Parts for your 2018 Toyota Crown-Rack boots

2018 Toyota Crown rack boots — what they do and how to look after them

Rack boots are absolutely fitted to the 2018 Toyota Crown and are relevant to routine servicing. Technical sources that document this include the Toyota Repair Manual for the Crown (Steering — Electric Power Steering, rack-and-pinion layout with bellows/boots), the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue for the S220-series Crown released in 2018, and common aftermarket catalogues listing Crown rack boot kits. These references confirm the car’s rack-and-pinion steering uses flexible bellows-style boots on each side of the steering rack to protect the inner tie rod joints and the rack housing.

On the 2018 Crown, the rack boots seal out grit, water, and road grime, and they keep grease where it belongs. Whether the car is equipped with electric power steering (typical for S220) or a hydraulic variant in certain markets, those boots are frontline defence against corrosion and premature wear. A torn boot can let in road splash and dust that quickly chews out the inner tie rod or the rack itself, and on EPS-equipped cars that can snowball into noises, play in the wheel, or even assistance faults.

As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to inspect the rack boots every service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 km. Look for perished rubber, cracking at the folds, loose or missing clamps, and any wetness or grease sling. On EPS models you shouldn’t see power steering fluid, any oily residue usually points to road contamination or a separate leak. On hydraulic variants, fluid inside a boot can hint at a leaking rack seal.

If a boot is split, replace it promptly—ideally both sides if one has failed. Use quality OE or equivalent boots and new clamps. The typical process involves removing the tie rod end, sliding off the old boot, cleaning and re-greasing the inner joint as required, then fitting the new boot without twisting it. Count the turns when you remove the tie rod end to preserve toe, but still book a wheel alignment after the job. Torque fasteners to the figures in the Toyota workshop manual.

Ignoring damaged rack boots can lead to inner tie rod knock, uneven tyre wear, vague steering, and can trigger a WOF or RWC fail, since exposed steering components won’t pass. A quick visual check at every service keeps the Crown’s steering tight, quiet, and road-trip ready.

• Tell-tales of failing rack boots: visible splits, grease flung on the subframe, steering knock over bumps, or uneven tyre wear.
• Service tip: replace clamps rather than reusing old ones, and position them in the factory grooves so the boot seals properly.

FAQs

Does the 2018 Toyota Crown have rack boots?

Yes. The 2018 Crown (S220 series) uses rack-and-pinion steering with bellows-style rack boots on both sides. This is shown in the Toyota Repair Manual’s Steering section and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for the S220 Crown. Aftermarket catalogues also list dedicated rack boot kits for this model.

How often should rack boots be checked or replaced on a 2018 Crown?

Have them inspected at each service or about every 10,000–15,000 km. Replace them as soon as they show cracking, splits, or loose clamps. If a boot is damaged, plan on a wheel alignment after replacement to keep steering and tyre wear spot-on.

Will torn rack boots fail a WOF or RWC in NZ or Australia?

They can. NZ’s WOF (VIRM) and Australian roadworthy guidelines require steering components to be protected and free from obvious deterioration. A split boot that exposes the inner tie rod or allows ingress of contaminants is a common reason to be pinged at inspection time.