Parts for your 2015 Toyota Crown-Rack boots

2015 Toyota Crown rack boots: what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 2015 Toyota Crown does use rack boots. Technical references back this up: Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the S210-series Crown (2013–2018) lists the steering rack bellows/boots for the rack-and-pinion assembly, and the factory Repair Manual (Steering section) includes inspection of “steering gear dust boots.” Whether the Crown is fitted with electric power steering (EPS) or a hydraulic variant, it still runs a rack-and-pinion with protective rubber boots at each end.

On this model, rack boots (also called bellows) are the flexible rubber sleeves that cover the inner tie rod area on both sides of the steering rack. Their job is to keep grit, water, and road crud out of the rack while helping retain grease around the inner joints. With EPS on most 2015 Crowns, the boots don’t hold fluid, they purely act as dust and moisture barriers. If a boot splits, moisture can creep in, corrode the rack bar and inner joint, and, left long enough, lead to stiff or notchy steering and a very pricey rack replacement.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the rack boots visually checked from lock to lock for cracks, perishing, loose clamps, or grease weep. Any oil or CV grease flung around the undertray can also soften the rubber over time, so keep the area clean. If a boot is torn, replace it promptly and inspect the inner tie rod for play or rust staining.

When replacing a rack boot on a 2015 Crown, a few pointers help keep things tidy:

• Mark the tie-rod end/jam nut position and count turns on removal to keep toe close, get a wheel alignment afterwards.
• Use quality OE-style clamps and ensure the boot isn’t twisted at full lock.
• Don’t pack the boot with random grease, follow Toyota specs for the inner joint only.
• If one side fails from age, closely inspect the other side as it may not be far behind.

A quick look at every service and timely replacement when cracked will save the Crown’s steering rack from grief and keep tyre wear, road feel, and straight-line stability right where they should be.

Question: Does the 2015 Toyota Crown actually have rack boots?

It does. Toyota’s parts catalogue for the S210 Crown and the factory Repair Manual both list the steering rack dust boots/bellows for the rack-and-pinion unit, including on EPS-equipped models.

Question: How often should the rack boots be checked or replaced?

Have them inspected at each routine service. Replacement isn’t time-based, it’s condition-based. If there are cracks, splits, loose clamps, or signs of contamination, replace the affected boot straight away and book a wheel alignment.

Question: Can a home mechanic replace a rack boot, and is an alignment needed?

Yes, a competent DIYer can swap a boot with basic tools, but it involves removing the outer tie-rod end. Even if the turns are counted, a proper alignment is recommended to nail the toe setting and protect your tyres.