Parts for your 2006 Toyota Camry-Steering bushes

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

Based on Toyota technical references, the 2006 Toyota Camry does use steering bushes. The Toyota Camry Repair Manual for the ACV36/MCV36 series (Steering: Steering Gear & Linkage section) specifies rubber “cushions” that mount the rack-and-pinion to the front subframe, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue lists them as Cushion, Steering Gear. That makes steering bushes directly relevant to this model year (whether late XV30 or early XV40 build), which runs a hydraulic rack mounted with isolating bushes.

On this Camry, the steering bushes sit between the rack housing and its brackets. Their job is to keep the rack accurately located while soaking up vibration and road shock. Good bushes help the wheel alignment stay true, reduce kickback through the steering wheel, and stop the classic over-bump clunk. When they harden, crack or deform, the rack can shift on the subframe, which shows up as vague on-centre feel, steering wobble over corrugations, and sometimes a knock when turning into driveways.

Typical tell-tales owners notice include:

• Clunk or thud from low in the dash over bumps.
• Steering that wanders or feels rubbery, especially at 80–100 km/h.
• Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear despite correct pressures.
• Movement of the rack seen while a helper rocks the steering left–right.

Servicing-wise, it’s smart to check the bushes whenever the Camry is on a hoist for tyres, brakes or a scheduled service — say every 20,000 km or yearly. A visual and pry-bar check will quickly show if the rubber has split or if the rack shifts in its mounts. Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, remove the bracket bolts, swap the bushes, refit and torque the fasteners to the factory spec in the Toyota manual. Because the rack’s position can change a touch, a wheel alignment is recommended straight after.

Owners can choose quality OE-style rubber for factory feel and isolation, or reputable polyurethane for a firmer, more direct response. On Aussie and Kiwi roads, many daily drivers prefer rubber for comfort, keen drivers or vehicles that carry loads may lean towards poly. Either way, pairing fresh steering bushes with a check of inner/outer tie rods, lower control arm bushes and sway-bar links delivers a tidy, confident Camry steering feel. Any sign of power-steering fluid on the rack body points to a separate seal issue — bushes won’t fix leaks, but they will stop the rack walking around.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Camry steering bushes

Are steering bushes actually fitted to the 2006 Camry, or is it a different setup?

Yes, the 2006 Camry uses a hydraulic rack-and-pinion mounted to the front subframe with rubber mounting bushes (Toyota calls them cushions). This applies to late XV30 builds and carries into early XV40 models as well.

They’re a normal wear item and can be replaced separately from the rack, making them a practical fix for clunks and vague steering without the cost of a full rack changeout.

Will replacing the steering bushes require a wheel alignment?

It’s strongly recommended. Even if tie rods aren’t disturbed, the rack’s final resting position can shift a fraction when the new bushes are clamped down. A quick alignment locks in straight-ahead and protects tyre wear.

Most workshops bundle alignment with this job, especially if the Camry already showed uneven wear or a pull beforehand.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes — which is better for Aussie/NZ roads?

For everyday commuting and maximum isolation, fresh OE-style rubber feels spot on and keeps the cabin quiet. If sharper steering response and durability are the priority, quality polyurethane tightens things up, though it can pass a bit more vibration.

Either option is a solid upgrade when the originals are cracked or soft, the right choice comes down to comfort preference and how the vehicle is used.