Parts for your 2013 Toyota Bb-Steering bushes

2013 Toyota bB Steering Bushes

Referencing Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the QNC20/QNC21 platform and the Toyota Repair Manual sections for Steering Gear & Linkage and Electric Power Steering (column-assist), the 2013 Toyota bB uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear mounted to the front crossmember with rubber mounting bushes (often called rack bushes). So yes—steering bushes are relevant and fitted to this model.

On the 2013 bB, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack and the crossmember, acting like small isolators. Their job is to keep the rack positively located while soaking up the harshness and road buzz that would otherwise find its way up the column. Even though the bB runs electric power steering at the column, the rack itself still relies on these rubber bushes to control fore–aft movement, reduce clunks over bumps, and keep the steering feel tidy on-centre.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to have the bushes inspected every 40,000–60,000 km or whenever there’s a steering concern. A quick check under the car with a pry bar can reveal excess rack movement, and a visual once-over will often show splitting, flattening, or oil-swollen rubber. Common symptoms of tired bushes include:

• Clunks or knocks over speed humps and potholes
• Wandering or vague steering feel, especially on the motorway
• Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear

Replacement is straightforward workshop fare: support the rack, remove the brackets, swap the bushes, and torque everything to spec with the vehicle’s weight on its wheels to avoid preloading the rubber. It’s best practice to replace bushes as a pair. After any work on the rack mounts, a wheel alignment is recommended to ensure the toe is bang-on and the steering wheel sits straight. While polyurethane options are available and sharpen response, many owners prefer quality OEM-style rubber for everyday comfort and proper NVH on New Zealand and Australian roads.

There’s no hydraulic fluid to worry about on this EPS setup, but keeping the crossmember clean and free from oil leaks helps the rubber last. If the bB has copped a knock or kerb strike, a quick recheck of rack mounting bolt torque and bush condition is worthwhile. Done right, fresh steering bushes bring back that tidy, confidence-inspiring feel through the wheel.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota bB steering bushes

How can someone tell if their bB’s steering bushes are worn?
They’ll usually hear a dull knock over bumps and feel a vague or wandering response around centre. A technician can spot excessive rack movement with a pry bar while the car’s on a hoist, and will often find the rubber split, crushed, or oil-soaked.

Are polyurethane bushes a good idea for a daily-driven bB?
Poly bushes can sharpen steering feel and last longer, but they can also pass a bit more vibration into the cabin. For a daily driver chasing comfort and factory-like NVH, quality OEM-style rubber is a safe bet. For a sportier feel, poly is fine—just expect a touch more road texture through the wheel.

Does replacing the bushes affect wheel alignment or EPS calibration?
Yes, a wheel alignment is recommended after rack bush replacement to ensure toe and steering wheel centring are correct. The bB’s column-assist EPS typically doesn’t need recalibration for bush changes, provided the steering wheel and intermediate shaft are not disturbed during the job.