Parts for your 2006 Toyota Blade-Steering bushes

2006 Toyota Blade steering bushes

Based on the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog for the E15# Blade platform and the Toyota repair manual for the E150 chassis (Auris/Blade), the 2006 Toyota Blade uses rubber steering rack–mount bushes to isolate the rack-and-pinion from the front subframe. Major AU/NZ aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Nolathane and Whiteline) also list steering rack–mount bush kits for the 2006–2012 Auris/Corolla/Blade family, confirming the part is fitted and serviceable.

On the 2006 Toyota Blade, steering bushes sit between the rack housing and the front crossmember. Their job is to cushion road shock, reduce vibration in the cabin, and keep the steering rack located so the wheel alignment stays true. Over time, the rubber can harden, crack, or deform, which lets the rack shift slightly under load. That’s when drivers start noticing a vague on-centre feel, a clunk over bumps, or the car tramlining on coarse-chip roads common across Australia and New Zealand.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the steering bushes inspected whenever the front end is up for tyres, brakes, or suspension checks. Tell-tales include visible cracking or squashing of the rubber, shiny witness marks where the rack has been moving, and play you can feel if someone rocks the steering wheel while you watch the rack. If any doubt, replace them in pairs.

• Typical symptoms of worn bushes:
  • Clunk or knock through the column on sharp bumps
  • Wander or shimmy at highway speeds
  • Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear
  • Steering that feels loose or imprecise

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: support the subframe, loosen the rack brackets, swap the bushes, then torque everything to the factory spec from the Toyota manual. Because even a small shift can alter toe, a wheel alignment should follow. On models with stability control, a steering angle zero-point calibration via scan tool may be needed after alignment.

Owners can choose genuine-style rubber for OE comfort or quality polyurethane for a firmer, more direct steering feel. Poly can transmit a touch more road texture, which some keen drivers prefer on twisty Kiwi and Aussie backroads. Either way, fresh bushes tighten the Blade’s steering nicely and help protect tyre life.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Blade steering bushes

Does a 2006 Toyota Blade actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The Blade’s rack-and-pinion is mounted to the front subframe with rubber isolator bushes. Toyota’s E150 repair manual covers inspection/replacement, and major AU/NZ aftermarket suppliers list compatible rack-mount bush kits.

What are the signs the steering bushes need replacing?
Common signs are a clunk over bumps, vague on-centre feel, steering shimmy, or the car wandering with road camber. You might also see uneven front tyre wear. If the rack can be seen shifting on its mounts while the wheel is rocked, the bushes are due.

Do they need an alignment afterwards?
Yes. Even when the rack goes back in the same spot, minor movement can change toe. A proper wheel alignment—and a steering angle reset on vehicles with stability control—keeps the Blade tracking straight and the tyres wearing evenly.