Parts for your 2005 Toyota Mark x-Steering bushes

2005 Toyota Mark X steering bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Steering bushes are absolutely relevant on the 2005 Toyota Mark X (GRX120/125). Toyota’s Repair Manual for the GRX120 series (Steering – Power Steering – Steering Gear – Removal/Installation) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue under Steering Gear & Link and Steering Column & Shaft both show the rack-and-pinion mounted to the front subframe via rubber bushes/cushions, with additional isolating bushes in the column assembly. These components are designed to locate the steering gear while isolating vibration, so this model is fitted with steering bushes from factory.

On the 2005 Mark X, the steering rack bushes and column bushes keep the rack aligned, dampen road shock and reduce noise transmitted into the cabin. When fresh, they help the wheel feel precise and settled on uneven Kiwi and Aussie roads. As the rubber ages, heat, power-steering fluid mist, and years of bumps can make the bushes soften, crack or oval out, which lets the rack shift slightly under load.

Owners will usually notice a few tell-tales when the bushes are tired:

• A dull clunk or knock through the floor or column when changing direction or hitting small bumps
• Steering that feels vague on centre, with a hint of rack “wander” on cambered roads
• Uneven tyre wear or a steering wheel that doesn’t self-centre as confidently

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to visually inspect the rack mounts and column bushes every 20,000–30,000 km, or annually if the car does lots of city work. Look for perished rubber, oil saturation, or excessive movement while an assistant gently rocks the wheel. Any play at the rack ears or column lower joint means it’s time to replace them.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent workshop: support the rack, remove the brackets, swap the bushes (observing any orientation marks), torque the hardware to spec, and recheck column joints. Because even small rack shifts can alter toe, a wheel alignment is recommended afterwards. If the original bushes have gone soft, upgrading to quality OEM-equivalent rubber is ideal for comfort, performance polyurethane can sharpen response but may pass a bit more road feel—fine for enthusiasts, less so if ride refinement is the priority.

With fresh steering bushes, the Mark X’s front end feels tighter, tracking truer on the motorway and staying composed over patched tarmac—exactly how a well-sorted Toyota should steer.

Popular questions about 2005 Toyota Mark X steering bushes

Do all 2005 Mark X models use steering rack bushes?
Yes. The GRX120/125 Mark X uses a rack-and-pinion setup mounted to the front subframe with rubber bushes/cushions, as shown in Toyota’s Repair Manual and EPC diagrams for the steering gear and column assemblies.

How long do steering bushes typically last on a Mark X?
There’s no fixed interval, but many last 100,000–150,000 km under average conditions. Heat, fluid exposure and rough roads can shorten that. Annual inspections are the best way to catch wear early.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the steering rack bushes?
Usually yes. Even minor changes to rack position can nudge toe out of spec. A post-repair alignment ensures straight tracking and even tyre wear.