Parts for your 2017 Toyota Hilux-Rack boots

2017 Toyota Hilux rack boots — what they do and when to replace them

Rack boots are absolutely relevant on the 2017 Toyota Hilux. The 2017 Hilux (AN120/AN130 series) runs a hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering gear that uses bellows-style rack boots on both sides of the rack. This is documented in Toyota’s Hilux Repair Manual (Steering – Power Steering: Rack and Pinion) and reflected in the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists steering gear boot part numbers commonly seen as 45535-0K020/0K030 for this model range.

On a hard-working ute like a Hilux, those rack boots do a deceptively big job. They keep dust, mud, water and grit away from the inner tie rod joints and the rack bar, while allowing the steering to move freely lock-to-lock. By sealing the inner joints and helping retain the specified grease, the boots protect the steering rack seals and the polished rack surface from scoring and corrosion — crucial for vehicles that see corrugations, beach runs or creek crossings.

Servicing guidance from Toyota and trade practice in Australia and New Zealand is to inspect the boots at every routine service interval (typically 10,000–15,000 kilometres or six months). Any tear, split accordion, missing clamp, or signs of power steering fluid misting near the boot ends is a red flag. Because contamination travels, technicians generally replace boots in pairs and check inner tie rods and rack endplay at the same time. An alignment is recommended after boot or tie-rod work.

Fitment tips that workshops follow on the 2017 Hilux include using the correct-spec boots for the rack type, installing proper bands or clamps (not flimsy zip ties), avoiding over-packing grease inside the bellows, and ensuring the boot isn’t twisted so it can breathe as it compresses and extends. After deep water or muddy work, a quick underbody rinse and a visual once-over of the bellows pays off.

• Common signs it’s time: cracked rubber, oily residue at the boot ends, clicking or clunking from inner joints, or notchy steering feel.
• Why act quickly: a torn boot can let water in, damaging rack seals and inner joints — turning a simple boot job into a costly rack replacement.

Do all 2017 Hilux models use rack boots?

Yes. Both 4x2 and 4x4 2017 Hilux variants use a rack-and-pinion steering gear with protective rack boots, as outlined in Toyota’s Hilux AN120/AN130 repair information and the Toyota EPC listings for steering gear boots.

How often should the rack boots be checked or replaced?

Inspection is advised at every service (around 10,000–15,000 kilometres or six months) and after heavy off-road or water crossings. Replacement isn’t time-based, it’s condition-based. If a boot is torn, perished, loose on its clamps, or contaminated inside, it should be replaced without delay.

Is it safe to keep driving with a torn rack boot?

Short, careful trips to a workshop are usually fine, but continued driving risks water and grit entering the rack, damaging inner joints and seals. That can escalate costs from a simple boot swap to inner tie rod or even complete rack replacement, and may trigger a WOF/RWC issue.