Product Function Description

The steering knuckle bushing (part number 90381-35001) is a critical component of your Toyota Land Cruiser‘s front axle and steering system. Its primary function is to serve as the bearing surface that supports the outer CV joint shaft within the steering knuckle and stub axle assembly. This bronze bushing is pressed into the steering knuckle and provides a durable, low-friction interface that allows the outer axle shaft to rotate smoothly while maintaining precise alignment. For Land Cruiser 80, 100, and 105 Series models, a properly functioning knuckle bushing is essential for smooth steering operation, reliable 4WD power delivery, and quiet front-end operation.

DIY Diagnosis Guide

How to Tell If Your Steering Knuckle Bush Needs Replacement:

Look for these common signs:

1. Excessive play in front wheel – Wheel moves when rocked by hand, not resolved by bearing adjustment

2. Vibration or shimmy while driving – Front end vibration felt through steering wheel

3. Clicking or clunking noise – Metallic noise from the front axle area, especially when turning

4. Grease leakage at knuckle – Grease escaping from the knuckle area due to worn bush

5. Difficulty engaging 4WD – Worn bush causes axle shaft misalignment

💡 Quick inspection: Jack up the front of the vehicle and rock the wheel top-to-bottom and side-to-side. Excessive play that cannot be adjusted out via wheel bearings may indicate a worn spindle bush. Inspect the knuckle area for grease leakage and listen for noise when rotating the wheel.

 Product Attributes

Notes:

• This bush is confirmed for Toyota Land Cruiser 100, 105, and 70 Series applications .

• Left and right common .

• Always verify fitment via VIN before purchase.

Related Components

90381-35001 is used together with 43401-60081.

A brand-new genuine 43401-60081 short shaft assembly comes from the factory with a bronze bushing already pre-pressed inside. However, since this bronze bushing is a friction wear part under daily off-road and high-load driving conditions, when bushing wear causes excessive drive shaft play, front axle oil leaks, or abnormal noise, technicians typically do not need to replace the entire expensive short shaft. Instead, they can separately order the inner bronze bushing and press-fit a replacement.

Fitment & Version Notes

This applies to the front axle upgrade evolution of the Land Cruiser 80 Series and later 70 Series. Two genuine OEM part numbers exist for the inner bronze bushing:

① Upgraded One-Piece Bronze Bushing (Most Commonly Recommended)
OEM No.: 90381-35001
Features: This is the upgraded one-piece bushing (with flange) officially introduced by Toyota for later LC80, LC100, and later LC70 (after August 1999) solid-axle models. It perfectly matches the 43401-60081 short shaft and more effectively prevents front axle gear oil and grease from mixing.

② Early Split-Type Long Bronze Bushing (Original Configuration for Some Early LC80 Models)
OEM No.: 90381-33001
Features: This is the longer one-piece pure bronze bushing originally equipped on early LC80 models around 1990–1994. In later repairs, many owners or workshops use the combination of the above 90381-35001 + one needle roller bearing (OEM No.: 90364-33011) to replace this older long bushing, in order to reduce friction and extend drive shaft life.

Companion Parts / Related Components:

When replacing this short shaft or the inner bronze bushing, the following maintenance parts are usually replaced together:

• Short Shaft Gasket (Gasket, Knuckle Spindle): 43435-60020 — Must be replaced every time this short shaft is removed or installed; used for sealing between the short shaft and the knuckle housing.

• Front Axle Dust Oil Seal: 90310-35001 — Located on the inner side of the bronze bushing to prevent axle oil from leaking out.

Quality Assurance & Service Commitment

Quality Assurance:
Every component is manufactured under controlled production processes to ensure consistent dimensional accuracy and material integrity. Each unit undergoes the following quality checks before packaging:

• Dimensional inspection – critical dimensions (ID, OD, length) are verified against design specifications

• Material verification – phosphor bronze composition and hardness are tested

• Surface finish inspection – bore and OD surface quality are visually verified

• Packaging inspection – each unit is sealed in protective packaging

Packaging Protection:
Each steering knuckle bush is individually sealed in protective packaging to prevent contamination and physical damage during storage and transit. The packaging includes a clear part number label for easy identification.

Service Commitment:

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