Parts for your 2017 Toyota Mark x-Rack boots

2017 Toyota Mark X rack boots: what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical sources, rack boots are absolutely relevant on the 2017 Toyota Mark X. Toyota’s service information for the GRX130/133/135 series shows a rack‑and‑pinion steering gear with a “steering rack boot (dust boot)” on each side of the rack, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog lists the component as “Boot, Steering Rack” for 2017 Mark X variants. Aftermarket OEM catalogues for the same chassis also catalogue replacement bellows and clamps for this model. These sources confirm the part is fitted from factory.

On the 2017 Mark X, the rack boots (also called bellows) seal the ends of the rack‑and‑pinion housing where the inner tie rods articulate. Their job is to keep dust, water, grit, and road splash out of the rack while allowing the steering to move freely. They also help retain the correct grease at the inner tie rod ball sockets and allow air to move in and out as the bellows compress and expand. Whether a given grade runs hydraulic assist or an electric assist arrangement, the bellows boots are present and essential. If a boot splits, water and road grime can corrode the rack bar and inner tie rod, eventually causing stiffness, play, or notchy steering. In New Zealand and Australia, a torn or unsecured steering dust boot can trigger a WoF/roadworthy fail.

Servicing advice for a Mark X owner is simple: inspect the rack boots at every service interval (or at least every 10,000–15,000 km). Look for perishing, cracks at the convolutions, missing or loose clamps, or grease/dirt build‑up. On hydraulic systems, fluid pooling inside a boot usually points to an internal rack seal leak, not the boot itself.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent technician and worth doing in pairs:

• Safely raise the front, remove the wheels, and mark the tie rod end position (turns or thread length).
• Disconnect the outer tie rod end, slide off the old boot, and inspect the inner tie rod and rack surface.
• Lightly lubricate the new boot interior with appropriate grease, fit without twisting, and secure with proper ear clamps (avoid cable ties).
• Refit the tie rod end to the marked position and book a wheel alignment, even careful refits can shift toe on the Mark X’s precise front geometry.

Choosing quality, OE‑spec boots and stainless clamps is smart, especially for coastal NZ/AU conditions. Don’t drive long with a torn boot—one wet week can do years of damage inside the rack. A quick visual under the front guards at service time can save a pricey steering gear down the track.

FAQ 1: How often should the rack boots be replaced on a 2017 Toyota Mark X?
They don’t have a fixed replacement interval, they’re inspected and replaced on condition. With regular checks at each service, many last well beyond 100,000 km. If there’s cracking, splits, loosened clamps or contamination inside, replace immediately.

In harsher use—gravel roads, coastal air, frequent high‑pressure washing—the rubber ages faster. Treat them like tyres and wiper blades: periodic inspection, prompt replacement when they show their age.

FAQ 2: What are the signs a Mark X rack boot is failing?
Common signs include visible splits in the bellows, grease flung around the inner guard, or a boot that’s come off its seat. You may also feel vague steering or hear light knocks over bumps if the inner joint has started to suffer from contamination.

On hydraulic setups, fluid weeping from the boot area suggests an internal rack leak—changing the boot alone won’t fix that. Either way, once damaged, the boot should be replaced quickly to protect the rack bar.

FAQ 3: Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing a rack boot on the Mark X?
Yes—best practice is to carry out a wheel alignment after any work that disturbs tie rods. Even if the tie rod end is counted back to the same turns, small variances can push toe out of spec, affecting tyre wear and stability.

An alignment also confirms the steering wheel sits straight and the Mark X’s front geometry is back where Toyota intended.