Parts for your 2014 Toyota Mark x-Rack boots

2014 Toyota Mark X rack-boots — what they do and when to replace them

Rack boots are fitted to the 2014 Toyota Mark X (GRX130 series). Technical references that confirm this include Toyota’s Repair Manual for the GRX130/133 steering system (Steering – Steering Gear and Linkage) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists a “Boot, Steering Rack” under PNC 45535 for the Mark X’s rack-and-pinion assembly. Whether the vehicle variant uses hydraulic or electric power assistance, the rack ends are protected by bellows-style boots on both sides.

The purpose of a rack boot is straightforward: it seals the inner tie rod and rack bar from water, grit, and road splash, while allowing full suspension and steering movement. By keeping contaminants out, the boots help the steering feel stay consistent and protect the rack’s internal seals and bearings from premature wear.

As part of servicing a 2014 Toyota Mark X, a visual check of the rack boots is smart practice at every service interval. On vehicles covering typical Australian and New Zealand conditions, that means inspecting at around every 10,000–15,000 kilometres or six months. Look for cracking, splits at the concertina folds, loose or missing clamps, and any signs of oil inside the boot that could indicate a steering rack seal leak. If a boot is perished or torn, it should be replaced promptly to avoid moisture and grit chewing out the inner tie rod and rack.

Replacement tips a workshop will follow:

• Replace in pairs if the companion boot shows age-related cracking.
• Mark or measure toe before removal, then carry out a wheel alignment after refit.
• Use OE-spec boots and proper ear or band clamps rather than cable ties.
• Check that the boot breathes freely side-to-side so pressure equalises during steering.

If oil is found pooled in a boot, that’s a red flag for an internal rack seal issue, fitting a new boot alone won’t solve it. Driving with a split boot risks rapid wear and can lead to a WOF/roadworthy fail in NZ/AU, so sorting it early saves money and keeps the Mark X steering sharp. With quality parts and correct clamping, fresh rack boots will typically last many years of everyday use.

Popular questions about 2014 Toyota Mark X rack boots

Do all 2014 Mark X models have rack boots?
Yes. Both hydraulic and electric power steering versions of the GRX130-series Mark X use rack-and-pinion steering with bellows-type rack boots on each end. Toyota’s parts catalogue lists the component as “Boot, Steering Rack” (PNC 45535) for this model line.

How long do rack boots last on a Mark X?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, a quality boot can last 5–10 years, but exposure to heat, UV, and road grime can shorten that. They should be inspected at each service and replaced if cracked, split, loose, or oil-soaked.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack boot?
Short trips to a workshop may be fine, but ongoing driving isn’t recommended. A torn boot lets water and grit in, which can damage the inner tie rod and rack seals, affect steering feel, and risk a WOF/roadworthy fail. Repair sooner rather than later.