Parts for your 2018 Toyota Wish-Steering rack

2018 Toyota Wish steering rack – what it does and how to look after it

Technical sources confirm the 2018 Toyota Wish uses a rack-and-pinion steering rack with electric power assist (EPS). The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (ZGE20/ZGE25 series) lists a “Gear Assembly, Steering (Rack & Pinion), EPS,” and the Toyota Repair Manual for the ZGE20/ZGE25 Wish includes procedures for rack-and-pinion removal/installation and EPS system diagnostics. Industry catalogues from OEM suppliers to Toyota also specify an EPS rack for the ZGE platform. So a steering rack is absolutely relevant to this model.

The steering rack on a 2018 Toyota Wish is the bit that turns the driver’s input at the wheel into precise movement at the front tyres. On this model it’s an electric power–assisted rack-and-pinion unit, which keeps weight down, improves efficiency, and gives a nice direct feel compared with older hydraulic setups. Because it’s EPS, there’s no power-steering fluid to top up, and assist is managed by an electric motor and control module that reads steering angle and torque to help when needed.

Even though there’s no fluid service, the rack still benefits from regular checks during routine servicing. A good workshop will inspect the rack boots for tears or water ingress, check inner and outer tie rods for play, confirm mounting bushes are tight, and listen for any clunks or notchiness while turning. They’ll also scan the EPS for stored fault codes, especially if the steering warning light has flickered on. After any suspension work or a decent whack from a pothole, a wheel alignment keeps the rack centred and tyre wear even.

If the Wish starts to wander on the motorway, feels notchy around centre, or shows uneven front tyre wear, it’s time to get the rack and tie-rod ends assessed. With EPS, leaks are rare, but torn boots can let water and grit in, which can damage the inner joints or the rack bar. If replacement is needed, going for a quality new or remanufactured rack pays off. Always replace damaged boots and any sloppy tie-rod ends at the same time, torque everything to spec, then carry out a wheel alignment. Because it’s an electric rack, the technician should also perform a steering angle zero-point calibration and any EPS learn procedures with a scan tool so assist and centring feel are spot on.

• Typical symptoms to watch for:
  • Clunks over bumps or play at the wheel
  • Notchy or heavy steering, especially at parking speeds
  • Uneven or rapid front tyre wear
  • EPS warning light or intermittent assist
  • Torn rack boots or contamination

FAQs

Does the 2018 Toyota Wish use electric or hydraulic power steering?
It uses electric power steering (EPS) on a rack-and-pinion gear. There’s no hydraulic pump or fluid, which helps efficiency and reduces maintenance.

How often should the steering rack be checked?
Have it inspected at each regular service (about every 10,000–15,000 km). That includes checking rack boots, tie-rod play, mounting bushes, alignment, and scanning for EPS fault codes if any warnings have shown.

What’s involved in replacing the steering rack?
Replacement usually takes 3–5 hours, followed by a wheel alignment and steering angle/EPS calibrations with a scan tool. It’s smart to replace worn tie-rod ends and boots at the same time to avoid doing the job twice.