Parts for your 2009 Toyota Blade-Rack boots

2009 Toyota Blade rack boots — fitted, important, and worth a look at every service

Yes, rack boots are absolutely used on the 2009 Toyota Blade. The model sits on Toyota’s E150 platform (Auris/Corolla family) and runs a rack‑and‑pinion steering gear with electric power steering. Toyota’s Repair Manual for the E150 series (Steering – Steering Linkage section) specifies bellows‑type boots on each side of the rack, and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a “Boot, Steering Rack” for Blade variants (AZE154H/GRE156H). In New Zealand and Australia, inspection standards such as the NZTA VIRM and state roadworthy guidelines also call out split or insecure steering rack boots as a fail item, which further confirms their presence and importance on this vehicle.

On this Blade, the rack boots (also called steering rack bellows) protect the inner tie rods and the rack gear from dust, water, and road grit. Even though the Blade uses electric assist rather than hydraulic fluid, the boots still keep contaminants out and hold a cushion of air so the rack can move freely without ingesting grime. When a boot splits, moisture and debris work their way in, inner joints wear out, and the steering can feel rough or start knocking — not ideal on Aussie or Kiwi roads.

For owners and workshops, it’s smart to inspect the boots at every service or at least every 10,000 km. Look for cracks, oil‑like grime buildup, perishing near the pleats, or loose/missing clamps. If there’s a split, replace the boot promptly to avoid chewing out the inner tie rod and risking corrosion on the rack bar.

• Replacement basics: remove the outer tie‑rod end, slide off the old boot and clamps, clean the rack end, fit the new boot with fresh clamps, and refit the tie‑rod end. Always book a wheel alignment afterwards.
• Use quality parts and the correct clamps, many originals are single‑use. Don’t pack the boot with grease — it’s a dust bellows, not a grease reservoir.
• Count or mark the tie‑rod threads before removal to keep toe close enough to drive to alignment safely.
• If water or rust is found inside the boot, inspect the inner tie rod and rack bar for play or pitting before buttoning up.
• Because the Blade is EPS, don’t go hunting for power‑steering fluid leaks — there isn’t any. Focus on keeping the boots intact and the inner joints tight.

Kept in good nick, a set of tidy rack boots helps maintain crisp steering feel, even tyre wear, and a clean pass at WOF/roadworthy.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Blade rack boots

Do 2009 Toyota Blade models have steering rack boots even with electric power steering?

Yes, they do.

The Blade uses rack‑and‑pinion steering with electric assist, not hydraulic.

The bellows boots protect the rack bar and inner tie rods from dirt and water.

They’re shown in Toyota’s E150 platform repair procedures under Steering Linkage.

The Toyota EPC lists a steering rack boot for Blade model codes.

EPS changes the assist method, not the rack hardware that needs boot protection.

Inspecting these boots is part of normal servicing in AU and NZ.

Split boots are a common WOF/roadworthy fail item.

Keeping them intact prevents premature inner tie‑rod wear.

They also help the rack move smoothly by maintaining an air cushion.

No fluid lives inside them, they’re not hydraulic boots.

So, yes — the boots are fitted and they matter.

What are the signs a 2009 Toyota Blade rack boot needs replacing?

Visible cracks, splits, or perishing on the bellows.

Greasy, gritty buildup around the boot or on the inner tie rod.

Loose, missing, or broken boot clamps.

Moisture or rust found inside during inspection.

Knocking or clunks over bumps from a worn inner tie rod (often follows a split boot).

Heavier or notchy steering feel after wet, dusty drives.

Uneven front tyre wear from alignment drifting out.

WOF/roadworthy fail noted as “steering rack boot split or insecure”.

Boot pleats stuck together or stiff from age.

One boot visibly shorter or deformed compared with the other side.

Air “puffing” noisily as the wheel turns (often a sign of a torn section).

Any doubt? Replace the boot and get an alignment.