Parts for your 2013 Toyota Camry-Steering bushes

2013 Toyota Camry steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2013 Toyota Camry (XV50) does use steering bushes. The model runs an electric power steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion mounted to the front subframe via rubber “cushion” bushes, and the steering column has guided support with bush/bearing elements. This is clear in Toyota’s service literature for the XV50 Steering (EPS) sections covering the steering gear mounting and inspection, and in Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists the steering gear mounting cushions for the rack assembly. These bushes aren’t a gimmick, they locate the rack solidly while isolating vibration and road harshness.

Purpose-wise, the steering bushes keep the rack aligned under load, reduce kickback through the wheel, and help the Camry feel planted without transmitting every corrugation into the cabin. On Aussie and Kiwi roads—think potholes, coarse chip and the odd unsealed detour—that isolation matters. When the bushes soften, crack or oil-soak, the rack can shift on the subframe and the steering gets a bit vague or clunky.

• Common signs they’re tired: a dull knock over sharp bumps, a clack when rocking the steering at a standstill, slight wander on the motorway, or uneven tyre wear that isn’t fixed by a balance/rotation.
• Quick driveway check: with the front wheels on the ground, have a mate rock the wheel left–right while watching the rack, any visible rack movement on the crossmember points to bush wear.

Servicing tips: have the bushes inspected during routine suspension checks every 20,000–30,000 km, along with the rack mount bolt torque and the condition of nearby fluid lines. Keep power steering fluid spills (older models) and engine oil off rubber—contamination speeds up degradation, even on EPS cars where the leak might be from elsewhere.

Replacement guidance: Toyota generally services the rack-mount bushes as part of the complete steering gear assembly, so they’re not always listed as standalone dealer parts. Some quality aftermarket options may exist, but proper fitment typically means supporting or lowering the rack/subframe, transferring any brackets, and then torquing fasteners to factory spec. After installation, a wheel alignment is a must, and the EPS centring/zero-point procedure should be performed per Toyota TIS. It’s a tidy half-day job for a workshop with the right gear.

Pro tips to make them last: avoid holding full lock for long, keep underbody splash shields in place to reduce water and grit blasting, and sort worn control arm or sway bar bushes early—excess movement elsewhere hammers the steering bushes unnecessarily.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Service Information (TIS) for 2012–2014 Camry (Steering/EPS – Steering gear removal/installation and on-vehicle inspection), and Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for steering gear mounting cushions on the XV50 platform.

Popular questions

Do 2013 Camry models actually have steering bushes?
They do. The XV50 Camry’s EPS rack mounts to the subframe with rubber cushion bushes, and the steering column uses guided support elements as well. While Toyota often supplies these as part of the complete rack assembly, the function is identical to traditional “steering bushes” and they can wear over time.

How long do the steering bushes last on a 2013 Camry?
On well-kept cars that see mostly sealed roads, they can go well past 150,000 km. Frequent rough-road use, oil contamination, or other worn suspension bushes can shorten that. If there’s clunking, rack movement, or vague steering, it’s time for a proper inspection and likely replacement followed by a wheel alignment.

Can the bushes be changed without removing the rack?
Access is tight on the XV50. Some workshops can sneak them out by lowering the subframe and supporting the rack, but doing the job cleanly usually involves dropping the rack for working room. Either way, torque to spec and carry out EPS centring/zero-point calibration, then finish with an alignment.