Parts for your 2013 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Steering bushes

2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris steering-bushes — used or not?

For the 2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP130 series: NCP130/131, KSP130), “steering-bushes” aren’t a service item because the car doesn’t use separate, replaceable rack-mount steering bushes. Toyota’s factory material for this model shows a column-assist electric power steering (EPS) system with a rack-and-pinion gearbox that’s rigidly bolted to the front suspension member without rubber isolator bushes.

Technical references: Toyota Service Information (TIS) for the 2011–2014 Yaris/Vitz (Steering: Electric Power Steering and Steering Gear sections) depicts the rack fixed with bolts and collars and no listed rack “cushion”/bush components. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for these model codes likewise lists the steering gear assembly, bolts and clamps, but no separate rack-mount bush kit. This design is typical of late-model Toyota EPS setups.

Why no steering-bushes? With column-assist EPS, Toyota tunes road feel and assist through the torque sensor at the column. Any compliant rubber bush at the rack would introduce flex, dull on‑centre feel and upset EPS calibration. NVH is handled via the subframe design and other suspension bushes instead. So, while older or hydraulic systems sometimes used rack bushes, this 2013 Vitz/Yaris mounts the rack solidly for precision and durability.

If there’s play, vibration or a knock through the wheel, it’s usually not “steering-bushes”. Common culprits on this model include:

• Inner/outer tie rod ends
• Front lower control arm bushes (especially rear hydro/voided bush)
• Sway bar (stabiliser) D-bushes and links
• Intermediate steering shaft universal joint wear
• Strut top mounts/bearings

Good servicing practice on a 2013 Vitz/Yaris steering system: inspect rack boots for tears, check tie rods for axial and radial play, look over control arm and sway bar bushes for cracking, and road-test for knock on sharp bumps. After any front-end work, get a wheel alignment and perform a steering angle check/reset with a scan tool if the wheel isn’t straight. There’s no scheduled replacement for “steering-bushes” because the part simply isn’t fitted on this model.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota Vitz/Yaris steering-bushes

Does the 2013 Vitz/Yaris have steering rack bushes?
No. The rack is solid-mounted to the crossmember and the car uses column-assist EPS. Toyota’s service and parts information for XP130 models doesn’t list any separate rack-mount bush components, which is why you won’t find genuine or reputable aftermarket kits for this year.

What should be checked if the steering feels loose or knocks?
Start with inner and outer tie rod ends, sway bar D-bushes and links, and the front lower control arm rear bushes. Also check the intermediate shaft universal joint and the strut top mounts. These items commonly cause the symptoms people attribute to “steering-bushes”.

Is there any maintenance for the EPS on a 2013 Yaris/Vitz?
There’s no routine EPS “service”. Keep an eye on alignment, tyre condition and pressures, and inspect the rack boots and joints at each service. If the steering wheel sits off‑centre after suspension work, have the steering angle learned/reset with a scan tool and confirm there are no EPS fault codes.