Parts for your 2006 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Rack boots

Rack boots on a 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Toyota’s technical literature, the 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90 series) uses a rack-and-pinion steering system with column-assist electric power steering, and it is fitted with bellows-style steering rack boots on both sides of the rack. This is shown in Toyota’s New Car Features (NCF) for NCP90/91 (Steering section), the Toyota Repair Manual (Steering – Steering Gear/Linkage, Disassembly/Inspection/Reassembly), and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC), which lists a “Boot, Steering Rack” for this model. So yes — rack boots are relevant and used on the 2006 Vitz/Yaris.

On the 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris, rack boots are the flexible rubber bellows that seal the ends of the steering rack. Their job is simple but critical: keep dust, water, and grit out of the rack-and-pinion and inner tie rods, while holding a smear of grease where it needs to be. Even though this Yaris uses electric power steering at the column (not hydraulic assist at the rack), the rack itself still needs proper sealing — a torn boot can let in grit that chews out the rack, creates play, and leads to a clunky feel or uneven tyre wear.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the boots every oil change or at least each 10,000–15,000 km. Look for splits, perishing, loose or missing clamps, or grease flung onto the subframe. If a boot is damaged, replace it promptly. Don’t wait for steering noise — by then the inner tie rod or rack bush may already be on the way out.

When replacing a rack boot on a Vitz/Yaris, a few practical tips make life easier:

• Mark or count the turns when removing the outer tie-rod end to keep toe roughly where it was, then get a proper wheel alignment afterwards.
• Clean the rack bar and inner joint before sliding the new boot on, a tiny dab of suitable grease on the inner surface helps the boot seat without twisting.
• Use the correct boot clamps (crimp or ear-type) rather than cable ties — they hold tension better and keep the seal tight.
• If a boot has filled with water or grit, check the inner tie rod and rack for wear before buttoning it up.

For Aussie and Kiwi owners, torn rack boots will usually fail a roadworthy/WOF inspection. They’re inexpensive parts, but ignoring them can turn into a much pricier steering rack job down the track.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if the rack boots on a 2006 Vitz/Yaris need replacing?

They’ll spot cracks, splits, or oil/grease flung around the inner wheel area. Steering that feels loose or knocks over bumps can also hint at a torn boot that’s let grit into the inner tie rod. During servicing or a WOF/roadworthy check, any visible damage or missing clamps is a red flag.

Are the left and right rack boots the same on this model?

On most XP90 Vitz/Yaris variants the two boots are effectively a matching pair, but it’s best to order by VIN from the Toyota EPC to confirm. That ensures the bellows length and clamp diameters are correct for the exact steering gear fitted to the car.

Do rack boots affect a WOF or roadworthy?

Yes. In both NZ and Australia, split or unsecured steering rack boots are typically a fail item. Replacing them promptly helps keep the car road-legal and protects the steering rack from premature wear.