Parts for your 2006 Honda Civic-Steering bushes

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

On the 2006 Honda Civic (8th‑gen, FD/FA/FG), steering bushes are fitted. Technical references back this up: the Honda Civic 2006–2011 Factory Service Manual (Steering—Rack and Pinion, EPS) details the rack-and-pinion assembly mounted to the front subframe with isolating bushes, and Honda’s electronic parts catalog shows rack mounting cushions/bushes and brackets. Reputable aftermarket catalogues for Australia and New Zealand also list direct-fit steering rack bush kits for this model. So, yes—steering bushes are relevant to this Civic.

These bushes sit between the electric power steering rack and the subframe. Their job is to cushion road shock and engine/subframe vibration, keep the rack accurately located, and cut down on noise and harshness in the cabin. When they age, the rubber can crack, ovalise, or soften, letting the rack shift under load. That’s when an owner might notice a dull clunk over bumps, vague on-centre feel, or a slight knock when turning at low speed. Left unchecked, it can accelerate wear on tie rods and contribute to uneven tyre wear.

As part of routine servicing, a visual and pry-bar check of the rack mounts is a smart move—especially once the car has clocked 120,000–200,000 km, or if it lives with rough roads. Look for perished rubber, excessive movement of the rack in the brackets, or oily contamination that’s softened the material. Any play calls for replacement.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the subframe as needed, remove the rack mounting brackets, swap the bushes, then torque the brackets to spec per the Honda manual. On right-hand-drive AU/NZ cars, access can differ slightly side-to-side. Quality OE-style rubber restores factory refinement, while polyurethane options firm up steering feel for drivers who prefer a sportier response. After bush replacement, a wheel alignment check is recommended, toe shouldn’t shift much, but it’s best practice to verify.

Simple tips owners appreciate:

• Address any steering clunk or shimmy promptly—bush wear tends to worsen quickly.
• Keep engine oil and power steering fluid (where applicable) off rubber components.
• Pair fresh bushes with good tie rods and sound lower control arm bushes for a tight, quiet front end.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if the steering rack bushes are worn on a 2006 Civic?
Typical signs include a dull knock over small bumps, a slight clunk when rocking the steering at parking speeds, and a vague, wandering feel at highway pace. A technician will pry against the rack body while watching for rack movement inside the brackets, noticeable shift means the bushes have had it.

Uneven inner or outer tyre wear can also show up, often alongside wear in other front-end bushes and tie rods. If any doubt remains, a quick inspection on a hoist during a WOF or rego check will usually confirm it.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing steering bushes?
It’s good practice to check alignment afterwards. Replacing rack bushes doesn’t directly change tie rod length, but settling of the new bushes can nudge toe slightly. A post-job alignment ensures straight tracking and even tyre wear.

Rubber or polyurethane—what suits a daily‑driven Civic best?
OE-style rubber is the pick for quietness and factory ride. It isolates vibration better and suits commuters. Polyurethane sharpens steering response and lasts well, popular with spirited drivers, but may pass a touch more road feel into the cabin. For most daily drivers, quality rubber is the sweet spot.