Parts for your 2006 Toyota Land cruiser-Steering bushes

2006 Toyota Land Cruiser steering bushes — what’s fitted and why it matters

Per Toyota’s 100 Series (J100) Repair Manual and Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), the 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser runs a recirculating-ball steering gearbox with a pitman arm, relay rod and idler arm. That layout means there are no “steering rack mount bushes” because there’s no rack-and-pinion. However, the vehicle does use steering bushes in the idler arm assembly (and related linkage), which are service items and directly affect steering feel and tyre wear.

On a 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser, steering bushes primarily refer to the idler arm bushes that support the relay rod on the passenger side. Their job is to keep the linkage located under load, control free play and help the big wagon track straight. When those bushes wear, the steering can feel vague, the wheel can shimmy over corrugations and the vehicle may wander, especially with larger tyres or when towing.

Because the LandCruiser is heavy, often lifted and used hard off-road around Australia and New Zealand, these bushes cop a hiding. Regular checks as part of routine servicing are smart. A quick inspection under the front shows if the idler arm bushes are cracked, torn or allowing side play. Any noticeable movement when the steering is rocked lock-to-lock with the front end raised is a cue to replace the bushes or the complete idler arm.

• Common signs they’re tired: steering play on centre, clunks over potholes, sawing at the wheel to stay straight, uneven front tyre wear and occasional squeaks.
• Inspection rhythm: every service (10,000–15,000 km) or sooner if driving corrugations, sand or rocky tracks.

Replacement options include quality OE-style rubber bushes for comfort, or polyurethane/heavy‑duty bushes for sharper response and longevity in tough conditions. Many workshops recommend fitting a complete idler arm assembly if the pivot is worn along with the bushes. Either way, torque all fasteners to Toyota spec and only final-tighten with the vehicle at normal ride height so the bushes sit neutral. A wheel alignment afterwards is a must to protect tyres and restore crisp tracking.

Owners who tinker can DIY the job with stands, a press or suitable drivers, and a torque wrench, otherwise, any 4x4-savvy workshop can sort it quickly. Done right, fresh steering bushes bring back that planted LandCruiser feel on the highway and keep it predictable under brakes and across ruts—exactly what’s wanted from a 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser’s steering bushes.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser steering bushes

Do 2006 LandCruisers have steering rack bushes?
No. The 2006 LandCruiser (J100) runs a steering gearbox, not a rack-and-pinion, so there are no rack mount bushes. It does have idler arm bushes and other linkage components that act as the serviceable “steering bushes”.

How often should idler arm bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. In normal suburban use they can last a long while, but with outback touring, corrugations or bigger tyres, they may need attention between 40,000–80,000 km. Inspect every service and replace at the first sign of play or cracking.

Is it better to fit rubber or polyurethane bushes?
Rubber keeps the factory ride and isolates noise well. Polyurethane can sharpen steering and last longer under harsh use, but may transmit a touch more road feel. For heavy touring or constant off-road, many choose a quality heavy‑duty/poly bush, for daily comfort, OE‑style rubber is ideal.