Parts for your 2017 Lexus Is-Steering bushes

2017 Lexus IS steering-bushes: are they actually used?

For the 2017 Lexus IS (XE30 series), separate “steering-bushes” aren’t a service part or a relevant fitment. Technical references — namely the Lexus Repair Manual via Toyota/Lexus TIS for the 2017 IS (Steering Gear and Column sections) and the Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue for GSE31/ASE30/AVE30 models under Steering Gear & Linkage — list no replaceable steering rack mounting bushes. The electric power steering rack is bolted directly to the front crossmember using hardware and rigid brackets, with no standalone rubber rack bushes called out.

Why Lexus went this way comes down to precision and durability. The electric rack needs a solid, consistent mount to deliver sharp on-centre feel and to keep steering geometry stable for alignment and driver-assist calibrations. Any compliance is managed elsewhere in the front end (control arm bushes, stabiliser bushes, subframe isolation) rather than via soft rack bushes. If mounting wear or internal rack play occurs, the service approach is replacement of the rack assembly, not bushing swaps.

If an owner suspects “bushed” play or a clunk up front in a 2017 IS, the usual culprits are other wear items:

• Outer tie-rod ends and inner tie rods (rack ends)
• Front lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway bar) D-bushes and links
• Steering intermediate shaft universal joints
• Front subframe mounting fasteners (torque and condition)

Good practice for this model is straightforward: inspect the steering and front suspension at regular service intervals (around 20,000 km or annually), check tie-rod play with the wheels unloaded, listen for knocks over sharp bumps, and verify torque of steering gear fasteners to the values in TIS. After any steering or front-end work, a wheel alignment is a must. If the rack itself develops internal lash or an EPS fault, replacing the complete steering gear assembly is the correct repair, followed by a calibration and alignment.

Popular questions

Where are the steering bushes on a 2017 Lexus IS?
They aren’t fitted as separate parts. The electric power steering rack is rigidly bolted to the crossmember without serviceable rack-mount bushes listed in the Lexus Repair Manual or the Toyota/Lexus EPC.

Can aftermarket steering rack bush kits be installed?
There’s no provision for them on this chassis. Adding non-factory bushes or inserts can misalign the rack, affect steering feel and ADAS calibration, and may create WOF/roadworthy issues. Stick to OEM-style repairs.

What should be replaced if there’s play in the steering?
Most fixes involve tie-rod ends (inner/outer), worn lower control arm bushes or ball joints, and sway bar bushes/links. If internal rack wear is confirmed, the complete rack assembly is replaced, then aligned.