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Parts for your 2007 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Rack boots
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2007 Toyota Vitz/Yaris rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them
Yes, rack-boots are absolutely used on the 2007 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90). Technical references including Toyota’s Repair Manual for the XP90 Vitz/Yaris (2005–2010) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue show a rack-and-pinion steering gear fitted with protective bellows on both ends—commonly called rack-boots or steering rack boots.
On this model, the boots shield the inner tie rod joints and the rack bar from dust, water and road grit. The 2007 Vitz/Yaris typically runs electric power steering assist at the column, so there’s no hydraulic fluid at the rack itself—another reason the boots’ job is purely to keep contaminants out and grease in. When the bellows crack or the clamps loosen, grit can chew out the inner tie rod sockets and let moisture attack the rack, leading to notchy steering, premature wear and potential WOF/RWC hassles.
Servicing advice for owners in Aus and NZ is straightforward: have the rack-boots inspected at each routine service (about every 10,000–15,000 km). Look for perishing, splits, oil/grease sling on the inside of the tyre, or loose/damaged clamps. If one boot is gone, it’s smart to replace them as a pair with quality EPDM boots and proper stainless or OE-style crimp clamps.
- Replacement best practice:
- Lift the front safely and remove the wheel.
- Loosen the tie-rod jam nut and mark the outer tie-rod position to preserve toe.
- Remove the outer tie rod, slide off the old boot, and check the inner joint for play.
- Lightly regrease the inner joint if appropriate, fit the new boot in the correct orientation, and secure with the right clamps (avoid cable ties on inspection-heavy roads).
- Reassemble, then book a wheel alignment—marking helps, but toe can still shift.
If there’s noticeable play at the inner joint or rust on the rack teeth, budget for inner tie rods or further steering gear work. After fitting, ensure the boot isn’t twisted and can “breathe” as the rack moves lock-to-lock. Keeping the rack-boots in good nick is cheap insurance for smooth, precise steering and longer component life on a Vitz/Yaris that sees plenty of urban errands and open-road kilometres.
Popular questions about 2007 Toyota Vitz/Yaris rack-boots
Do all 2007 Vitz/Yaris models have rack-boots?
Yes. The XP90-generation Vitz/Yaris uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-style rack-boots on each side. Even with electric column assist, the rack still needs boots to keep dust and water away from the inner tie rods and rack bar.
How can someone tell if their rack-boots need replacing?
Common signs include visible cracks or splits in the bellows, grease flicked onto the inside of the front wheels, a torn or missing clamp, or a damp, gritty build-up on the boot. You might also notice slight steering looseness if the inner joint has started to wear from contamination.
Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing rack-boots?
Usually, yes. Even if the outer tie rod is marked before removal, toe settings can shift during reassembly. A proper alignment after the job keeps tyre wear even and the steering tracking straight.
