Parts for your 2009 Toyota Blade-Steering bushes

2009 Toyota Blade steering bushes: what they do and when to replace

For the 2009 Toyota Blade, steeringbushes are absolutely relevant and fitted. The Blade (AZE154H/GRE156H), built on Toyota’s E150 platform shared with Corolla/Auris, runs a rack-and-pinion steering setup with rubber mounting bushes that secure the steering gear to the subframe. Toyota’s service literature for the E150-series steering system specifies the steering gear mounting points and bush construction, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a “bush, steering gear” for these model codes. Well-known aftermarket catalogues for Australia and New Zealand also list rack-and-pinion mounting bush kits for 2006–2012 Corolla/Auris/Blade models, confirming serviceability and availability in this market.

On this Blade, the steeringbushes isolate vibration, keep the rack precisely located, and help the electric-assist rack do its job without kickback. When fresh, they maintain alignment of the steering gear so the wheel feels centred, the car tracks straight, and turn-in is crisp. As the rubber ages, it can soften, split, or compress, letting the rack shift slightly under load. That shows up as a vague on-centre feel, clunks over sharp bumps, wandering on coarse-chip roads, or a knock when rocking the wheel with the engine running.

During regular servicing, a quick visual and lever check of the rack mounts makes sense, especially on vehicles that see rough rural lanes or plenty of kerb parking. Any oil contamination from engine or transaxle weeps will accelerate rubber degradation, so cleaning and fixing leaks protects the bushes and saves money down the line.

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: support the rack, remove the clamp brackets, swap the bushes, then torque the hardware with the wheels at straight-ahead. A wheel alignment afterwards is smart practice, as disturbing the rack and subframe can nudge toe. Quality polyurethane or OE-style rubber bushes are both common choices in AU/NZ, polyurethane typically sharpens steering feel, while rubber preserves the factory ride isolation.

Left too long, sloppy steeringbushes can contribute to uneven tyre wear and may raise questions at a WOF or roadworthy. If the Blade shows any of the tell-tales below, it’s time for a closer look.

• Clunk or knock felt through the column on bumps
• Loose or wandering feel near centre on the motorway
• Steering wheel kickback over potholes or driveway lips
• Visible cracking, deformation, or oil-soaked bushes

With fresh steeringbushes, the 2009 Toyota Blade rewards the driver with tidy, confident response and less shimmy on coarse NZ chipseal or Aussie B-roads.

Technical references (no outgoing links): Toyota E150 platform Steering section (Auris/Corolla/Blade) workshop manual, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue entries for “Bush, Steering Gear” on AZE154H/GRE156H, AU/NZ aftermarket catalogues listing rack-and-pinion mounting bush kits for 2006–2012 Corolla/Auris/Blade.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Blade steeringbushes

Q1: What are the common signs the Blade’s steeringbushes need replacing?

Owners typically notice a dull clunk over sharp bumps, a floaty or wandering feel at 80–100 km/h, or slight kickback through the wheel on potholes. A technician may see cracked or oil-soaked rack bushes or detect movement when levering the rack at the mounts.

Cupped or uneven front tyre wear and a steering wheel that won’t stay true on coarse-chip roads can also point to tired bushes, especially on cars with high kilometres or frequent city kerb parking.

Q2: How often should steeringbushes be replaced on a 2009 Blade?

There’s no fixed interval. In local AU/NZ conditions, many last well beyond 120,000 km, but heat, fluid leaks, and rough roads can shorten that. They’re best replaced on condition—inspect at each service and act when cracks, softness, or steering play appear.

If you’re already doing front-end work—like lower control arm bushes or tie rod ends—bundling the rack bushes can save on labour and an extra alignment.

Q3: Is it okay to upgrade to polyurethane steeringbushes?

Yes, plenty of Blade owners opt for polyurethane to sharpen steering response. Expect a slightly firmer feel and potentially more road texture through the wheel compared with OE rubber.

If maximum ride isolation is the priority, fresh OEM-style rubber is the safer pick. Either way, correct fitment and final torque at normal ride height are key to quiet, long-lasting results.