Parts for your 2011 Honda Stream-Steering bushes

2011 Honda Stream steering bushes

Yes, the 2011 Honda Stream uses steering bushes. Honda’s workshop information for the RN6–RN9 Stream (Steering section: Steering Gearbox Removal/Installation) illustrates rubber mounting cushions/bushes that locate the rack-and-pinion assembly to the subframe, and the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a “Bush, Steering Gear Mount” for these models. Major aftermarket catalogues also specify replacement rack-mount bushes for the RN-series Stream, confirming they’re a serviceable part on this vehicle.

On the 2011 Honda Stream, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the front subframe. Their job is simple but crucial: isolate vibration, keep the rack precisely located under load, and maintain crisp, centred steering feel. When they harden, crack or deform with age, the rack can shift ever so slightly, and that’s when the Stream can start to feel vague or develop a knock over bumps.

What owners typically notice are small but annoying changes in steering behaviour rather than dramatic failures. Think a light clunk when turning at low speed or over speed humps, slight wander on the motorway that has them making constant small corrections, and sometimes uneven tyre wear if the rack is no longer sitting square. Because the Stream uses MacPherson struts up front, tired rack bushes can also exaggerate road shock through the wheel.

Replacement is straightforward for a professional: support the subframe, disconnect the intermediate shaft, unbolt the rack from its mounts, swap the bushes, then refit and torque everything correctly. An alignment is recommended afterwards. It’s smart to replace all rack-mount bushes as a set and check the rack boots and tie-rod ends at the same time. Most daily drivers will be happiest with quality OEM-style rubber for comfort and noise control, performance polyurethane can sharpen response but may introduce more road feel and a touch of NVH.

As part of regular servicing, a quick visual of the bushes for cracking or oil swelling (engine oil and ATF can attack rubber) is worthwhile every 20,000–30,000 km. By 100,000–150,000 km, many Streams benefit from new bushes, especially if they’ve lived on rough roads. Do note that lower control arm bushes and sway bar bushes are separate parts, a workshop should assess the whole front end so the steering feels tight and consistent when the job’s done.

• Common symptoms: low-speed clunk, vague on-centre feel, drift/wander, shimmy over bumps, uneven tyre wear.
• Best practice: replace bushes in pairs/sets, align afterwards, and choose bush material to suit comfort vs. feel.

Popular questions

Does the 2011 Honda Stream actually have steering bushes?
It does. The Stream’s rack-and-pinion steering is mounted to the subframe with rubber bushes. Honda’s service procedures for the RN6–RN9 models and parts listings both show serviceable steering gear mount bushes.

How long do the steering bushes last, and what are the tell-tale signs?
Many last 100,000–150,000 km, but harsh roads, heat and fluid contamination can shorten life. Signs include a soft knock on turn-in or over bumps, light steering wander on the motorway, and tyres developing odd wear patterns even after alignment.

Can they be replaced without removing the whole steering rack?
On this model, the rack usually needs to be unbolted from the subframe and moved enough to press the bushes out and in. A shop can often do it without fully extracting the rack from the car, but access, proper support and a post-job alignment are key.