Parts for your 2008 Lexus Is-Steering bushes

2008 Lexus IS steering-bushes: are they actually used on this model?

For the 2008 Lexus IS (XE20 series: IS 250/IS 350), separate steering-bushes aren’t a thing. The car runs an electric power steering (EPS) rack that’s rigidly bolted to the front subframe, so there are no serviceable rack-mount rubber bushes like you might find on older hydraulic setups. That makes “steering-bushes” not relevant for this particular model year and platform.

This isn’t just workshop folklore. The Lexus/Toyota factory Repair Manual (Toyota TIS) for the XE20 shows the steering gear being installed to the front suspension member with two bolts and two nuts to a specified torque, with no rack-mount bushes listed as separate service parts. The Lexus IS 250/350 New Car Features manual describes the EPS rack layout prioritising direct feel, which is helped by a rigid mount. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for GSE20/USE20 likewise doesn’t list standalone rack bushings, if the rack mount were bushed, you’d see individual part numbers. You don’t, because they’re not used.

What does that mean for owners chasing a knock, slop, or vague steering? Look beyond the idea of “steering-bushes” and check components that do wear:

• Inner and outer tie rod ends
• Front lower control arm bushes (especially rear/hydraulic bushes)
• Lower ball joints
• Strut top mounts/bearings
• Stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and links
• Intermediate steering shaft joints (for clunks or a notchy feel)

If there’s excessive free play inside the rack itself or a motor-side rattle on EPS units, the fix is typically a replacement rack assembly rather than bushes. During regular servicing, a tech should road test for on-centre feel, inspect tyre wear patterns, and check for play with the front end lifted. Any movement at the wheel with the brakes applied often points to control arm bushes, movement with the brakes released can hint at tie rods or ball joints. After any steering or suspension work, a proper wheel alignment is a must to keep the IS pointing straight and to protect the tyres.

Technical sources referenced: Lexus IS 250/IS 350 (XE20, 2006–2013) Repair Manual (Toyota TIS) – Steering Gear Assembly and Front Suspension Member procedures, Lexus IS 250/350 New Car Features (EPS system description), Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) – Steering Gear & Link for GSE20/USE20, which shows no separate steering rack bushing service parts.

Popular questions about 2008 Lexus IS steering-bushes

Does a 2008 Lexus IS have steering rack bushes?
No. The 2008 IS uses an EPS rack that’s bolted directly to the subframe without separate rubber rack-mount bushes. The factory Repair Manual and Toyota EPC show no serviceable rack bushings for this chassis.

What should be checked if the steering feels loose or knocks on a 2008 IS?
Focus on wear items that do use bushes or joints: tie rod ends (inner/outer), front lower control arm bushes, ball joints, strut top mounts, and sway bar bushes/links. Also assess the intermediate shaft for play and the EPS rack for internal wear or noise.

Can aftermarket polyurethane “steering-bush” kits be fitted to the 2008 IS?
Generally, no. Kits marketed as “steering rack bushes” are usually for earlier models or different platforms. For the XE20 IS, there aren’t genuine or commonly accepted aftermarket rack-mount bush kits because the rack is designed to be rigidly mounted.