Parts for your 2018 Toyota Crown-Rack boots

2018 Toyota Crown rack boots

Based on Toyota technical literature for the S220-series Crown (launched 2018) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, the 2018 Toyota Crown uses a rack-and-pinion electric power steering (EPS) assembly fitted with bellows-style steering rack boots on each side. These boots (also called steering gear boots or gaiters) are service parts listed alongside the inner tie rods and clamps in Toyota’s service and parts documentation, so the component is absolutely relevant to this model.

On a 2018 Toyota Crown, the rack boots keep the steering rack’s inner tie rod joints clean and protected. They act as flexible dust covers, sealing out water, road grit, and mud while helping retain grease around the inner joint and shielding the rack bar and seals. Even with EPS (no hydraulic lines on the rack), a torn or perished boot can let contamination in, accelerating wear, creating play in the steering, and in bad cases allowing corrosion that leads to costly rack damage.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect both boots every 10,000–15,000 kilometres or 12 months. Look for splits at the concertina folds, missing or loose clamps, oil or grease weeping, and any signs the boot has rubbed through at full lock. If one boot has failed, the other is often not far behind—replacing them as a pair is good practice. After any boot replacement, a wheel alignment should be carried out, because the outer tie-rod end will usually be disturbed.

Replacement is a straightforward job for a competent tech with the right tools:

• Safely raise and support the front, remove the wheel, and mark the outer tie-rod position.
• Loosen the lock nut, disconnect the outer tie-rod end from the knuckle, and slide off the old boot and clamps.
• Wipe the inner joint and rack bar, add a light smear of appropriate grease if specified, then fit the new boot without twisting it.
• Install new clamps (don’t reuse old wire ties), refit the tie-rod end to the marked position, torque everything to spec, and book an alignment.

Quality matters: choose genuine Toyota boots or reputable aftermarket equivalents that include new clamps. On the EPS Crown, any wetness inside a boot typically indicates grease escape or water ingress rather than power steering fluid, so don’t ignore it. Keeping the boots intact helps the Crown steer quietly, precisely, and reliably for years.

How do they know if the rack boots on a 2018 Toyota Crown need replacing?

Common signs include visible splits or perishing on the bellows, grease flung around the inner wheel area, loose or missing clamps, and a light knock over bumps from inner tie-rod wear. During servicing, a mechanic will also feel for play at the inner joint with the boot compressed—any excess movement suggests the joint and the boot should both be addressed.

Is it safe to drive a 2018 Toyota Crown with a torn rack boot?

Short trips might be possible, but it’s not a good idea. A torn boot lets in water and grit that quickly wears the inner tie-rod and can damage the rack bar and seals. That can turn a simple boot replacement into a much pricier rack overhaul. Best to organise replacement promptly and follow up with a wheel alignment.

Do they need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?

Yes. Because the outer tie-rod end is usually removed or repositioned during boot replacement, the toe setting can change. A proper alignment ensures the Crown tracks straight, preserves tyres, and restores on-centre feel.