Parts for your 2006 Toyota Ractis-Steering bushes

2006 Toyota Ractis steering bushes: what they do and when to replace

Steering bushes are relevant to the 2006 Toyota Ractis. Toyota’s technical literature for the Ractis NCP100/105 platform confirms a rack‑and‑pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber cushions/bushes to control movement and noise. This is shown in Toyota’s Global Service Information (TIS) Repair Manual under Steering – Steering Gear mounting, and in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) under Group 45 Steering, where a “cushion/bush, steering gear” is listed for the rack mounts. Those sources make it clear the Ractis does use steering bushes as part of the steering gear mounting and column support.

On a 2006 Ractis, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the subframe and, in the column, around support points. Their job is to isolate vibration, keep the rack accurately located, and stop the rack shifting under load. When fresh, they help the car track straight, improve on‑centre feel, and reduce knocks over bumps.

With age, heat and road grime, the rubber hardens, cracks or elongates, letting the rack creep or “thunk” under steering load. Drivers might notice a vague or wandering feel on the motorway, a clunk over speed humps, or an extra kickback through the wheel. Left too long, sloppy bushes can hasten inner tie rod wear and mess with tyre wear.

As part of regular servicing on a Ractis, a quick check of the steering bushes is smart maintenance:

• Look for splits, oil‑soaked rubber, or obvious movement while an assistant rocks the wheel left/right.
• Confirm the rack mounting bolts are torqued to spec (refer to the Toyota TIS Repair Manual for the correct figures).
• If one bush is gone, plan to replace as a set. Mixing old and new can leave the rack twisted under load.
• Choose OE‑style rubber for factory comfort, or quality polyurethane for a slightly firmer, more direct feel. Either way, alignment is recommended after replacement.
• Support the subframe properly during the job to avoid stressing EPS column components, and don’t lever on the rack input shaft.

Most Ractis owners will see 100–150,000 km or more from the original bushes, but city kerbs, rough roads and fluid contamination can shorten that. If the steering feels loose or there’s a dull knock you can’t trace to ball joints or links, the rack bushes are a likely suspect.

Popular questions about 2006 Toyota Ractis steering bushes

How long do the steering bushes typically last on a 2006 Ractis?
On many Ractis vehicles, factory bushes last around 100,000 to 150,000 km, sometimes longer with gentle use. Frequent speed bumps, rough chipseal, or exposure to leaked engine/steering fluids can accelerate wear. A quick inspection at each service is the easiest way to catch issues early.

Do worn steering bushes damage other components?
They can. Excess rack movement puts extra load into inner tie rods and can contribute to feathered tyre wear or inconsistent alignment. If there’s a clunk on turn‑in or over bumps and the rack shifts, sorting the bushes early can save tyres and steering joints.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the bushes?
Yes, it’s best practice. Even if the tie rods weren’t adjusted, reinstalling the rack square with fresh bushes can slightly alter toe. A post‑repair alignment ensures the Ractis tracks straight and the steering wheel sits centred.