Parts for your 2009 Toyota Ractis-Steering bushes

2009 Toyota Ractis steering bushes — are they actually used?

Short answer: no, not as separate, serviceable parts. On the 2009 Toyota Ractis (chassis NCP100/NCP105), Toyota uses a rack-and-pinion system with electric power steering (EPS) that is column-assist. According to the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for these models, there are no stand‑alone “steering rack mount bushes” listed for this steering gear, the rack mounts solidly to the front subframe without replaceable rubber bushes. The only bush-type elements are internal to the steering column/gear (such as bearings or sleeves) and aren’t sold or serviced as individual “steering bushes.”

This layout is pretty typical of Toyota’s small-car EPS setups of the era. By deleting external rack bushes, Toyota stiffens the steering gear mounting, which sharpens steering response and maintains alignment under load. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is handled by the EPS tuning and the column/gear internals rather than by soft, replaceable bushes.

What does that mean if someone’s chasing a clunk, vibration, or vague steering on a 2009 Ractis? Instead of hunting for non-existent steering bushes, the usual suspects to inspect are:

• Outer tie-rod ends and inner rack ends for play
• Front lower control arm bushes (especially rear/hydraulic types)
• Stabiliser (sway) bar D-bushes and links
• Strut top mounts and front wheel bearings
• Intermediate steering shaft joints (u‑joints/splines) for free play or binding

For servicing, a good workshop in Australia or New Zealand will road test for knock/steer pull, then put the Ractis on a hoist and check tie-rod lash, control arm bush cracking, and sway bar D-bush movement. Any internal wear in the steering gear or column bearings isn’t typically repairable piecemeal, replacement of the affected assembly is the Toyota-approved route. When parts are replaced, finish with a wheel alignment and an EPS calibration/steering angle check if required.

Technical sources referenced:

• Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) — 2009 Ractis NCP100/NCP105: Steering Gear & Link and Steering Column sections (no separate rack mount bush part numbers listed)
• Toyota Ractis Repair Manual (EPS – Column Assist) — steering gear mounting and serviceability notes
• Toyota Service Information (TIS) — small-car EPS system design and diagnostics guidance

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Ractis steering bushes

Does a 2009 Toyota Ractis have steering bushes I can replace?
No. The steering rack is rigidly mounted and Toyota doesn’t list separate rack mounting bushes for the NCP100/NCP105 Ractis. If there’s play or noise, focus on tie-rod ends, control arm bushes, sway bar bushes, or the intermediate shaft.

What causes a clunk in the steering on a Ractis if it’s not the bushes?
Common culprits are worn outer tie-rod ends, inner rack ends, or sway bar links/D‑bushes. A tired control arm rear bush or a noisy strut top can also present as a steering clunk. Less commonly, the intermediate shaft u‑joint can develop play.

Can the steering rack’s internal bushings be serviced?
Not individually. Internal bushings and bearings aren’t sold as separate parts. If internal wear is confirmed, the recommended fix is to replace the steering gear assembly and perform an alignment and EPS checks.