Parts for your 2017 Toyota Rav4-Steering bushes

2017 Toyota RAV4 steering bushes — are they even a thing?

For the 2017 Toyota RAV4 (XA40 series), separate steering bushes aren’t a service item and generally aren’t fitted as standalone parts. Technical references back this up: the Toyota Repair Manual via TIS for the 2017 RAV4 shows the electric power steering (rack‑assist EPS) assembly bolting directly to the front crossmember with mounting bolts and brackets, with no replaceable rack-to-subframe bushes listed. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for this model likewise lists the steering gear as a complete assembly without separate rack mounting bush components. General repair guides covering 2013–2018 RAV4 models also note no routine replacement of “steering bushes” as a discrete part.

Why isn’t it used? The 2017 RAV4 runs a rack‑assist EPS with the motor and ECU integrated into the steering gear. To keep steering feel sharp and to let the EPS and safety systems (like Lane Departure Alert on many trims) do their job accurately, the rack is mounted rigidly to the subframe rather than through soft rubber bushes. Any compliance for comfort and noise control is handled by suspension arm bushes, stabiliser (sway) bar bushes, and the subframe mounts, not by separate steering bushes. Internal bearings and guides inside the rack support the moving parts, but those aren’t external “bushes” that get serviced on their own.

What should be checked instead during servicing?

• Inner and outer tie rod ends for play, gaiter/boot condition, and alignment.
• Lower control arm bushes and ball joints, plus stabiliser bar bushes and links.
• Intermediate steering shaft joints for stiffness or free play.
• Rack mounting bolt tightness and any signs of subframe movement or impact damage.
• EPS diagnostics (DTCs), zero‑point calibration if required, and abnormal noise checks.

If a workshop suggests “steering bushes” on a 2017 RAV4, they’re usually referring to sway bar bushes, control arm bushes, or the need for a complete steering gear replacement if internal wear is found. There isn’t a genuine Toyota bush kit for the rack mounts on this model year, and most reputable aftermarket catalogues don’t list one either.

Owners noticing clunks, wander, or uneven tyre wear should have the tie rods, suspension bushes, and alignment inspected first. If the electric rack itself is worn or noisy, the correct fix is typically repair or replacement of the steering gear assembly, followed by a proper wheel alignment and EPS calibrations.

Popular questions about 2017 Toyota RAV4 steering bushes

Does a 2017 RAV4 have steering rack bushes that can be replaced?
Not as separate service parts. Technical sources (Toyota TIS Repair Manual and the EPC) show the rack mounting directly to the subframe without serviceable rack bushes. Any excessive play is more likely from tie rods or suspension bushes, or the rack assembly itself.

What should be inspected if there’s play in the steering?
Start with inner/outer tie rods, control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway bar bushes/links. Check the intermediate shaft joints, rack mounting bolt torque, and run EPS diagnostics. Alignment should be verified after any steering work.

Can aftermarket steering bush kits be fitted to tighten the feel?
For this model year, reputable kits for rack-to-subframe bushes are uncommon because the rack is designed to mount solidly. Trying to add non‑OE bushes can affect alignment, NVH, and EPS control accuracy. The better path is addressing worn tie rods and suspension bushes, then aligning the vehicle.