Parts for your 2006 Toyota Caldina-Steering bushes

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

Yes — the 2006 Toyota Caldina uses steering bushes. Technical sources such as the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for the T24# Caldina series (including AZT241W, ZZT241W and ST246W) show rubber steering gear mounting bushes that secure the rack-and-pinion to the front subframe. Toyota’s steering repair manual sections for this platform also specify inspection of the steering gear mounting insulators, and common aftermarket catalogues list rack-mount bush kits for 2002–2007 Caldina models. That makes steering bushes a relevant and serviceable item on a 2006 Caldina.

On this model, the steering bushes are small but important. They cushion and locate the steering rack, isolating road vibration and noise while keeping the rack precisely aligned. When they’re in good nick, steering feels tight and predictable. As the original rubber ages, heat, oil mist from the engine bay, and high kilometre use can soften or crack the bushes. That can let the rack shift slightly under load, showing up as a light clunk over bumps, a vague on‑centre feel, or a hint of kickback through the wheel.

It’s smart to have the bushes checked during routine servicing or any time the front end is inspected for a WOF/roadworthy. There’s no fixed replacement interval, but many Caldinas go 100,000–200,000 km before attention is needed, depending on driving and road conditions. If the car runs hydraulic power steering, check for fluid leaks — power steering fluid on rubber will accelerate deterioration.

• Tell-tale signs: clunks on turn-in or over potholes, drifting feel on the motorway, or uneven steering response left-to-right.
• Inspection tips: look for cracked, perished, swollen or oil-soaked rubber at the rack mounts, have a helper rock the steering while watching for rack movement.

When replacement time comes, there’s a choice: OEM-style rubber for factory comfort, or polyurethane for sharper response at the cost of a touch more cabin vibration — popular on ST246 GT-FOUR drivers chasing precision. A competent technician can usually replace the rack bushes without removing the entire rack. Best practice is to support the rack, swap one bush at a time, and torque the mounts with the suspension at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading the new bushes. A wheel alignment afterwards is recommended to confirm geometry is spot on.

Sorted bushes restore that crisp, confident steering feel the Caldina is known for, making daily driving and long Kiwi/Oz road trips more relaxing.

Popular questions

Does a 2006 Caldina actually have steering bushes?
It does. Toyota’s EPC for the T24# Caldina lists rack-and-pinion mounting bushes/insulators, and aftermarket suppliers offer direct-fit bush kits for AZT241W, ZZT241W and ST246W variants. They sit between the steering rack and the subframe to control movement and reduce vibration.

How often should steering bushes be replaced on a Caldina?
There isn’t a set schedule. Have them inspected at regular services. Many last 100,000–200,000 km, but harsh roads, fluid leaks or heavy loads can shorten life. Replace when there’s visible damage, excess rack movement, or symptoms like clunks and vague steering.

Rubber or polyurethane — which is better?
Rubber keeps factory comfort and NVH levels, ideal for daily use. Polyurethane tightens steering feel and response, which performance-focused drivers (especially ST246 owners) may prefer, but it can transmit a bit more vibration into the cabin. Choose based on how the car is used.