Parts for your 2011 Toyota Blade-Steering bushes

2011 Toyota Blade steering bushes – what they do and when to replace them

The 2011 Toyota Blade (E150 platform, JDM cousin to the Corolla/Auris) does use steering bushes. Toyota’s E150 repair literature and parts diagrams show the rack-and-pinion assembly mounted to the front subframe via rubber bushes/cushions, and the column uses bushings for support and isolation. Reputable aftermarket catalogues for the E150 platform (including Auris/Corolla/Blade, 2006–2012) also list rack-mount bush kits, confirming the part’s presence and serviceability. Even though the Blade runs electric power steering on the column, the rack is still isolated with bushes to control noise, vibration and harshness while maintaining alignment.

On this model, steering bushes are there to locate the steering rack securely while soaking up road shock and engine/subframe vibes. When fresh, they help the wheel feel centred and accurate, reduce kickback on corrugations, and keep toe changes in check. As they age, the rubber can crack, harden or deform, leading to vague steering, knocks over bumps and accelerated, uneven tyre wear.

Good servicing for a 2011 Toyota Blade includes a quick look at the steering bushes every 10,000–15,000 km, or at each scheduled service. A tech will check for cracking, perishing, oil contamination, and any rack movement when the wheel is rocked. If there’s play or clunking, it’s time to replace.

Replacement is straightforward but best left to someone with the right gear. The rack usually needs to be partially lowered or removed to press bushes in and out, then refitted with new hardware where specified. Always torque the brackets to the Toyota spec and recentre the steering angle. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards because even small position changes at the rack can nudge toe out of spec.

• Common symptoms: dull steering feel, steering wheel shimmy on rough roads, clunk over speed humps, feathered tyre edges.
• Bush choices: genuine rubber (factory feel and NVH) or polyurethane (sharper response, may add a touch more road feel).
• Typical lifespan: highly road- and climate-dependent, many last well past 100,000 km, but cars driven on coarse-chip or gravel may need them earlier.

For owners chasing that “like-new” steering on a Blade, fresh rack bushes are one of the best-value fixes—especially when paired with a proper alignment and a check of the intermediate shaft joints.

Does the 2011 Toyota Blade actually have steering bushes?

Yes. The E150 Blade’s steering rack is mounted to the front subframe using rubber bushes, and the column assembly also relies on bushings. This is documented in Toyota’s E150 repair/parts information and supported by aftermarket bush kit listings for Auris/Corolla/Blade models of the same platform years.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing the steering bushes?

It’s smart practice. Even when the subframe and rack go back in the same place, tolerances can shift just enough to alter toe. A post-job alignment ensures straight-ahead tracking, even tyre wear and the right steering feel.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes—what suits a Blade best?

Rubber keeps the factory balance of comfort and isolation—ideal for daily driving. Polyurethane can sharpen response and on-centre feel, which some drivers love, but it can add a little more road texture. For most Blade owners, rubber is the safe, OEM-style choice, enthusiasts may prefer poly.