Parts for your 2006 Nissan Maxima-Steering bushes

2006 Nissan Maxima steering-bushes: what they are and when to sort them

Technical sources confirm the 2006 Nissan Maxima is fitted with steering-bushes. The Nissan Factory Service Manual (FSM) for the 2006 Maxima (J31/A34) lists the steering gear mounting insulators/rubber bushes in the steering system section, with inspection and torque procedures. Aftermarket catalogues from well-known bush manufacturers for the J31 Maxima (circa 12/2003–2009) also include steering rack mount bush kits, further verifying their use on this model.

On this Maxima, the steering-bushes sit between the rack-and-pinion housing and the front subframe. Their job is to isolate vibration, keep the steering rack positively located, and maintain precise toe control under braking and cornering. When fresh, they help deliver that tidy, confident on-centre feel and keep road noise from travelling up the column.

As they age, the rubber can harden, crack, or compress. That lets the rack shift slightly, which can feel like a vague, wandering front end. Owners often notice a dull clunk over sharp bumps or a twitch as the wheel changes direction. Left too long, worn bushes can contribute to uneven tyre wear and extra load on inner/outer tie-rod joints.

• Common signs of tired steering-bushes: vague steering on the motorway, a knock near the firewall/subframe over bumps, tramlining, and minor fluid-free “play” you can feel but not see at the tie-rods.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering-bushes every 20,000–30,000 kilometres or annually. Under the bonnet, have a helper lightly rock the steering wheel left–right with the engine idling while watching the rack body, any visible shift relative to the subframe points to perished bushes. Also check for splits or delamination of the rubber.

1. If replacement’s needed, support the rack, remove the bracket bolts, swap the bushes one side at a time, and refit the brackets.
2. Torque all fasteners to the factory spec in the FSM and ensure the rack sits centred in its cradles.
3. A wheel alignment is recommended after any steering work, even if toe wasn’t disturbed.

For drivers chasing a firmer feel, quality polyurethane bush kits are available and can sharpen response, though they’ll pass a touch more road texture into the cabin. Most workshops can complete the job in around 1–2 hours. While in there, it’s a good time to eyeball tie-rod ends and confirm the power-steering fluid is clean and at the correct level (use the fluid specified in the owner’s handbook, commonly an ATF meeting Dexron III for this era).

Popular questions about 2006 Nissan Maxima steering-bushes

Do 2006 Maximas actually have steering-bushes?
Yes. The factory service manual shows rubber insulators/mounts for the steering rack on the subframe, and aftermarket catalogues list direct-fit rack-mount bush kits for the J31/A34 Maxima. They’re a normal wear item on higher-kilometre cars.

What are the tell-tale symptoms of worn steering-bushes?
Expect a slightly floaty or wandering feel on-centre, a muted clunk over sharp bumps, and sometimes tramlining. Under light steering inputs with the car stationary, the rack may be seen moving on its mounts. Uneven inner-edge tyre wear can also appear if the rack shifts under load.

Is an alignment needed after replacing them, and how long does the job take?
Even if toe isn’t adjusted, a wheel alignment is wise to verify everything’s straight. Most workshops allow 1–2 hours for the bush swap on a Maxima, provided bolts aren’t seized and access is clean.