Parts for your 2017 Toyota Crown-Rack boots

2017 Toyota Crown rack-boots: what they do, and when to replace them

Yes, the 2017 Toyota Crown does use rack-boots. Toyota’s own technical sources confirm it: the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the S210-series Crown (including GRS/AWS/ARS210) lists bellows-style “Boot, Steering Gear/Rack” on both sides of the rack, and the Toyota Crown repair manual (Chassis – Steering) details inspection and replacement of these boots for both electric power steering (EPS) and hydraulic variants. So rack-boots are relevant to this model.

On the Crown, rack-boots (sometimes called steering rack bellows) are simple but critical. They act as flexible dust and moisture shields over the inner tie rods and the ends of the rack bar. By sealing out grit and water, they protect the rack seals and inner joints from accelerated wear. If a boot splits, road grime can chew out the inner tie rod and the rack seals, leading to play in the steering, uneven tyre wear, and—on hydraulic racks—power-steering fluid leaks.

There’s no fixed replacement interval in Toyota guidance, instead, routine inspection is the go. A good workshop will check the rack-boots at each service or whenever a wheel alignment is done. Look for perished rubber, oil or grease weep, or clamps that have lost tension. Any tear, even a small one, is reason to replace the boot straight away to save the rack.

When replacement’s needed, quality counts. Genuine or reputable aftermarket rack-boots that match the Crown’s rack diameter and stroke are the safest bet. Fresh clamps should always be used, and the inner tie-rod joint re-greased with the correct spec. If the vehicle’s rack uses a breather or equalisation tube between boots, make sure it’s refitted without kinks. After refitting the outer tie rod, torque it to spec and get a proper alignment—counting threads is handy, but it’s not a substitute for setting toe accurately.

• Signs a Crown’s rack-boot needs attention:
  • Visible split, perishing, or missing clamp
  • Grease flung onto the control arm or splash shield
  • Clicking or play felt over bumps, uneven tyre wear
  • Fluid misting near the rack on hydraulic models
• Service tip: Inspect every 10,000–15,000 km or at each scheduled service. Replace boots in pairs if they’re aged or mismatched, and check inner tie rods for play while you’re there.

Popular questions

How often should rack-boots be replaced on a 2017 Toyota Crown?
There’s no timed interval. Toyota service information focuses on condition-based replacement. If a boot shows any cracking, tearing, or loose clamps, it should be replaced immediately. With regular checks at each service and alignments, many Crowns will go years on original boots, but high heat, ozone, or rough roads can shorten their life.

Replacing early is cheap insurance—once dust gets in, inner tie rods and rack seals can wear fast, turning a simple boot job into a steering rack repair.

Will a torn rack-boot fail a WOF or roadworthy inspection?
Often, yes. A split boot is a common defect because it compromises steering safety and can lead to rapid wear. Inspectors typically require the boot to be intact, properly clamped, and free from contamination or leaks before passing.

Fixing the boot and then performing a wheel alignment generally resolves the issue for compliance.

Do electric power steering (EPS) Crowns still have rack-boots?
They do. Even with an electric assist motor, the Crown still uses a mechanical rack-and-pinion with inner tie rods, so it needs boots to keep dust and water out.

The maintenance approach is the same: inspect regularly, replace if damaged, and align the wheels after any tie-rod or boot work.