Parts for your 2006 Toyota Blade-Steering bushes

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

Based on Toyota’s technical literature, steering bushes are indeed used on the 2006 Toyota Blade (E15# series). The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for the Blade/Auris platform lists “Cushion, Steering Gear” (steering rack mounting bushes) as serviceable items, and the Toyota Repair Manual (TIS/GSIC) section “Steering – Steering Gear – Removal/Installation” depicts the rubber insulators that locate and isolate the rack. So steering bushes are relevant to the 2006 Toyota Blade.

On this model, the steering bushes sit between the rack housing and the subframe. Their job is to keep the rack firmly located so toe and on-centre feel stay consistent, while soaking up vibration and harshness that would otherwise buzz through the column. Because the Blade runs electric power steering, the assist happens at the column, but the rack still relies on those mounting cushions to hold alignment and keep things quiet.

Over time, the rubber hardens, cracks, or swells if exposed to oil. Once they’re tired, the rack can shift slightly under load, which shows up as a clunk over bumps, vague initial turn-in, or a steering wheel that feels a bit busy on rough chip seal. Technicians typically spot this by prying gently on the rack while watching for movement at the mounts, or by noticing play that isn’t coming from inner tie rods or lower control arm bushes.

Servicing is straightforward for a workshop with a hoist. The subframe doesn’t usually need to come out, but the rack is supported and its brackets removed to swap the cushions. Quality OEM rubber is the quietest option, performance polyurethane adds road feel and longevity but can introduce a touch more vibration. Once refitted, the rack brackets should be torqued to spec with the subframe settled. A wheel alignment check is smart practice, toe can shift if the rack position changes even a whisker. No coding is normally required for bush-only work, though if the column is disturbed, a steering angle sensor zero-point calibration via Toyota TIS is recommended.

Typical inspection intervals that suit Aussie and Kiwi conditions are every 20,000–30,000 km as part of routine servicing, with many sets lasting well past 100,000 km depending on road quality and contamination. Owners chasing a tighter steering feel on a Blade with big kilometres often report a noticeable lift after fresh bushes and an alignment.

• Common signs: clunk over bumps, rack shift when turning from lock to lock, tramlining or vague on-centre feel, uneven tyre wear that persists after alignment.
• Best practice: inspect bushes along with inner tie rods, lower arm bushes and strut tops, choose bush material to match comfort vs. feel, finish with an alignment.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Blade steering bushes

Do 2006 Toyota Blades actually have steering rack bushes?

Yes. Toyota’s EPC for the E15# Blade/Auris lists “Cushion, Steering Gear,” and the factory repair manual drawings show rubber insulators at the rack mounts. They’re serviceable and commonly replaced once hardened or cracked.

How often should steering bushes be replaced on a 2006 Toyota Blade?

There’s no fixed interval. A practical approach is to inspect every 20,000–30,000 km during routine servicing. Many last 100,000–200,000 km, but rough roads, age, and oil contamination can bring replacement forward.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing steering bushes?

It’s strongly advised. Even if the tie rods aren’t touched, shifting the rack a fraction can alter toe. An alignment confirms straight-ahead and preserves tyre life, re-centre the wheel and check steering angle calibration if the column was moved.