Parts for your 2013 Toyota Land cruiser-Rack boots

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser rack-boots

Based on Toyota’s Repair Manual for the 200 Series (J200) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2013 Land Cruiser models (URJ202/VDJ200), this vehicle uses a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear that is fitted with bellows-type rack boots on both ends. So yes—rack-boots are absolutely relevant and used on the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser.

On a 2013 Land Cruiser, rack-boots do a deceptively simple but crucial job: they seal and shield the inner tie rods and the ends of the steering rack from water, bulldust, mud and road grit, while allowing the rack to move freely. They also help keep the light film of lubricant where it belongs and let the boot breathe so it doesn’t balloon or suck in. If a boot splits, contaminants get in, inner tie rods wear faster, and the rack’s internal seals can cop a hiding—often showing up later as notchy steering or uneven tyre wear.

For Aussie and Kiwi conditions—corrugations, creek crossings and hot summers—regular checks are smart. At each service interval (about every 10,000 km or 6 months), a quick visual once-over of both boots pays off. Look for perishing, cracking, loose or missing clamps, and any sign of oil inside the boot. Oil pooled in a boot usually points to an internal rack seal issue rather than the boot itself, so that’s a cue for deeper diagnosis.

When replacing, go genuine or a reputable OEM boot made from quality EPDM rubber. If one side is torn, it’s good practice to do both. The usual steps are:

• Centre the steering, mark the tie rod and lock nut position, and remove the outer tie rod end.
• Cut and discard old clamps, slide off the boot, and wipe away debris—don’t let grit into the rack.
• Fit the new boot without twisting, seat it in the grooves, and use proper ear or band clamps (not zip ties).
• Reassemble, then check and set toe—plan on a wheel alignment.

Handy tips: if the inner tie rod has play, replace it while you’re there. Avoid packing the boot with grease, at most, a light smear at the sealing lips is fine if the manual allows. After deep water or dusty trips, add a boot check to the post-trip once-over—cheap insurance on a heavy-duty 4WD like the 200 Series.

Popular questions about 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser rack-boots

How often should rack-boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre limit—replace on condition. Inspect every service. In harsh off-road use, boots may age faster, so keep an eye out for cracking, splits or loose clamps and replace as needed.

Can it be driven with a torn rack-boot?
It’ll drive, but it’s risky. A torn boot lets water and grit into the rack and inner tie rod, accelerating wear. If fluid is found inside the boot, the rack’s internal seals may be leaking. Sort it promptly to avoid bigger bills.

Do you need a wheel alignment after changing a rack-boot?
Yes, if the outer tie rod end is removed or disturbed, book an alignment. Even careful reassembly can nudge toe out of spec, and the Land Cruiser’s tyres aren’t cheap to scrub out.