Parts for your 2018 Toyota Avensis-Steering bushes

2018 Toyota Avensis steering-bushes — what’s actually fitted?

For the 2018 Toyota Avensis (T27 series), “steering-bushes” aren’t a service item and, in practical terms, aren’t used as separate, replaceable parts. The model runs an electric power steering (EPS) rack that bolts directly to the front subframe using rigid brackets. There are no stand-alone rack mounting bushes or column bushes listed for routine replacement. This setup is shown in the Toyota Europe workshop manual for the T27 (Steering—EPS sections) and mirrored in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2018 Avensis variants, which lists the steering gear assembly, inner/outer tie rods and boots, but no “insulator/bush” for the rack. Trade databases commonly used in ANZ workshops (e.g., Autodata/Alldata) describe the same arrangement: the rack is solid-mounted and bushless as a separate service item.

Why the change from the old-school rubber rack bushes many drivers remember? With EPS, Toyota chases sharper steering feel and consistent alignment under load. Any compliance and noise control is managed through the subframe mounts, engineered clearances inside the rack, and the suspension bushes (control arms and stabiliser bar), rather than soft rack mounts. The pay-off is better precision and fewer maintenance parts in the steering gear itself.

If there’s play, a clunk, or the wheel feels a bit vague on this Avensis, the usual suspects aren’t “steering-bushes”. A tech will typically check:

• Inner and outer tie rod ends for wear
• Lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar bushes and links
• Strut top mounts and wheel bearings

EPS-specific checks also matter: ensure the steering angle sensor is calibrated after alignment, verify subframe bolt torque, and scan for EPS fault codes. If the rack itself develops internal wear or excessive lash, the documented fix on this platform is rack replacement rather than fitting bushes, which simply aren’t part of the design.

FAQs

Does a 2018 Avensis have steering rack bushes I can replace?
Not as separate parts. The EPS rack is mounted rigidly to the subframe and the Toyota parts catalogue for this model doesn’t list serviceable rack bushes. If there’s movement, it’s usually tie rods, control arm bushes, sway bar bushes or the rack itself, not missing or worn “steering-bushes”.

What’s making the knocking noise over bumps if it’s not steering-bushes?
On these, common sources are worn stabiliser bar bushes/links, lower control arm rear bushes, or top strut mounts. A quick shake test on the wheels and a lever check under the car will usually pinpoint it. If the knock is felt through the wheel, have the inner tie rods and rack lash checked.

Can I fit aftermarket polyurethane steering bushes to firm things up?
There’s nothing to fit on the rack mounts for this model. If you want a tauter feel, quality tyres at the right pressures, fresh control arm and sway bar bushes, and an accurate wheel alignment will deliver a noticeable lift without chasing non-existent rack bushes.