Parts for your 2006 Daihatsu Terios-Steering bushes

2006 Daihatsu Terios steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical documentation, the 2006 Daihatsu Terios (J200 series) does use steering bushes. The factory rack-and-pinion steering gear is mounted to the front crossmember via rubber “rack mounting” bushes that locate the rack and isolate vibration. This is identified in the Daihatsu Terios J200 steering section of the workshop manual and in the Daihatsu/Toyota EPC for the J200/J210 (Terios/Rush), which list steering gear mounting bush/cushion components. Aftermarket catalogues for the J200 also supply “steering rack bushing” kits, confirming fitment.

On this Terios, steering bushes keep the rack steady under load, soak up road harshness, and help maintain toe and on‑centre feel. When they wear, the rack can shift slightly, which shows up as a clunk over bumps, vague steering, tramlining, or uneven front tyre wear. Because they’re rubber, age, heat, oil contamination and rough roads will eventually knock them about.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering bushes every 10,000–15,000 km or annually—especially if the vehicle sees corrugations or a lot of urban kerb hopping. Look for perished rubber, cracking, offset rack position, or movement when the steering is rocked with the wheels on the ground. Also check the lower steering column bush for free play.

• Typical symptoms of worn bushes:
  • Knock or clunk from the front when turning or hitting bumps
  • Loose, wandering feel on the motorway
  • Steering wheel kickback and increased vibration
  • Accelerated or uneven front tyre wear

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, remove the brackets, swap the bushes, then torque everything to factory spec with the vehicle at normal ride height. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards because the rack’s position can change a touch when the old, squashed bushes are replaced. Choose quality OE‑style rubber for comfort, or polyurethane for crisper response (expect a tad more NVH). While there, inspect inner and outer tie rod ends and sway bar bushes—many Terios owners tackle these together for a tidy, sharper steering feel.

If there’s power steering fluid on the bushes, fix the leak first—oil will soften new rubber quickly. With fresh steering bushes, a 2006 Terios feels tighter and more confidence‑inspiring, especially on broken Kiwi and Aussie backroads.

Popular questions about 2006 Daihatsu Terios steering bushes

Do all 2006 Terios models have steering bushes?
Yes. The J200 Terios uses rubber rack‑mount bushes to secure the steering rack to the crossmember, and it also has a lower steering column bush. Variants with hydraulic power assist still use the same style of rack mounting bushes.

How long do Terios steering bushes last?
It varies with roads and driving style. Many last well past 100,000 km, but vehicles used on corrugations or with oil leaks nearby may need bushes sooner. If there’s clunking, vague steering or uneven tyre wear, it’s time to inspect and likely replace.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the bushes?
Highly recommended. Even small changes in rack position can alter toe. An alignment ensures the Terios tracks straight and preserves your tyres.