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Parts for your 2018 Toyota Camry-Rack boots
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2018 Toyota Camry rack boots — what they do and how to look after them
Rack boots are absolutely relevant to the 2018 Toyota Camry. Technical sources including the Toyota Camry 2018 Repair Manual (Steering section, TIS), the 2018 Camry New Car Features guide (EPS rack type), and OEM parts catalogue exploded views of the steering gear all show bellows-type rack boots on both sides of the electric rack-and-pinion assembly. These flexible boots (also called steering rack gaiters) seal the inner tie rods and the ends of the rack housing from dust, water and grit, while allowing full steering movement.
On the XV70 Camry’s electric power steering, the boots aren’t there to contain hydraulic fluid — there isn’t any — but they’re still critical. They keep grease where it belongs, protect the inner tie rod joints, and help shield the rack bar and EPS hardware from contamination. A torn or perished boot can let in road splash and fine sand, which quickly chews out inner tie rods and can lead to steering play, noise, and costly rack damage.
As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to inspect both rack boots every 10,000–15,000 km (or at each scheduled service). Look for splits, surface cracking, loose or missing clamps, and any greasy spray on nearby components. If the boot is compromised, replace it promptly to keep the steering precise and roadworthy.
- Check for cracks, tears, or oil/grease contamination on the bellows.
- Make sure both inner and outer clamps are present and tight.
- Listen for knocks or feel for free play that may hint at inner tie rod wear.
- After floodwater or beach driving, re-check for grit or trapped moisture.
Replacing a boot is straightforward for a trained technician: safely lift the vehicle, remove the front wheel, mark the outer tie rod position, separate the tie rod end, slide off the old boot, clean the area, and fit a quality replacement with new clamps. Avoid twisting the bellows, ensure any venting path isn’t blocked, and tighten everything to Toyota’s specified torque settings. Because the tie rod is disturbed, a wheel alignment is recommended. If the car sees a lot of coastal or outback use, consider proactive replacement at the first sign of rubber ageing. Following Toyota’s service procedures — or getting a licensed mechanic to handle it — protects the rack and keeps the Camry steering sweet.
Does the 2018 Camry have rack boots even with electric power steering?
Yes. The 2018 Camry uses an electric rack-and-pinion unit that still relies on bellows-style rack boots to seal the inner tie rods and rack ends. They’re shown in Toyota’s Repair Manual and parts catalogue and are essential for keeping out water and grit.
How often should the rack boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre replacement interval, they’re changed on condition. Inspect at each service (roughly every 10,000–15,000 km). If there’s cracking, a split, or loose clamps, replace the boot immediately and get an alignment.
Will a torn rack boot fail a WOF or roadworthy?
Often, yes. A damaged boot that exposes moving joints to contamination can be grounds for rejection. Replacing the boot promptly protects the steering gear and helps the Camry pass its inspection.
