, remove the old bushes, clean the mounts, then fit the new bushes observing orientation marks. Reinstall brackets and torque all fasteners to the factory spec from the Toyota manual. Because the rack’s location is restored rather than altered, alignment usually won’t shift much, but booking a wheel alignment is still good practice—especially if the previous bushes were badly worn.

While you’re there, check inner and outer tie rod ends, the column lower universal joint, and inspect for power steering fluid leaks that can degrade rubber. A tidy steering system rewards the Altezza with confidence on back roads and even tyre wear over the long haul.

• Common symptoms: steering play on-centre, knocks over bumps, tramlining, uneven front tyre wear, and visible rack movement.
• Service tip: clean and lightly lube polyurethane bushes with the supplied grease only, don’t use petroleum products on rubber.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if their 2005 Altezza’s steering rack bushes are shot?

They’ll often feel extra play around centre, hear a thud when taking up steering on driveways or speed humps, and notice the wheel shimmy on rough chip. With the car on the ground, have a helper rock the steering while watching the rack—any side-to-side rack movement relative to the subframe points to worn bushes.

Should they choose rubber or polyurethane bushes for a daily-driven Altezza?

For most daily use, fresh OEM-style rubber keeps noise and vibration lowest. Polyurethane adds a crisper on-centre feel and lasts longer, handy for spirited driving or lowered setups. If cabin refinement is the priority, go rubber, if steering precision is the goal, go poly.

Does replacing steering rack bushes require a wheel alignment?

Often the alignment won’t change much because the rack returns to its intended position. That said, if the old bushes were badly deformed, toe could have been masking the issue. A post-repair alignment check is inexpensive insurance for straight tracking and even tyre wear.