Parts for your 2018 Toyota Wish-Steering bushes

2018 Toyota Wish steering bushes – purpose, service tips, and FAQs

From Toyota’s New Car Features for the ZGE2# series (Wish) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for “Steering – Column & Gear – Rack Mounting,” the 2009–2017 Wish runs an electric power steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion with rubber rack-mounting bushes. Vehicles first registered in 2018 use the same hardware. So yes, steering bushes are fitted and relevant on a 2018 Toyota Wish.

On the 2018 Toyota Wish, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack and the subframe. Their job is simple but crucial: they cushion and locate the rack so it can steer accurately without passing too much noise or vibration into the cabin. By absorbing harshness, the bushes keep the steering feel tidy on coarse Aussie and Kiwi roads, and by locating the rack solidly they help the front wheels point exactly where they’re told under braking and cornering.

Because these bushes are rubber (or polyurethane if upgraded), they age with heat, time, and exposure to oil or road grime. Once perished, the rack can nudge around on the crossmember, which shows up as a faint knock over sharp bumps, a vague or “floaty” feel just off centre, or a steering wheel that needs tiny corrections on the motorway. Left long enough, it can contribute to uneven tyre wear and could see the car fail a WOF/roadworthy.

As part of routine servicing, it’s worth a visual check: look for cracked, split, or oil-soaked rubber, and have someone lightly rock the steering while watching the rack for excess movement. There’s no set replacement interval, it’s condition-based, but many owners see wear anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 kilometres depending on climate and driving. Coastal areas in NZ and hotter parts of Australia can age rubber quicker.

When replacement is due, quality OEM-style rubber restores the factory balance of comfort and control. Polyurethane options tighten steering feel and last longer, though they can add a touch more road noise and vibration. Whichever route is chosen, torque the brackets at normal ride height, and follow the workshop manual specs. After fitting, a wheel alignment is recommended. If the steering wheel isn’t perfectly centred afterwards, a quick zero-point calibration of the EPS (scan tool) may be needed. Getting on top of steering bushes early keeps the Wish feeling planted, precise, and easy to live with.

• Common symptoms: clunks over potholes, vague on-centre feel, tramlining, or uneven tyre wear.
• Service tips: inspect at each service, replace in pairs if wear is evident, align afterwards.
• Parts choice: OEM rubber for comfort, polyurethane for sharper response and durability.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota Wish steering bushes

Do 2018 Toyota Wish models actually have steering bushes?
Yes. The ZGE2# Wish platform uses an EPS rack mounted to the subframe with rubber bushes. Toyota’s NCF and EPC documents list the rack-mount bush arrangement, so they’re absolutely a serviceable item on these cars.

How often should steering bushes be replaced on a Wish?
There’s no strict schedule. Inspect at each service and replace on condition. Many owners will see wear signs between 80,000 and 150,000 km, sooner if the car lives by the coast, tows regularly, or cops rough roads. If there’s knocking, vague feel, or visible cracking, it’s time.

Are polyurethane bushes a good idea for a daily-driven Wish?
They can be. Poly bushes sharpen steering response and usually last longer, which enthusiasts love. Expect a touch more vibration or road feel compared with OEM rubber. For family duties and maximum comfort, factory-style rubber remains a great choice.