Parts for your 2010 Toyota Mark x-Rack boots

2010 Toyota Mark X (GRX13#) rack-boots — purpose, care and when to replace

Relevant and fitted. The 2010 Toyota Mark X (GRX130/GRX133) uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with protective bellows on each end of the rack. Toyota’s workshop literature for the GRX13# series (Steering — Steering Gear & Linkage) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue list these as steering rack boots/dust boots, confirming the part is used on this model. Whether the car has hydraulic or electric assist, the rack still runs boots on both sides to keep the inner tie rods and rack ends sealed from the elements.

On a Mark X of this vintage, the rack-boots do a simple but critical job: they keep grit, water and road splash out of the rack while letting the inner tie rods move freely as the wheels steer. Intact boots help the steering feel tight and consistent, protect the rack seals and grease, and can keep the car out of avoidable WOF/roadworthy fails caused by split or oily gaiters.

They’re a wear item, so it’s smart to have them checked at every service. As a rule of thumb, inspect them at roughly 10,000–15,000 km intervals or yearly, and replace at the first sign of cracking, perishing or oil contamination. If one side has failed, doing both sides together is good practice.

• Signs it’s time: visible splits, loose or missing clamps, trapped grit, or oil inside the boot (on hydraulic racks, that can hint at an internal seal leak).
• Service tips: use proper clamp rings rather than cable ties, route the boot to avoid twisting at full lock, and keep breather balance between sides so the bellows don’t balloon.
• Fitment: quality aftermarket or genuine boots are fine, confirm they match the GRX13# rack diameter at both ends.
• After work: if the inner tie rod or lock nut is disturbed, book a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear even.

Replacement is a straightforward job for a competent home mechanic with a tie-rod tool and a torque wrench, but many owners prefer a workshop to handle it and set the toe correctly. Avoid solvents on the new rubber, don’t overpack the boot with grease, and always refit with new clamps. Following the Toyota repair manual torque specs for the inner tie rod and lock nut keeps everything secure and wobble-free.

Popular questions

How often should rack-boots be replaced on a 2010 Mark X?
There’s no fixed kilometre figure. They’re inspected at routine services and replaced when cracked, split, perished or oily. On cars that see lots of gravel or coastal driving, they may age faster and warrant closer checks.

Are the left and right rack-boots the same on the GRX13#?
Typically, yes—the pair is usually symmetrical on the Mark X rack. That said, always confirm sizing at both ends of the boot against the vehicle’s rack before purchase.

Do you need a wheel alignment after changing rack-boots?
If only the boots and clamps are changed and the inner/outer tie rods and lock nut positions aren’t disturbed, an alignment may not be necessary. If a tie rod is loosened or replaced, get an alignment to protect tyre life and steering feel.