Parts for your 2008 Toyota Blade-Steering bushes

2008 Toyota Blade steering bushes — what’s actually fitted?

For the 2008 Toyota Blade (E150 platform), “steering bushes” aren’t a separate, serviceable part of the steering system. Toyota engineered this model with electric power steering and a rack-and-pinion assembly that mounts directly to the front subframe without the traditional replaceable rack-mount rubber bushes some older Toyotas used. In Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for Blade AZE156H/GRE156H, the Steering Gear & Link (Group 45-01) lists the steering gear as a complete assembly with inner/outer tie rods and boots, but no standalone steering rack bushes. The Toyota Repair Manual for the E15 series Steering section also specifies the steering gear is non-serviceable internally and should be replaced as an assembly if worn. Likewise, the steering column uses bearings and fixed guides rather than replaceable column “bushes.”

Why no steering bushes? With column-assist electric power steering on the Blade, Toyota controls NVH and steering feel through the subframe, rack design, and column architecture. The isolation duties handled by old-school rack bushes are effectively built into the assembly and surrounding structure, so there’s nothing to press out and replace during routine servicing.

What should owners look at instead if there’s play, vibration, or a clunk up front? On this model, the usual suspects are:

• Outer and inner tie rod ends (wear or looseness)
• Rack boots (tears letting dirt into the inner joints)
• Front stabiliser (sway bar) D‑bushes and links
• Lower control arm rear bushes and ball joints
• Strut top mounts/bearings
• Intermediate steering shaft joints (u‑joint or slip play)

If the steering feels vague, pulls, or the wheel sits off‑centre, a wheel alignment is the first port of call after inspecting the tie rods and front-end bushes. If there’s fluid seepage or confirmed internal play in the steering gear, Toyota’s procedure is to replace the entire steering gear assembly rather than attempting a bush swap.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for Blade AZE156H/GRE156H, Group 45‑01 Steering Gear & Link, Toyota Repair Manual (E15 series Auris/Blade) Steering section covering electric power steering, steering gear removal/installation, and non‑serviceable internal components guidance.

Popular questions about 2008 Toyota Blade steering bushes

Does a 2008 Blade have replaceable steering rack bushes?
No. On the Blade, the steering gear mounts without separate, replaceable rack‑mount bushes. Toyota lists the steering gear as a complete unit. If there’s excessive play in the rack, the approved fix is replacement of the assembly after confirming tie rod and mounting integrity.

What’s causing a front‑end clunk if there are no steering bushes to replace?
Most commonly it’s worn sway bar D‑bushes or links, a tired lower control arm rear bush, or a loose/worn outer tie rod end. Strut tops and the intermediate steering shaft can also knock. A quick inspection on a hoist with a pry bar and a road test over speed humps usually pinpoints it.

Can polyurethane “steering bushes” be fitted as an upgrade?
There isn’t a steering rack bush kit for the Blade because the rack doesn’t use replaceable bushes. If sharpening steering feel is the goal, owners typically fit quality tyres, refresh control arm and sway bar bushes, and ensure alignment settings are spot on for local roads.