Parts for your 2016 Toyota Bb-Rack boots

2016 Toyota bB rack boots — what they do and how to look after them

Based on technical sources, rack boots are absolutely used on the 2016 Toyota bB. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the bB QNC20/QNC21 platform (which covers 2016 models) lists a “Boot, Steering Rack” (commonly referenced as 45535-52050), and the Toyota Repair Manual’s steering section calls up regular inspection of the “steering gear boots” for cracks, leaks and damage. So they’re relevant, fitted from factory, and important for long-term steering health.

On the 2016 Toyota bB, rack boots (also called steering rack bellows) seal the ends of the rack-and-pinion housing where the inner tie rods live. They keep out grit, water and road muck, while letting the steering move freely. Even though many bB variants use electric power steering, the mechanical rack still needs boots to protect the gear teeth and inner tie rod joints.

When a boot splits, contaminants get in and grease gets out. That can accelerate wear on the rack bar and inner tie rods, create notchy steering, and can eventually get expensive. In Australia and New Zealand, torn or insecure rack boots can lead to a WOF/RWC fail, so they’re well worth a look at each service.

Recommended care for a 2016 Toyota bB: check the rack boots at every service or about every 10,000 km, and anytime after gravel-road stints, flood exposure, or a kerb strike. Look for perished rubber, splits at the folds, grease flung onto the subframe, dampness, or loose/broken clamps.

If a boot is cracked, oily, or the clamps are missing, replace it promptly. It’s smart to do both sides together and book a wheel alignment after, as the tie rods are disturbed during the job.

• Use OE-quality boots and new clamps, Toyota’s EPC lists a matching boot for the bB (e.g., 45535-52050 or an equivalent quality aftermarket).
• Inspect inner tie rods and outer tie rod ends while the boots are off, replace any with play. Mark or count threads to preserve toe, then align.
• Clean the rack bar gently, avoid harsh solvents. Apply the specified grease sparingly where the manual instructs.
• Follow torque specs from the Toyota Repair Manual. Don’t twist the boot, ensure the breather path isn’t blocked.
• After fitting, turn lock-to-lock to confirm no binding, then road test.

The job is affordable and usually 0.5–1.0 hour per side. Leaving a split boot to “see how it goes” can turn a cheap fix into a steering rack replacement, so this little bit of preventative maintenance pays off.

Popular question: How often should 2016 Toyota bB rack boots be replaced?

There’s no strict kilometre interval, they’re replaced on condition. With normal city and highway use, boots can last many years. Check them at every service, and expect to replace them if the rubber hardens, cracks, or the clamps loosen.

If the bB spends time on gravel roads, in coastal air, or sees lots of lock-to-lock parking, inspect more frequently, as heat, ozone and grit age the bellows faster.

Popular question: Can universal split rack boots be used on a 2016 bB?

Universal split boots exist, but for the 2016 bB it’s best practice to use a proper one-piece boot matched to the rack diameter and tie rod size. One-piece boots seal better, last longer, and meet WOF/RWC expectations more reliably.

If a split boot is used as an emergency get-you-by, replace it with the correct one-piece boot soon after.

Popular question: Will a torn rack boot fail a WOF or roadworthy check?

Yes, a torn or unsecured rack boot can lead to a fail in Australia and New Zealand. Exposed inner tie rods and the risk of contamination are the main reasons. It’s an easy fix that helps prevent much bigger steering repairs down the track.

Sort the boot and then have the wheel alignment checked to keep tyre wear even and steering sweet.