Parts for your 2012 Toyota Mark x-Rack boots

2012 Toyota Mark X rack boots: what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2012 Toyota Mark X is fitted with rack boots. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog for the GRX130/135 series lists left and right steering gear dust boots (bellows) on the rack-and-pinion assembly, and the Toyota Repair Manual for the model’s steering section includes inspection of the rack boots during service. As a practical note for local compliance, the NZTA Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (WOF) treats split or missing steering rack boots as a reason for rejection. So, rack boots are absolutely relevant on this vehicle.

On the Mark X, the rack boots (also called bellows or dust boots) are the flexible rubber sleeves on each end of the steering rack. Their job is simple but vital: keep water, grit, and road grime out of the inner tie rods and rack bar, retain lubricant where it’s needed, and allow full steering travel without letting contaminants in. Whether the car runs a hydraulic or electric-assisted rack, those boots protect the precision gear inside from premature wear.

If a boot splits, grime and moisture can chew out the inner tie rods and rack seals, leading to play in the steering, clunks over bumps, uneven tyre wear, and in hydraulic setups, fluid leaks. Left long enough, that can turn into an expensive rack rebuild. It also risks a WOF knock-back.

Best practice on a 2012 Mark X is to inspect the rack boots at every service or at least every 10,000 km. Look for cracks, perishing, oiliness, or loose/missing clamps. Replace boots as soon as they show damage—don’t wait for steering symptoms. Fit quality boots with proper clamps (not cable ties), and do both sides if one has failed. Because the tie rods are disturbed during the job, a wheel alignment afterwards is strongly recommended. If there’s any detectable play in the inner tie rods once the boots are off, replace the rods at the same time to save rework.

• Tell-tales to watch: split rubber, grease fling on the crossmember, clunks when turning, vague on-centre feel, or fresh fluid on the boot.
• Service tips: mark tie-rod thread positions, torque locknuts to spec, seat clamps evenly, and confirm boot pleats don’t rub at full lock.
• Parts choice: genuine or high-quality aftermarket boots sized for GRX130/135 Mark X, ensure left/right compatibility where specified.

Does the 2012 Toyota Mark X have rack boots?

Yes. The steering rack on the GRX130/135 Mark X uses a boot on each side to shield the rack bar and inner tie rods. This is documented in Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog and called out for inspection in the Toyota Repair Manual’s steering section.

How often should rack boots be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval. They should be inspected at every service and replaced at the first sign of cracking, perishing, or leaking. In New Zealand, a torn or missing steering rack boot will fail a WOF, so timely replacement keeps the Mark X both safe and compliant.

Do they need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?

Yes, an alignment is recommended. Even if the tie-rod threads are counted and marked, tiny changes can alter toe. An alignment ensures the Mark X tracks straight and looks after its tyres.