Parts for your 2005 Toyota Bb-Steering bushes

2005 Toyota bB steering bushes

Steering bushes are fitted to the 2005 Toyota bB (NCP30/31/35). Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the bB/Scion xB platform, together with the Steering section of the factory repair manual, shows rubber mounting bushes securing the rack-and-pinion to the crossmember, plus a small bush/isolator in the steering column assembly. Aftermarket catalogues from well-known suspension brands also list steering rack mount bush kits for this model, which backs up the factory documentation.

On this bB, the steering bushes do two big jobs: they clamp the steering rack in the right spot so toe and steering geometry stay true, and they soak up vibration and harshness that would otherwise buzz through the wheel. When the rubber ages or tears, the rack can shift a touch under load. That’s when drivers notice vague on‑centre feel, a clunk on sharp bumps, or the car tram‑tracking more than it should.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack mounts and the column coupling every 20,000–30,000 km or whenever there’s steering play. Look for cracked or oil‑soaked rubber, shiny witness marks where the rack has been moving, or bolts that aren’t holding torque. If bushes are tired, replacement restores steering precision and helps tyres wear evenly.

• Typical symptoms of worn bushes: clunking over potholes, wandering on the motorway, vague steering, and uneven tyre wear.
• Related checks: inner/outer tie‑rod ends, lower control arm bushes, and front wheel alignment.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, remove mount brackets, swap the bushes, then refit and torque the hardware to the Toyota spec. On some cars the subframe clearance is tight, so allow time. After any bush change, book a wheel alignment to lock in straight‑ahead steering and correct toe.

Choice of bush: genuine rubber keeps factory NVH and is ideal for daily use. Quality polyurethane alternatives sharpen response and resist oil and heat, handy for spirited driving or lowered cars, though they can pass a bit more vibration into the cabin. Either way, avoid cheap no‑name rubber that collapses early.

Safety tip: if the column joint is disconnected, keep the wheel centred and don’t spin it with the battery connected—protect the clock spring and steering angle sensor. A quick EPS calibration or basic angle reset may be required after work, per the Toyota manual.

Popular questions about 2005 Toyota bB steering bushes

Does a 2005 Toyota bB actually have steering rack bushes?
Yes. The Toyota bB (NCP30/31/35) uses rubber bushes to mount the rack-and-pinion to the crossmember. This is shown in Toyota’s repair manual and EPC illustrations for the steering gear, and supported by aftermarket bush kits listed for the bB/Scion xB platform.

How often should the steering bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval, they’re condition‑based. Inspect them every 20,000–30,000 km or during front-end services. Replace if cracked, oil‑soaked, deformed, or if there’s steering play, clunks, or persistent alignment drift.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes—what’s better for a bB?
For daily commuting and comfort, OEM‑style rubber is the pick. For a sharper, more direct feel and extra durability, quality polyurethane works well, with a small trade‑off in vibration. Either way, proper installation and a post‑fit alignment matter more than the material choice.