Parts for your 2005 Toyota Ractis-Steering rack

2005 Toyota Ractis steering rack — what it does and how to look after it

Technical references, including the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for NCP100/NCP105 (2005–) and the Steering section of the Toyota Repair Manual for Ractis, confirm the 2005 Toyota Ractis is built with a rack‑and‑pinion steering gear (steering rack) with electric power steering (EPS). In the EPC the steering gear assembly is listed under the steering gear/“rack & pinion” group (PNC commonly shown as 44250), alongside inner/outer tie rods and rack boots. So a steering rack is absolutely relevant and fitted to this vehicle.

The steering rack converts the driver’s wheel input into precise left‑right movement through the tie rods, keeping the Ractis sharp and tidy around town and stable on the open road. With EPS, assistance comes from an electric motor rather than a hydraulic pump, which means no power steering fluid to check, but the mechanical rack still relies on good boots, tight linkages and correct alignment to stay in top nick.

For owners in Australia and New Zealand, regular checks during servicing pay off. At every service or at least every 10–15,000 km, a technician should inspect the rack boots for splits, look for grease seepage, check inner and outer tie rod play, and confirm the rack mounts are secure. Any damage or play can cause vibration through the wheel, clunks over bumps, or uneven tyre wear.

Replacement is considered if there’s excessive free play, persistent knocking, leaking grease from torn boots, wandering on the motorway, or an EPS warning accompanied by poor steering feel. When replacing the rack (or even just tie rods), it’s smart to: fit quality parts or a reputable reman unit, torque all fasteners to spec, replace boots and clamps, and perform a full wheel alignment. On EPS models, a scan tool should be used to initialise/zero the steering angle or torque sensor if required, and the steering wheel should be centred properly after subframe or rack removal.

Because the Ractis uses EPS, there’s no fluid flush, but alignment is crucial. Fresh outer tie rod ends and new locknuts are often fitted at the same time, and tyres should be checked for wear patterns. A tidy, well‑set‑up rack keeps the Ractis light, predictable and safe, kilometre after kilometre.

Popular questions

Does the 2005 Toyota Ractis have power steering fluid?

No. The 2005 Ractis uses electric power steering (EPS), so there’s no hydraulic fluid or pump to service. Steering assistance comes from an electric motor, while the rack‑and‑pinion gear handles the mechanical movement.

That said, the rack boots, tie rods and alignment still need periodic checks to maintain smooth steering and even tyre wear.

What are common signs the steering rack needs attention?

Tell‑tales include clunks over small bumps, free play at the wheel, notchy or inconsistent steering feel, and uneven tyre wear. A crooked steering wheel on a straight road can also hint at worn tie rods or disturbed adjustment.

On EPS cars, a steering warning light plus poor assist might be seen, faults should be scanned and mechanical play ruled out before condemning the rack.

Is an alignment needed after rack or tie rod work?

Yes. Any time the rack is changed or inner/outer tie rods are replaced or adjusted, a professional wheel alignment is essential. It restores correct toe settings and steering wheel centre, preventing rapid tyre wear.

After alignment, the technician may also perform a steering angle or torque sensor calibration on the EPS system if specified.