Parts for your 2006 Lexus Is-Rack boots

2006 Lexus IS rack boots: what they do, and when to replace them

Yes, rack boots are fitted to the 2006 Lexus IS. Technical documentation backs this up: the Lexus IS (XE20, GSE/USE/ALE20) Repair Manual’s Steering—Linkage & Gear section illustrates bellows-style dust boots on the rack-and-pinion gear, and the Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) lists a “Boot Kit, Steering Rack” for 2006 IS variants (IS250, IS350 and IS220d). Whether the car uses hydraulic or electric assist, the steering gear is a rack-and-pinion unit that relies on protective boots.

On a 2006 Lexus IS, rack boots (also called bellows or gaiters) shield the inner tie rods and the rack bar from road grit, water and grime. They keep the factory lubricant where it belongs and stop contamination that can chew out the inner joints and the rack seals. Once a boot splits, moisture and dirt get in, grease gets flung out, and wear accelerates—often showing up as play, knock, or a heavy, notchy feel at the wheel. Left unchecked, it can turn into a leaking or noisy steering rack, which is far pricier than a simple boot kit.

As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to inspect the rack boots at each service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km. Look for cracks, oil misting, loose or missing clamps, and grease sling on the inner guard. If a boot is torn, replace it promptly—usually both sides are done together. Quality matters: use OEM or equivalent boots and proper ear-type or stainless clamps. Cable ties are a no-go for a WOF or roadworthy and don’t seal as well.

• Replacement basics: remove the wheel, separate the outer tie-rod end, note the thread position, remove old clamps and boot, check the inner joint for play, fit the new boot in the correct orientation, and secure with new clamps. Refit the tie rod end and torque to spec.
• Alignment: even if the thread count is matched, a wheel alignment is recommended to keep the IS tracking straight and save the tyres.
• Time and tell-tales: allow 1–2 hours a side. Telltales include split rubber, clicking on turns, wandering, and a weep line of grease on the boot or chassis.

Popular questions about 2006 Lexus IS rack boots

Do all 2006 Lexus IS models have rack boots?
They do. The IS250, IS350 and IS220d all use a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-type boots. The assist system (electric or hydraulic) doesn’t change the need for boots—the bellows protect the inner tie rods and rack from road muck and moisture.

How often should rack boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval—boots are replaced on condition. Inspect them every service, in Aussie and Kiwi conditions with heat, UV and road grime, many last well past 150,000 km, but any cracking, tears, or loose clamps means they’re due now. Replace in pairs and get a wheel alignment afterwards.

Will a torn rack boot fail a WOF or roadworthy?
Typically yes. A split boot lets contaminants in and grease out, which compromises steering safety. Inspectors look for intact, secure boots with proper clamps. Fixing a boot early is cheaper than dealing with inner tie-rod or rack damage later.