Parts for your 2013 Toyota Land cruiser-Steering bushes

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

For the 2013 Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series (J200), steering bushes are absolutely relevant. Toyota’s 200 Series workshop repair manual (Steering – Rack and Pinion Power Steering) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for URJ/VDJ200 list the rack-and-pinion assembly with rubber rack mounting bushes. Leading suspension brands in Australia and New Zealand, including Nolathane, SuperPro and Whiteline, also publish fitment for steering rack mount bush kits for 200 Series models covering 2007–2015, which backs up the factory information.

On this LandCruiser, the steering bushes (usually the rack mounting bushes) locate the steering rack on the front crossmember and isolate vibration. They keep the rack square and steady so the steering wheel feels direct and the tyres track straight, especially over corrugations and when towing or carrying accessories like a bullbar and winch. When the bushes soften, crack or deform, the rack can shift under load, which shows up as vague steering, a knock over bumps or tramlining on uneven roads.

As part of routine servicing, it’s wise to inspect the steering bushes from around 100,000–150,000 km, or sooner if the vehicle does regular off-road work. Look for perished rubber, cracking, or shiny witness marks where the rack has been moving. A helper turning the wheel lock-to-lock while someone watches the rack can reveal excess movement.

• Common symptoms:
  • Clunk or knock through the floor or column on sharp bumps
  • Wandering on the highway or steering that doesn’t self-centre cleanly
  • Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear
• Good practice during replacement:
  • Support the rack properly and mark its position before loosening mounts
  • Install new bushes in the correct orientation and torque fasteners to Toyota specs
  • Book a wheel alignment afterwards

Choosing bush material comes down to use. Genuine-style rubber keeps NVH low and suits daily driving. Quality polyurethane tightens steering feel and resists deformation under heavy loads, but may transmit a touch more road feel. Many touring and towing owners prefer poly for durability, city-based vehicles often stick with rubber.

While in there, it pays to check related wear items: inner and outer tie rod ends, the intermediate steering shaft joints, and the lower control arm rear bushes. If the rack shows fluid leaks, address that first — bushes won’t fix a worn rack. Fitted correctly with decent parts, fresh steering bushes restore that confident LandCruiser steering feel and help tyres last the distance, no worries.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota LandCruiser steering bushes

How long do steering bushes typically last on a 2013 LandCruiser?

In mixed Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many see 120,000–180,000 km before noticeable play, but heavy off-road use, corrugations, larger tyres and added front-end weight can shorten that. Regular inspections during scheduled servicing help catch wear early.

Do new steering rack bushes require a wheel alignment?

Yes. Even though the tie rod lengths don’t change, the rack’s position relative to the crossmember can shift slightly when bushes are renewed. A post-repair alignment ensures on-centre feel is spot on and prevents uneven tyre wear.

Rubber or polyurethane — which is better for a touring setup?

For long-distance touring and towing, quality polyurethane often holds shape better under load and sharpens steering without being harsh on a 200 Series. If ultimate comfort and factory-level NVH are the priority, fresh OEM-style rubber is a safe bet.