Parts for your 2006 Toyota Highlander-Rack boots

2006 Toyota Highlander rack boots (also known as Kluger in AU/NZ)

Rack boots are absolutely fitted to the 2006 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with a flexible bellows-style boot on each end of the rack. This is detailed in the Toyota Repair Manual for the 2006 Highlander (Steering – Rack and Pinion Power Steering section, procedures for installing the rack boot and clamps) and shown in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue/official parts listings under Steering Gear &, Linkage as “Boot, Steering Rack”. Independent workshop guides covering the XU20-series Highlander/Kluger platform echo the same arrangement.

What do those rack boots actually do? They seal and protect the inner tie rods and the polished rack bar from dust, road grit, water and salt spray. On a hydraulic power-steering Highlander, clean, dry boots help keep the rack’s internal seals happy by preventing contamination. If a boot splits, grime and moisture can work their way onto the rack shaft and inner joint, chewing out the joint and eventually taking out the rack seals—cue stiff steering, fluid leaks and a bigger bill than anyone wants.

As part of regular servicing on a 2006 Highlander, a quick visual check of the rack boots is a smart move every 10,000–15,000 kilometres or at each oil service. Look for cracking, grease weeping, missing or loose clamps, and boots that feel hard or brittle. If there’s any sign of a tear, replace the boot promptly—ideally both sides together. It’s a straightforward job for a competent tech: remove the outer tie-rod end, slide off the old boot, clean the area, then fit a new quality EPDM boot with fresh clamps. The boot shouldn’t be twisted and should compress/extend freely through the rack’s travel. If an inner tie rod is disturbed, ask for a toe check or alignment afterwards.

Choosing parts? Genuine Toyota boots or reputable aftermarket equivalents are both fine, the key is a proper seal and durable rubber. If the old boot was holding fluid, that’s a red flag that the rack’s internal seal may already be leaking—time to have the steering gear assessed rather than just popping a new boot on. Left too long, a torn boot can turn a cheap fix into a steering rack replacement and a fresh load of power-steering fluid.

• Typical symptoms of a failing rack boot: visible splits, oily dirt build-up, clacking from the inner joint over bumps, and uneven steering feel.
• Pro tip: replace clamps with the correct type and torque, cable ties are a false economy on this job.

Popular questions

Do rack boots affect a wheel alignment on a 2006 Highlander?

Changing the boot alone doesn’t alter alignment. However, the outer tie-rod end is usually removed to slide the boot off. If the tie rod length changes or the inner joint is replaced, a toe check or full alignment is recommended to keep tyre wear in check.

How long do rack boots last on a 2006 Highlander?

With quality rubber and intact clamps, many will last well over 100,000 kilometres. Harsh climates, rough roads and oil contamination shorten their life. Inspect them at each service and replace at the first sign of cracking or a split rather than waiting for steering issues.

Can a torn rack boot damage the power-steering rack?

Yes. A torn boot lets water and grit reach the rack shaft and inner tie rod. That contamination can chew out the inner joint and the rack’s seals, leading to play, noise and power-steering fluid leaks. Replacing a boot early is far cheaper than overhauling the rack.