Parts for your 2013 Lexus Is-Steering bushes

2013 Lexus IS steering bushes — are they actually a thing?

Based on Lexus factory documentation for the second‑generation IS (GSE20/25/35) and the Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue for the 2013 model year, a separate, serviceable “steering bush” isn’t used on this vehicle. The electric power steering (EPS) rack is a rack‑and‑pinion unit that’s bolted directly to the front subframe with metal sleeves and fasteners, rather than isolated by replaceable rubber cushions. In other words, there’s no standalone steering‑rack mounting bush kit listed for this chassis in the EPC, and the Lexus Repair Manual describes the rack fastening points as rigid mounts, not elastomer bushes.

That design choice is deliberate. Rigid mounting improves steering precision and road feel—exactly what a sport‑sedan like the IS is going for. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are managed elsewhere in the platform (engine mounts, subframe tuning, column isolators), so Lexus doesn’t rely on soft steering bushes at the rack. Where some vehicles use rubber cushions to isolate the rack, the 2013 IS prioritises accurate on‑centre feel and consistent response.

If the steering feels loose, wandery or clunky on a 2013 Lexus IS, it’s more likely down to wear in other serviceable parts:

• Inner and outer tie‑rod ends and their rack boots
• Front lower control arm bushes (especially rear “hydraulic” bushes) and ball joints
• Sway bar links and D‑bushes
• Column universal joints/intermediate shaft play
• Wheel alignment and tyre condition/pressures

As part of regular servicing, a workshop should check tie‑rod axial play, ball joint free play, bush cracking/leaks, and rack boot integrity, then carry out an alignment. If the EPS rack itself has internal wear, Lexus supplies it as an assembly, there isn’t a separate rack‑mount bush to replace on this model.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Lexus IS have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. The EPS rack is rigid‑mounted to the subframe, and there are no separate, serviceable steering rack mounting bushes listed for this model. If there’s play, technicians typically inspect inner/outer tie rods, control arm bushes and ball joints, then the column U‑joints.

What causes “loose” steering if there are no steering bushes?
On these cars it’s usually wear in the inner tie rods, outer tie‑rod ends, or the large rear lower control arm bushes. Sway bar links and D‑bushes can also knock over bumps. Tyre wear and alignment can make the steering feel vague too, so a proper inspection and alignment check is the go.

Can I fit polyurethane steering bushes to sharpen things up?
Not for the rack mounts on a 2013 IS—the rack isn’t bushed. Aftermarket polyurethane options are instead aimed at control arm and sway bar bushes. If sharper response is the goal, fresh OE‑spec arms/bushes, good tyres and a quality alignment usually deliver the biggest gains.