Parts for your 2017 Toyota Hilux-Steering bushes

2017 Toyota Hilux steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2017 Toyota Hilux uses steering bushes. Technical references like Toyota’s workshop manual and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (for AN120/AN130 series, 2015–2020) show the rack-and-pinion steering assembly mounted to the front crossmember with rubber “cushion” or mount bushes. Australian and New Zealand aftermarket catalogues for the 2015-on Hilux also list steering rack mount bushing kits, which further confirms fitment. So for anyone searching “2017toyotahilux steeringbushes”, they’re absolutely relevant on this ute.

On this Hilux, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack and the chassis. Their job is to locate the rack precisely while isolating vibration and harshness. When they’re in good nick, the driver gets a tight, predictable feel with fewer kickbacks through the wheel over corrugations and potholes. Over time, OE rubber can soften, crack or deform from age, oil exposure, and off-road loads, letting the rack shift slightly under steering input. That movement shows up as a vague on-centre feel, clunks on take-up, and steering that tramlines or wanders.

Replacement and maintenance are straightforward for a competent technician and worth bundling into regular servicing on a 2017 Hilux—especially if it tows, runs bigger tyres, or sees plenty of gravel and tracks. A quick inspection every service interval (10,000–15,000 km) is smart: look for torn or perished rubber, shiny witness marks where the rack has moved, or wet, oil-soaked bushes. If any of that’s present, it’s time to replace.

• Symptoms of worn steering bushes:
  • Clunk or knock when turning or hitting bumps
  • Steering wander or delayed response off centre
  • Visible rack movement while a helper turns the wheel
  • Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear
• Service tips for the 2017 Hilux:
  • Choose bush material to suit the use: OE-style rubber for comfort, high-quality polyurethane for sharper response and durability off-road.
  • Torque rack fasteners to the workshop manual spec with the vehicle at ride height.
  • Book a wheel alignment after replacement, bush compliance affects toe.
  • Check for contributing issues (loose rack bolts, worn tie rod ends, control arm bushes) at the same time.
  • Keep oil leaks in check—power steering fluid or engine oil will shorten rubber bush life.

Done properly, fresh steering bushes bring the Hilux’s front end back to feeling tight and trustworthy, with better feedback and less kickback—handy on long Kiwi and Aussie highway runs and even better on the rough stuff.

Popular questions

Are steering rack bushes actually fitted to a 2017 Toyota Hilux?

They are. The AN120/AN130 Hilux runs a hydraulic rack-and-pinion mounted to the crossmember using rubber cushion/mount bushes as shown in Toyota’s service literature and parts catalogues. Aftermarket listings in AU/NZ also supply direct-fit rack mount bush kits for 2015-on Hilux models, which confirms they’re a standard component on this vehicle.

How often should 2017 Hilux steering bushes be replaced?

There isn’t a fixed kilometre interval. Inspect them at each service and replace on condition—typically anywhere from 80,000–150,000 km on sealed-road utes, sooner for vehicles with heavy towing, lift kits, larger tyres or regular gravel/off-road use. If there’s play, noise, or visible deterioration, replacing them will restore steering precision.

Do worn steering bushes affect wheel alignment?

Yes. Excess bush compliance lets the rack shift, which can alter toe under load and make the Hilux wander or scrub tyres. Any time the steering bushes are replaced, a proper front-end alignment is recommended to lock in straight-line stability and tyre life.