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Parts for your 2006 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Rack boots
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2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them
Yes, rack-boots are fitted to the 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90/NCP9# series). Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog for the XP90 platform lists “boot, steering gear” bellows on both sides of the rack-and-pinion, and the Toyota Repair Manual for NCP90/91 includes inspection and replacement steps for these boots. General aftermarket guides (e.g., Haynes/Autodata) likewise show steering rack bellows on this model. Even cars with electric power steering (column-assist EPS) still use rack-boots to protect the inner tie rods and rack ends.
On a 2006 Vitz/Yaris, rack-boots (also called steering rack bellows) are there to keep grit, water, and road spray off the inner tie rods and the rack bar. They allow the rack to move freely while sealing the moving joints from contamination. Once a boot splits, abrasive dust and moisture can get in, leading to inner tie-rod wear, stiff or notchy steering, and potential corrosion of the rack. It’s also a common reason for a failed WOF or roadworthy inspection across NZ and Australia.
There’s no fixed replacement interval, but it’s smart to inspect them at every service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 km—especially if the car sees coastal air, gravel roads, or lots of commuting in wet weather. Most 2006 Vitz/Yaris variants use column-assist EPS, so there’s no power-steering fluid at the rack, however, the boots still matter because they protect the mechanical rack and inner joints. If yours happens to have hydraulic assist, finding fluid pooled inside a boot can indicate an internal rack-seal leak that needs attention beyond just replacing the boot.
Tell-tale signs a boot needs replacing include visible cracks or splits, perished rubber, grease or grime packed inside the folds, or a damp, rusty look on the inner tie-rod area. Steering that feels notchy off centre, or clunks over bumps, can also point to contamination and wear from a torn boot.
- When replacing, do both sides if they’re the same age.
- Use OE-style clamps, not cable ties, and seat the boot lips fully in their grooves.
- Check inner tie-rod and rack-end play while the boots are off, replace worn parts together.
- A wheel alignment is recommended after any rack-boot or tie-rod work.
- Lightly lubricate the boot lip with silicone-safe grease to avoid twisting as it’s clamped.
Look after the rack-boots and the Yaris/Vitz steering stays tight, quiet, and predictable for years.
Popular questions
Does the 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris definitely have rack-boots?
It does. Toyota’s XP90 (NCP9#) parts listings and repair procedures show a rack-and-pinion with protective bellows on both sides. Whether the car has electric or hydraulic assist, the mechanical rack still uses rack-boots to shield the inner tie rods and rack ends.
How can someone spot a failing rack-boot on this model?
Look for splits or perished rubber in the accordion folds, grime building up inside the boot, or rust around the inner tie rod. If the steering feels notchy or there’s a light knock on bumps, contamination from a torn boot may have started wearing the inner joint.
Is a wheel alignment needed after rack-boot replacement?
Yes, it’s best practice. Even if the tie-rod adjustment is carefully marked, removing and refitting boots can disturb the toe setting. A post-job alignment keeps the Yaris/Vitz tracking straight and protects tyre life.
