Parts for your 2006 Toyota Highlander-Steering bushes

2006 Toyota Highlander (Kluger): Steering Bushes, What They Do and When to Replace

Yes, steering bushes are fitted and relevant on the 2006 Toyota Highlander (known as Kluger in Australia and New Zealand). Toyota’s factory repair manual for this generation (ST – Steering section) shows a rack‑and‑pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember using rubber bushes, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue lists steering gear mounting bushes for the 2006 model. Aftermarket catalogues commonly list replacement rack-mount bush kits for 2001–2007 Highlander/Kluger, further confirming their use.

On this model, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack and the subframe. Their job is to isolate vibration and noise, keep the rack located under load, and maintain consistent steering geometry. Over time, heat, age, and power steering fluid exposure can cause the rubber to harden, crack, or deform. Once that happens, the rack can shift slightly during cornering or over bumps, leading to vague steering and knocks through the column.

Common signs it’s time to replace the bushes include:

• Clunks or a dull thud from the front when hitting sharp bumps
• Steering wandering on the motorway and the need for constant small corrections
• Light knock felt in the wheel on turn-in, especially at low speed
• Visible cracking or oil-soaked rubber around the rack mounts

As part of routine servicing on a 2006 Highlander/Kluger, a quick visual of the rack mounts is well worth it—look for perished rubber or any rack movement when an assistant rocks the steering wheel. If there’s a power steering fluid leak, fix that before or with the bush replacement, as oil quickly degrades rubber.

Replacement is straightforward for an experienced tech: support the rack, remove the mount brackets, swap the bushes, and torque fasteners to the factory spec. On some vehicles, loosening the rear of the subframe helps access. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards because any small change in rack position can nudge toe settings.

For feel and longevity, genuine-style rubber bushes keep NVH low and suit daily driving. Quality polyurethane upgrades can sharpen steering response and resist oil, but may add a touch more road feel into the cabin. Either way, fresh bushes restore the tidy, predictable steering these SUVs are known for.

Does the 2006 Highlander/Kluger actually have steering rack bushes?

It does. The factory steering diagrams for the 2004–2007 platform show the rack-and-pinion mounted with rubber bushes to the front crossmember, and the Toyota parts catalogue lists the steering gear mounting bushes for this model.

What are the symptoms of worn steering bushes on a 2006 Highlander/Kluger?

Expect light clunks over bumps, a faint knock on initial steering input, and a bit of wandering at open-road speeds. You might also see cracked or oil-soaked rubber at the rack mounts. These symptoms can overlap with worn tie rod ends or control arm bushes, so a proper inspection is wise.

Should they go with rubber or polyurethane replacements?

Rubber is quiet, compliant, and closest to the original feel—ideal for family and commuter use. Polyurethane is tougher and can sharpen up steering response, handy if they tow or prefer a firmer, more connected front end. The trade-off is a slight increase in road feel and potential NVH.