Parts for your 2000 Toyota Bb-Rack boots

2000 Toyota bB rack-boots: what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Toyota bB (NCP30/31) Repair Manual steering section and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for the 2000 model year, the bB runs a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-style rack-boots on both ends of the rack. Those sources list the boots as serviceable items with dedicated clamps, so rack-boots are absolutely relevant and used on the 2000 Toyota bB.

On this model, the rack-boots (also called rack gaiters) are there to keep dust, water, and road grit out of the inner tie-rod joints and the rack seals, while holding the correct grease where it needs to be. They compress and extend as the wheels steer and the suspension moves, acting like flexible bellows. When the boots are intact, the steering stays smooth, the inner joints last longer, and the power-steering rack isn’t prematurely chewed out by contamination.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the boots at every service or about every 10,000–15,000 kilometres, and definitely before a WOF/reg inspection. Signs they’re due for replacement include cracks, splits, perished rubber, missing or loose clamps, or grease flung around the subframe. If there’s power-steering fluid found pooled inside a boot, that points to an internal rack seal leak, a new boot won’t fix that—rack repair or replacement is on the cards.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech and doesn’t require removing the steering rack. Typically the outer tie-rod end is separated, the old boot and clamps are removed, the inner joint is inspected for play, and a fresh boot is slid on with new small and large clamps. The boot should sit without twist and seal firmly at both ends. The tie-rod end nut is tightened to factory spec and a wheel alignment is recommended afterward to keep tyre wear tidy and the steering centred.

For longevity, choose quality EPDM or OE-spec boots and proper band clamps rather than generic cable ties. Avoid solvents or petrol on the rubber. In local conditions—coastal air, gravel roads, and plenty of rain—keeping the rack-boots in good nick is cheap insurance against a costly steering rack rebuild. It’s a small job that pays its way in steering feel, safety, and fewer surprises at inspection time.

• Check at each service or 10–15k km
• Replace if cracked, split, or clamps are loose
• If fluid is inside the boot, plan for rack repair
• Get a wheel alignment after boot replacement

Popular questions about 2000 Toyota bB rack-boots

How often should rack-boots be inspected on a 2000 Toyota bB?

They’re best checked at every routine service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 kilometres, and before any WOF/reg inspection. Regular inspection catches small cracks and loose clamps early, saving the steering rack and inner tie rods from contamination and premature wear.

Can rack-boots be replaced without removing the steering rack?

Yes. On the bB, a tech will usually separate the outer tie-rod end, slide the old boot off, fit the new boot and clamps, then refit and align the vehicle. It’s a tidy job when done with the correct clamps and followed by a proper wheel alignment.

What happens if a torn rack-boot is ignored?

Dirt and water get into the inner joint and rack, chewing out the joint and potentially the rack seals. That can lead to sloppy steering, fluid leaks, a WOF fail, and a much pricier rack rebuild or replacement versus a simple boot swap.