Parts for your 2008 Toyota Bb-Rack boots

2008 Toyota bB rack boots — what they do and when to replace

Yes, rack boots are absolutely used on the 2008 Toyota bB. Toyota service information for the QNC20/21 series (the second‑gen bB) shows a rack‑and‑pinion steering assembly with bellows‑type rack boots on each side of the housing. This is also reflected in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for the steering gear boot, and in mainstream parts catalogues that specify rack boot kits for 2005–2016 bB models. So, rack boots are relevant to this vehicle.

On the bB, the rack boots (also called bellows) protect the steering rack bar and inner tie rods. They keep dust, water and road grit out, help retain the correct lubrication around the inner joints, and allow the rack to move side‑to‑side while staying sealed. Whether the bB is fitted with electric power steering or a hydraulic setup, the boots serve the same job: keeping contaminants away from precision‑machined parts so the steering stays light, accurate and quiet.

As part of regular servicing in Australia or New Zealand, a quick look at the rack boots is a must. At every service interval (around 10,000–15,000 km), check for splits, perishing, loose or missing clamps, or any signs of grit or moisture getting in. If a boot is torn, it should be replaced straight away, because even a short drive can pull abrasive muck into the rack, wearing out the inner tie rods and the rack bar. In NZ this can be a Warrant of Fitness fail, in Australia it can knock you back for a roadworthy.

When replacing rack boots on a 2008 bB, replace them in pairs, use OE‑quality boots and new clamps, and avoid over‑packing with grease (just the inner joint area needs a smear). Make sure the bellows aren’t twisted and that the breathing path isn’t blocked so the boot can expand and contract as the steering moves. The tie‑rod end usually has to come off, count the turns or measure the length to keep toe close, then book a proper wheel alignment afterwards. If the vehicle has hydraulic power steering, also look for fluid contamination inside a torn boot—if you see oil, have the rack inspected. Many bB variants use electric assist, so you won’t have fluid leaks, but a split boot is still bad news for the rack’s internals.

• Typical replacement triggers: visible cracking, grease or grime ingress, uneven steering feel, failed WOF/rego.
• Good practice: replace both boots, fit new clamps, and carry out a wheel alignment.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if the rack boots on a 2008 Toyota bB need replacing?
They’ll spot cracks, splits or missing clamps, or see dirt and moisture inside the bellows. On lock, a badly torn boot is easy to see. Steering that feels notchy or develops play at the inner joints can also hint the boot has let grit in.

Any suspect boot should be swapped straight away to protect the rack and inner tie rods and to keep the car roadworthy.

Is a wheel alignment needed after changing rack boots on a bB?
Yes, because the outer tie‑rod ends are normally removed to slide the new boots on. Even if they count the turns, it’s best practice to get a proper alignment so tyre wear and steering feel are bang on.

Are rack boots the same as CV boots?
No. Rack boots seal the steering rack and inner tie rods, CV boots seal the driveshaft CV joints. They look similar as bellows, but they sit on different components and use different sizes and clamps.