Parts for your 2013 Toyota Mark x-Rack boots

2013 Toyota Mark X rack boots: what they do and when to replace them

Rack boots are absolutely fitted to the 2013 Toyota Mark X (GRX130 series). Technical sources back this up: Toyota’s service literature (TIS/GSIC) for the GRX130 steering system diagrams the rack-and-pinion gear with bellows-type rack boots and dedicated clamps, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for GRX130/133/135 lists “Boot, Steering Rack” alongside the inner tie rods, and Toyota’s scheduled maintenance items include “Steering linkage and boots—inspect” at routine service intervals. So rack boots are very much relevant on this model.

On the Mark X, the rack boots (also called bellows) shield the inner tie rods and the rack bar from grit, water, and road splash, while helping retain lubrication at the inner joint. Whether the car is running electric power steering or a hydraulic variant, the job of the boot is the same: keep the moving bits clean so steering stays smooth and precise.

As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand conditions—think heat, UV, rain, and the odd gravel run—rack boots deserve a quick look every service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 kilometres. Age hardening or a nick from road debris can split a boot, and once opened up, abrasive dust can chew through an inner tie rod and the rack teeth quicker than expected. Any sign of fluid inside the boot is also a red flag for a steering gear issue on hydraulic variants, and still not normal on electric racks.

• Signs a Mark X rack boot needs attention: visible cracks or splits, missing/damaged clamps, a boot that’s collapsed or sitting crooked, dirt or grease caked around the inner tie rod, or a WOF/roadworthy fail for split steering boots.
• Best-practice replacement tips: renew boots in pairs, always fit new clamps, avoid twisting the bellows during install, and set the tie-rod locknut back to its measured position to keep toe close. A proper wheel alignment after boot or inner tie-rod work is strongly recommended.
• What not to do: don’t pack the boot with grease unless the factory manual explicitly calls for it, most Toyota rack boots are installed dry, with only a light assembly aid on the sealing lips if specified.

Looked after, genuine-quality boots typically last many years. Catching a split early is cheap insurance against premature inner tie-rod or rack wear—and helps the Mark X keep that tidy, direct steering feel owners rate so highly.

Does the 2013 Toyota Mark X have rack boots?

Yes. The GRX130-series Mark X uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear that includes bellows-style rack boots on both sides. This is shown in Toyota’s GRX130 steering system service diagrams and is also reflected in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for the model.

What are common symptoms of a failing rack boot on a Mark X?

Cracks or splits in the bellows, loose or missing clamps, and dirt or grease building up around the inner tie rods are common signs. If the boot’s torn, contaminants can enter and accelerate wear on the inner tie rod and rack. In NZ, a split boot can cause a WOF fail, in Australia, it may trigger a roadworthy defect.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack boot?

Short trips to a workshop are generally fine, but ongoing driving isn’t a good idea. With the boot open, grit can quickly damage the inner tie rod and rack bar, turning a simple boot replacement into a bigger steering repair. Replace the boot promptly and book a wheel alignment if any tie-rod adjustments were made.