Parts for your 2005 Toyota Caldina-Steering bushes

2005 Toyota Caldina steering bushes — purpose, checks and replacement

Based on technical sources, steering bushes are fitted to the 2005 Toyota Caldina. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for ZZT/AZT/ST246 models shows the rack-and-pinion assembly mounted to the front crossmember via rubber bushes, and the factory Repair Manual section for Steering/Rack Installation specifies bush positioning and tightening sequence. Aftermarket catalogues common in AU/NZ (e.g., SuperPro and Whiteline) also list steering rack mount bush kits for 2002–2007 Caldina, confirming real-world fitment.

On this Caldina, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the subframe. Their job is to isolate vibration, keep the rack accurately located under load, and help deliver a tight on-centre feel. When the bushes age or soften, the rack can shift slightly, which shows up as vague steering, a knock over bumps, or the car wandering on cambered roads.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering bushes alongside tie rod ends and lower control arm bushes. Look for perishing, cracks, oil swelling (from power-steering fluid exposure on hydraulic models), or any lateral movement of the rack when an assistant swings the steering wheel left–right with the engine running.

• Typical symptoms of worn bushes:
  • Clunk or tap felt through the column over potholes
  • Steering that feels loose or needs frequent correction
  • Uneven tyre wear or alignment that won’t hold
• Service tips:
  • Inspect every 20,000–40,000 km, sooner if driving on rough roads
  • Replace in pairs, re-check wheel alignment afterwards
  • Use OEM-style rubber for comfort, or quality polyurethane for sharper response

Replacement on a Caldina is straightforward for a competent technician: support the rack, remove the rack-mount brackets/bolts, swap bushes, then refit and torque to the workshop spec with the steering centred. Avoid pre-loading the bushes, tighten with the vehicle at normal ride height where specified. After any bush replacement, an alignment is recommended to keep tyre wear in check and restore crisp tracking.

For ST246 GT-Four and other performance variants, slightly firmer bushes can help steering precision without a big rise in cabin harshness. Regardless of variant, bush quality matters—cheap, overly soft rubber won’t last, and poor-fit poly can creak. Sticking with reputable brands and the correct Caldina fitment prevents headaches down the line.

How can someone tell if their 2005 Caldina’s steering bushes need replacing?

Common giveaways are a dull knock over sharp bumps, tramlining or wandering at highway speeds, and steering that feels a bit delayed off centre. With the car safely raised, an assistant can rock the steering while someone watches the rack: visible rack movement relative to the subframe points to tired bushes. Any oil-soaked rubber from a past fluid leak is also a red flag.

Should they choose OEM rubber or polyurethane bushes for a Caldina?

OEM rubber keeps factory ride comfort and isolates noise well—great for daily driving and mixed conditions. Quality polyurethane tightens steering feel and resists oil and heat better, which suits enthusiastic or heavy-load use. On rough regional roads, a compliant rubber bush may keep the cabin quieter, for a sharper steering response, good poly is a fair upgrade.