Parts for your 2006 Toyota Bb-Steering bushes

2006 Toyota bB steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2006 Toyota bB uses steering bushes. On the QNC20/QNC21 series bB, the steering rack is a rack‑and‑pinion unit mounted to the front crossmember with rubber mounting cushions (bushes), and there’s a small bush that supports/isolates the lower steering column shaft. This is documented in Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) for the bB (steering system section), the Toyota Repair Manual steering section (Steering Gear & Linkage), and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) under Group 45 “Steering Gear & Link” which lists the steering gear mounting cushions and related hardware.

What do these bushes actually do? They clamp the rack in place while soaking up vibration, road harshness and a bit of impact energy, so the steering feels tidy without sending every bump through the wheel. When they perish or squash out, the rack can shift slightly under load, which shows up as a clunk over bumps, wandering on the motorway, or vague on‑centre feel. On an EPS‑equipped bB, you’ll still feel it as looseness or a knock when turning or braking over ripples.

As part of regular servicing on a 2006 Toyota bB, it’s smart to give the steering bushes a look every 20,000–30,000 km or yearly if the car sees rough roads. Check for splits, oil swelling, or a shiny witness mark where the rack has been moving. If there’s play when levering the rack housing or you can reproduce a knock with the wheels on the ground, it’s time.

• Replacement tips: Use quality OEM‑style rubber for factory feel, or polyurethane if chasing a firmer, more direct response (it may add a touch of road feel).
• Torque matters: Refit and torque the rack mounts with the vehicle at ride height so the bushes sit naturally. Follow the Toyota Repair Manual torque specs for the rack brackets and intermediate shaft fasteners.
• Finish the job: After any steering bush work, book a wheel alignment. Also check the intermediate shaft joints and column bush for play while you’re in there.
• Noisy after rain or wash? A light silicone‑safe rubber conditioner can quiet minor squeaks, but it won’t fix cracking or excessive movement.

Technical sources: Toyota bB (QNC20/21) New Car Features – Steering System, Toyota Repair Manual (Steering: Steering Gear & Linkage, Steering Column), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (Group 45 – Steering Gear & Link, listing steering gear mounting cushions).

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota bB steering bushes

How do I know if my bB’s steering bushes are worn?
Listen and feel for a dull clunk over small bumps, steering that wanders or feels vague on‑centre, and a slight shift you can feel through the wheel when braking into a turn. A mechanic can confirm by checking for rack movement while the wheels are on the ground and by inspecting the bushes for cracks or deformation.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes for a 2006 bB?
Rubber keeps the factory refinement and isolates noise well, ideal for daily driving. Polyurethane firms things up and sharpens response, which some drivers prefer, but it can transmit a bit more road texture. Either is fine if quality, match the choice to how the car’s used.

Do I need a wheel alignment after changing steering bushes?
Yes. Even though you haven’t touched the tie‑rods, moving or re‑centering the rack can nudge toe settings. An alignment ensures the bB tracks straight and your tyres wear evenly.