Parts for your 2005 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Steering bushes

2005 Toyota Vitz/Yaris steering bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references including the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the NCP9# Vitz/Yaris (2005–2011), the Toyota workshop/repair manual steering section, and major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., SuperPro and Whiteline) that list rack-and-pinion mount bush kits for this model, the 2005 Toyota Vitz/Yaris is fitted with steering bushes. So yes, steering bushes are relevant to this vehicle.

On the 2005 Vitz/Yaris, the steering rack mounts to the subframe through rubber bushes. These bushes keep the rack properly located, soak up vibration and road shock, and help the car track straight without transmitting harshness up the column. Even on column-assist electric power steering versions, the rack still relies on these bushes to stay aligned and quiet.

What’s the point? Steering bushes provide isolation and precise location. When they age, harden, crack, or oil-soak, the rack can shift slightly under load. That shows up as a vague on-centre feel, clunks over bumps, or a little steering kickback on rough roads. Left long enough, it can contribute to uneven tyre wear because toe can change as the rack moves.

• Common signs they’re tired:
  • Knock or thud felt through the wheel on potholes or speed humps
  • Steering feels loose or wanders on the motorway
  • Visible cracking or deformation of the rack bushes
  • Excess play during a pry-bar check at the rack mounts

Servicing advice for owners in Australia and New Zealand: have the rack bushes inspected at regular services or any time you’re chasing a front-end noise. There’s no fixed replacement interval, it’s condition-based. If the car sees lots of rough roads or heat and oil exposure, expect earlier wear.

1. When replacing, choose OE-style rubber for comfort, or quality polyurethane for sharper steering feel (with a touch more NVH).
2. Support the rack properly, replace bushes in matched pairs, and torque fasteners at normal ride height.
3. After any steering bush work, book a wheel alignment to reset toe.
4. While there, inspect inner/outer tie rods and rack boots, as worn companions can mimic the same symptoms.

A competent home mechanic can do the job with stands, sockets and a torque wrench, but many will prefer a workshop to handle access and alignment. Refer to the Toyota repair manual for the NCP9# steering section for exact procedures and torque specs, the EPC illustrations are handy for part identification and orientation.

Popular questions about 2005 Toyota Vitz/Yaris steering bushes

Do 2005 Vitz/Yaris models actually have steering rack bushes?

Yes. Toyota’s EPC illustrations for the NCP9# Yaris/Vitz list the rack-and-pinion mounting cushions/bushes, and aftermarket catalogues (e.g., SuperPro, Whiteline) supply replacement kits for this exact model range. They locate the rack on the subframe and isolate vibration.

How can someone tell if the steering bushes need replacing?

Look and listen: clunks over bumps, a floaty or wandering feel at 80–100 km/h, or steering kickback on corrugations are common giveaways. A visual inspection often shows cracked or oil-soaked rubber. A technician can lever the rack gently, any obvious movement at the mounts points to worn bushes.

Rubber or polyurethane—what suits a daily-driven Yaris?

For most daily drivers, fresh OE-style rubber keeps things quiet and comfy. If sharper steering response is the goal—say for spirited driving or autocross—polyurethane tightens location and feedback, with a slight increase in NVH. Either way, a post-job alignment is recommended.