Parts for your 2005 Toyota Caldina-Rack boots

2005 Toyota Caldina rackboots: what they do and when to replace

Yes — rackboots are fitted to the 2005 Toyota Caldina. Toyota’s service literature for the T24# series (2002–2007) details a rack-and-pinion steering gear that uses bellows-type steering gear boots, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog lists a “steering gear boot” for models such as AZT241/246, ZZT241 and ST246. Those technical sources confirm rackboots (also called steering rack boots or gaiters) are absolutely relevant on this vehicle.

On a 2005 Caldina, the rackboots sit at each end of the steering rack, wrapping around the inner tie rods. Their job is simple but vital: keep road grit, water and dust out of the rack bar and inner joints, and keep the correct grease in. They also allow the rack to “breathe” as it travels side to side, without letting the nasty stuff in. When they’re healthy, the steering stays precise and the rack seals live a long, happy life.

If a boot splits, the inner tie rod grease gets contaminated and the rack can start to corrode. That can lead to stiff or notchy steering, premature inner tie rod wear, and eventually power-steering fluid inside the boot from a leaking seal. It’s the sort of thing that can snowball into an expensive rack overhaul and, in NZ, a likely WOF fail.

• Signs it’s time: visible cracks or splits in the bellows, missing or loose clamps, grease flung on the crossmember, oil inside the boot, uneven tyre wear, or new play/knock when turning.

Good servicing for a 2005 Toyota Caldina rackboots setup is straightforward. Have the boots inspected at every service (or around every 10,000–15,000 km), especially if the car sees gravel roads, coastal air, or hot Aussie summers. If one boot is torn, it’s smart to replace them as a pair using OE-quality EPDM rubber and proper stainless clamps — skip the cable ties. While the boot is off, the tech should check the inner tie rod ball joint for play and the rack bar surface for pitting.

• Replacement tips: mark or measure the tie rod thread position so toe doesn’t drift, then book a wheel alignment anyway — even a tiny change shows up at the tyres. Make sure the boot seats fully in its grooves, the breather path isn’t kinked, and the correct grease is used at the inner joint per the workshop manual. After refit, confirm the power-steering fluid level and road-test for straight tracking.

DIY is doable for the handy, but most owners will prefer a workshop to handle clamps, inner tie rod checks and alignment. Look after the boots and the rack will usually look after itself.

• Does a 2005 Toyota Caldina have rackboots?

  It does. The T24# Caldina uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows boots on both sides. Toyota’s model repair procedures and the Electronic Parts Catalog list a “steering gear boot” for these variants, so they’re a normal service item just like on many other Toyotas.

• How often should rackboots be checked or replaced?

  Have them inspected at each service or around every 10,000–15,000 kilometres. In harsher Aussie or Kiwi conditions (gravel, heat, coastal salt), look more often. Replace if cracked, split, oil-soaked, or if clamps are loose — boots are cheap compared with a steering rack.

• Is it safe to drive with a torn rackboot?

  It’ll usually still steer, but driving with a torn boot risks water and grit getting into the inner tie rod and rack seals. That can quickly turn into corrosion, leaks and a failed WOF. Best bet: minimise driving and get the boot replaced and the alignment checked ASAP.