Parts for your 2016 Toyota Mark x-Steering bushes

2016 Toyota Mark X steering bushes — fitted, what they do, and when to replace

Steering bushes are indeed used on the 2016 Toyota Mark X (GRX130 series). Toyota’s service literature and parts catalogue list insulators/mounting bushes for the steering gear (rack) on this model, and the New Car Features material describes a rack-and-pinion steering assembly (commonly EPS) mounted to the front subframe via rubber insulators. Technical references: Toyota Mark X X130 Repair Manual – Steering, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (GRX130) – Steering Gear & Link, Toyota New Car Features (X130) for EPS rack layout.

On the Mark X, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack and the subframe. Their job is to locate the rack precisely while isolating noise and vibration. When the rubber hardens, cracks, or swells from fluid contamination, the rack can shift under load, which dulls steering feel and can introduce a knock over bumps.

What owners notice when bushes are getting tired:

• Clunk or thud in the front when taking off, braking, or hitting sharp bumps
• Vague on‑centre feel or wandering at highway speeds
• Uneven or accelerated tyre wear, despite good tyre pressures
• Visible rack movement while an assistant rocks the wheel with the car safely raised

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the steering rack bushes every 20,000–30,000 km or at each WOF/service. Look for perishing, cracking, deformation, or softened rubber. Oil or power steering fluid contamination (where applicable) accelerates bush failure. If any play is present, replace them as a set.

Replacement is usually straightforward for a workshop: support the vehicle, secure the rack, remove the rack brackets/U‑bolts, note bush orientation, swap the bushes, and torque fasteners to the workshop manual specs. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards to keep the steering sharp. Some EPS racks use specific bush profiles or bonded-style insulators, availability can vary by VIN. If the parts catalogue shows the bushes separately, they’re serviceable, if not, the rack may be supplied with integrated insulators, and the service fix could be a rack assembly. Quality OEM rubber maintains factory refinement, performance polyurethane options can sharpen response but may increase NVH a touch, which some drivers don’t mind.

Done on time, fresh steering bushes restore proper rack location, tighten feedback through the wheel, and keep the Mark X tracking straight — exactly what’s wanted on Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Popular questions about 2016 Toyota Mark X steering bushes

Do all 2016 Mark X models have serviceable steering rack bushes?
Most GRX130 variants list separate “insulator, steering gear” bushes in the Toyota EPC, meaning they’re serviceable. Some EPS racks may have unique bush profiles or bonded insulators, parts availability can depend on the exact VIN. A quick check of the EPC against the vehicle’s frame code confirms what’s fitted.

What are the tell‑tale signs the Mark X needs new steering bushes?
Common signs include a dull knock over bumps, a clunk when taking off or braking, vague on‑centre feel, and minor lane wandering. Technicians often spot visible rack movement during a steering shake test. Uneven front tyre wear can also show up if the rack isn’t held rock‑steady.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing steering bushes?
Yes. Even though tie rods aren’t necessarily disturbed, the rack’s position relative to the subframe can change slightly once the new bushes are in. A post‑repair alignment keeps steering feel crisp and tyre wear even.