Parts for your 2006 Honda Accord-Steering bushes

2006 Honda Accord steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Steering bushes are indeed relevant to the 2006 Honda Accord. Technical sources including the Honda Accord 2003–2007 factory service manual (Helm Inc., Steering—Rack and Pinion section) and Honda’s electronic parts catalog list rubber insulator/mounting bushes that secure the steering rack to the front subframe. These bushes isolate vibration, keep the rack correctly located, and help the steering feel tight and predictable.

On this Accord, the steering rack is hydraulic power-assisted and mounted to the subframe using rubber bushes. Over time, those bushes can compress, crack or harden. When they do, the rack can shift slightly under load, which shows up as a vague or wandering feel on the motorway, clunks over bumps, or a knock when turning at low speed. A worn bush won’t fix itself and can accelerate tyre wear if left too long.

Purpose-wise, the bushes do three big jobs: isolate noise and vibration from the cabin, hold the rack in precise alignment so the wheels track straight, and absorb shock loads from potholes and corrugations. If they’re in good nick, steering feel is calm and direct. If they’re tired, the wheel can feel a bit loose on centre and the car may tramline more than it should.

During servicing, it’s smart to check the steering bushes from around 80,000–120,000 km, or earlier if the car does a lot of rough-road work. A quick inspection involves safely lifting the front, visually checking for cracks or separation in the rubber, and having a mate gently rock the steering wheel side-to-side while watching the rack: excessive lateral movement at the mounts points to worn bushes. Also rule out fluid leaks from the rack, as oil-soaked rubber deteriorates faster.

Replacement is straightforward for a pro: the rack is supported, old bushes are pressed or pried out, new OEM rubber or performance polyurethane items are fitted, and all fasteners are torqued to spec. A wheel alignment should follow. OEM rubber keeps NVH stock-quiet, polyurethane sharpens steering response but can add a touch more vibration—great for enthusiasts, less ideal if the car’s a daily commuter.

• Typical signs: clunks over bumps, vague on-centre feel, steering knock when parking, uneven tyre wear.
• Good practice: inspect at major services, after big pothole hits, or if alignment keeps drifting.

Popular questions

How can someone tell the steering bushes are worn on a 2006 Accord?

Common giveaways are a dull knock when turning into driveways, a slight shimmy through the wheel on rough roads, or the car wandering on the highway despite correct alignment. With the front lifted, any visible cracking in the rack mounts or noticeable rack movement while the wheel is rocked side-to-side suggests the bushes are due.

Is there a set replacement interval for Accord steering bushes?

There isn’t a fixed schedule. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many last well past 100,000 km, but heat, age and fluid exposure can shorten life. A quick check at each major service is the best approach, and replacement is recommended once movement or cracking shows up, or if steering feel deteriorates.

Should they go OEM rubber or polyurethane?

OEM rubber keeps things quiet and comfy—ideal for everyday use. Polyurethane tightens response and reduces rack deflection, which keen drivers appreciate, but it can add a bit more vibration into the cabin. Either way, proper installation and a post-job wheel alignment are key.