Parts for your 2013 Toyota Crown-Rack boots

2013 Toyota Crown rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2013 Toyota Crown is fitted with rack-boots. Toyota’s own technical sources confirm it: the S210-series Crown Repair Manual (Steering – Steering Linkage/Steering Gear) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (for GRS210/AWS210 variants) both list a “Boot, Steering Gear” on either end of the rack-and-pinion assembly. Whether the vehicle runs electric power steering or a hydraulic setup, those bellows-style boots are used to shield the inner tie-rod joints and rack from grit and moisture.

On this model, the rack-boots act like flexible dust covers, keeping road grime, water, and stones out of the sliding rack bar and inner tie-rod ball joints. When a boot splits, contaminants get in and grease gets out, which can quickly chew out the inner joints and, in a worst case, score the rack itself. Left too long, a simple boot job can turn into a steering rack replacement — not exactly friendly on the wallet.

For routine servicing on a 2013 Toyota Crown, it’s smart to give the rack-boots a look at each service interval or at least every 10,000–15,000 kilometres. Check for:

• Cracks, splits, or perishing in the rubber
• Grease flung onto the crossmember or undertray
• Loose, missing, or corroded boot clamps
• Moisture or dirt inside the boot if it feels slack or deflated

If a boot is torn, replace it promptly. The typical procedure involves separating the outer tie-rod end, removing the old clamps and boot, cleaning the rack end, then sliding on a new boot with fresh clamps. On EPS-equipped Crowns there’s no fluid to worry about, but contamination damage is still a risk, so cleanliness is key. Count the turns or measure the tie-rod length when refitting to keep toe close, then book a wheel alignment — even careful refits can nudge toe out of spec.

Go for quality OEM-equivalent rubber and stainless clamps, and avoid twisting the boot as you seat it on the rack housing and inner tie rod. If you’re seeing uneven front tyre wear, a knock over bumps, or vague on-centre feel, add inner tie-rod and boot inspection to the diagnostic list. A good set of rack-boots keeps the Crown’s steering precise, quiet, and drama-free for years.

• What do rack-boots do on a 2013 Toyota Crown?
  They’re flexible bellows that seal the steering rack ends and inner tie-rod joints from dust, water, and road debris. By keeping grease in and grit out, they prevent premature wear of the inner joints and the rack bar itself, preserving steering feel and longevity.
• How often should the rack-boots be checked or replaced?
  Inspect them at every service or at least every 10,000–15,000 kilometres. Replace immediately if you find splits, perishing, loose clamps, or evidence of grease escaping or contaminants getting in. Proactive replacement is far cheaper than repairing a damaged rack.
• Is it safe to drive with a torn rack-boot?
  Short, gentle trips may be unavoidable, but it’s risky. A torn boot lets in water and grit that can rapidly damage the inner tie rod and rack. Get it replaced as soon as possible and arrange a wheel alignment after any steering work.