Parts for your 2007 Toyota Bb-Steering bushes

2007 Toyota bB steering-bushes: what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2007 Toyota bB (QNC20/QNC21 series) uses steering-bushes. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the bB lists a “Bushing, Steering Gear” and related “Clamp/Bracket, Steering Gear” under the Steering Gear & Link section (group 44), and the factory Repair Manual procedures for steering gear removal/installation note inspecting and replacing the rack mounting bushes as required. The model uses column‑assist electric power steering, with the rack mounted to the subframe through rubber bushings to control noise, vibration and alignment.

Those steering-bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the crossmember. Their job is to cushion vibration, keep the rack centred and square, and stop the rack shifting under load. When they get tired, the driver can notice a light clunk on turn-in, a vague on‑centre feel, or the car wandering on uneven roads. Fresh bushes tighten the feel, help the tyres track straight, and cut down on kickback through the wheel.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering-bushes for cracking, flattening, oil-soak, or any sign the rack can move by hand with the brackets loosened. There’s no fixed kilometre interval—heat, age and road conditions drive wear—so check them during front-end inspections or any time there’s steering play. If replacement’s on the cards, use quality rubber bushes for OE ride and NVH, or consider polyurethane for a firmer feel (noting a bit more vibration can come through on coarse-chip Kiwi and Aussie roads).

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, mark positions, loosen the steering gear brackets, swap the bushes (noting orientation—many racks use a round bush one side and a D‑shaped or keyed bush the other), then refit and torque to the service manual spec. With column‑assist EPS, always centre the wheel and disconnect the battery to protect the spiral cable, and book a wheel alignment afterwards. If play remains after new bushes, check inner tie rods and rack end float before calling it done.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Repair Manual (Steering—Steering Column & Gear, QNC20 series), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for bB QNC20/QNC21 (Group 44—Steering Gear & Link), which lists “Bushing, Steering Gear” and mounting clamps/brackets, Toyota Global Service Information description of column‑assist EPS architecture used on the bB.

• Typical symptoms of worn steering-bushes: front-end clunk, vague steering, tramlining, and uneven tyre wear.
• Best practice: inspect at each service, replace in pairs, and align the front end after any rack mounting work.

Popular questions

Do all 2007 Toyota bB models use the same steering-bushes?
Most QNC20/QNC21 bB variants share the same rack mounting layout, but bush part numbers can vary by production date and market. It’s best to confirm via the VIN in the Toyota EPC or with the rack casting code before ordering.

How long do steering-bushes last on a bB?
There isn’t a fixed lifespan. City use on smooth roads can see them last well over 150,000 km, while cars on rougher rural roads may need them earlier. Inspect at service time and replace on condition—cracking, excessive movement or noise under steering load are the cues.

Is polyurethane a good upgrade for bB steering-bushes?
Poly bushes sharpen steering response and resist deformation, which some drivers love. The trade-off is a bit more vibration and road texture through the cabin. For daily city use, quality rubber suits most owners, for a firmer feel, poly is a fair shout.