Parts for your 2006 Honda Stream-Steering bushes

2006 Honda Stream steering-bushes — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: on the 2006 Honda Stream, “steering-bushes” aren’t a separate, serviceable part. The second‑generation Stream launched in 2006 (chassis codes RN6–RN9) uses a column‑assist Electric Power Steering (EPS) setup with a rack‑and‑pinion that mounts to the subframe via bonded or captive insulators that come as part of the rack assembly. Honda does not list discrete steering rack mounting bushes for this model in its service procedures or parts catalogue, if the mounts are worn or the rack develops play, the approved fix is to replace the steering gear assembly, not individual bushes.

That’s why owners searching for “steering-bushes” for a 2006 Stream typically come up empty, while finding plenty of other rubber components (control arm bushes, stabiliser bar bushes) that can cause similar noises or vagueness. In practice, the usual culprits for clunks, shimmy or free play on these cars are: inner tie rods (rack ends), outer tie rod ends, lower control arm rear/hydro bushes, and sway bar D‑bushes and links. Those parts are all available individually and are the first places a tech will look.

Worth noting for anyone with a crossover‑year car: very early 2006 vehicles that are actually the previous generation (RN1–RN5) use a hydraulic rack. Even there, Honda supplies the rack as a complete unit and does not commonly offer separate rack mounting bushes in the EPC, aftermarket options are limited and model‑specific. If unsure, check the VIN/chassis code on the build plate.

For routine servicing, a good workshop will:

• Inspect inner/outer tie rods for axial and radial play.
• Check lower control arm bushes for cracking, oil leakage (on hydro types) and movement under lever load.
• Test sway bar D‑bushes and links for knock over small bumps.
• Confirm EPS column and intermediate shaft joints are free of lash, and verify no fault codes in the EPS control unit.

Technical sources behind this call:

• Honda Stream (RN6–RN9) Service Manual/Workshop Procedures: Steering section describes column‑assist EPS and rack service as an assembly, with no separate rack mounting bush replacement procedure.
• Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for RN6/RN8/RN9 steering: lists “Steering Gearbox Assembly” and tie‑rod components, no standalone “rack mounting bush” part for these chassis.
• Honda service literature for EPS platforms of the same era (Civic FD/FG family): specifies bonded/ captive rack mounts and assembly replacement when mount deterioration or housing play is present.

Bottom line for the 2006 Honda Stream: “steering-bushes” aren’t a thing you’ll replace on their own. If there’s slop or knock, start with the tie rods, control arm bushes and sway bar gear, and only suspect the rack assembly once the usual wear items check out.

Popular questions about 2006 Honda Stream steering-bushes

Does the 2006 Honda Stream have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. On the RN6–RN9 Stream, the rack mounts are integral to the steering gear assembly. Honda doesn’t provide separate rack bush part numbers or replacement steps. If movement is found at the rack mounts, the approved repair is replacing the rack assembly.

What should be checked first if there’s a steering clunk or play?
Start with inner and outer tie rods, then the lower control arm bushes and the sway bar D‑bushes and links. Those components commonly cause knocks and vagueness and are straightforward to replace. Only move on to the rack or EPS column after those checks.

Are aftermarket polyurethane steering-bush kits available for this model?
For the 2006 RN6–RN9 Stream, aftermarket poly “steering rack bush” kits are uncommon because the rack mounts aren’t designed to be serviced separately. Aftermarket options are generally focused on control arm and sway bar bushes, which do fit and can sharpen steering feel.