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Parts for your 2016 Toyota Bb-Rack boots
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2016 Toyota bB rack boots: what they do and when to replace them
Yes, the 2016 Toyota bB does use rack boots. Technical references such as Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the QNC20/QNC21 series (the generation sold through 2016) list a “Boot, Steering Rack” on both sides of the steering gear, and the Toyota Global Service Information (TIS) steering gear exploded views show the bellows-style rack gaiters fitted over the inner tie rods. JDM parts fiches for the bB also depict these boots with Toyota/Daihatsu rack-boot part numbers (prefix 45535-xxxxx), confirming they’re standard equipment.
On this model, the steering is rack-and-pinion with electric assist, and the rack boots (also called rack gaiters) are the pleated rubber sleeves that seal the ends of the rack where the inner tie rods articulate. Their job is to keep dust, grit and water out, and to keep the factory grease in. That protects the rack bar, inner tie rod joints and rack bushings from wear and corrosion, helping the bB steer quietly and track straight.
- Common signs the boots need attention: visible splits or perishing, grease flung on the chassis or undertray, moisture or rust staining near the inner tie rods, a knock over bumps, or a new shimmy that hints the inner joint has worn after a boot failed.
- Inspection tip: with the front wheels off the ground, turn lock-to-lock and look for cracks on the outer pleats. Lightly squeeze the boot, it should feel supple, not brittle.
As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to check rack boots at every service and expect replacement once they’ve hardened with age—often around the 8–12 year mark or 120,000–180,000 kilometres, sooner if the car sees rough roads or coastal air.
- Replace boots in pairs if one has failed, the other is usually close behind.
- Use quality OE or equivalent boots and proper stainless clamps rather than cable ties.
- Mark toe settings or count tie-rod-end turns during removal, but still book a wheel alignment afterwards.
- Repack the inner joint area with the correct grease before fitting the new boot, make sure the boot isn’t twisted and the breather passages aren’t blocked.
- Torque tie-rod-end hardware to spec and recheck clamp seating after a short shakedown drive.
Looked after, fresh rack boots are cheap insurance for the steering gear on a 2016 Toyota bB, keeping it light, precise and drama-free for many more kilometres.
Does the 2016 Toyota bB actually have rack boots?
It does. Toyota’s EPC for the QNC20/QNC21 bB and TIS service diagrams both show a left and right “Boot, Steering Rack” fitted to the steering gear. They’re standard rack-and-pinion bellows that seal the inner tie rods.
Can someone keep driving with a torn rack boot?
Best not. A split boot lets water and grit in, which chews out the inner tie rod and can corrode the rack bar. It might feel fine at first, but premature wear, play and even a WOF/rego fail can follow. Replace the boot promptly and get an alignment.
How often should rack boots be checked or replaced on a bB?
Have them checked at every service. Many last a decade or more, but once the rubber hardens or cracks, replace both sides. High-heat, coastal or rough-road use may shorten their life, so earlier replacement can be wise.
