Parts for your 2018 Toyota Wish-Rack boots

2018 Toyota Wish rack boots — what they are and why they matter

Based on Toyota’s factory repair information (TIS) for the ZGE2# series Wish and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue diagrams under Steering Gear & Link, this model uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with protective rack boots (also called bellows or gaiters). Although most Wishes were built up to late 2017, many were first registered in 2018, the steering design carries the same rack boots. So yes — rack boots are relevant and fitted on the 2018 Toyota Wish.

On the Wish, the rack boots sit at each end of the steering rack, sealing the inner tie rods and the rack bar from road grit, water and dust. They help retain the correct lubrication, prevent corrosion on the rack, and keep the electric power steering rack’s internal seals happier for longer. When a boot splits, grit and moisture can chew out the inner tie rod and the rack surface, leading to clunks, notchy steering, and premature wear — and it can land the car with a WOF/RWC fail in NZ or Australia.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack boots every 10,000–15,000 km or at each service. With the front wheels off the ground, turn lock-to-lock and look for cracks, oil or water inside the bellows, missing clamps, or grease flung onto the subframe. Any tear, even a small one, means replacement — and it’s good practice to do both sides together.

When replacing, choose OE or quality aftermarket boots that match the rack diameter and travel. Re-grease the inner tie rod ball with the specified moly grease, fit new clamps (don’t reuse tired ones), and torque the inner tie rod if it’s been removed. Once the boots are on and clamps crimped correctly, a wheel alignment is recommended because tie-rod threads may have shifted during the job.

• Avoid packing the boots full of grease — they need room to breathe as the rack moves.
• Don’t cable-tie where ear or band clamps are specified, proper sealing keeps water out.
• If there’s rust or play at the inner joint after a torn boot, inspect the rack and inner tie rods before refitting.

Keeping the rack boots tidy on a 2018 Toyota Wish is a small effort that pays off with quieter steering, better feel, and fewer big-ticket rack replacements down the track.

Popular questions about 2018 Toyota Wish rack boots

How often should rack boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval — they’re replaced on condition. Inspect them at each service. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, sun and road grime can age the rubber, so many owners see cracks from about 80,000–120,000 km. Replace immediately if you spot any split or if clamps are loose.

Will a torn rack boot fail a WOF or RWC?
Yes, a torn or unsecured rack boot is commonly a fail item because it exposes steering components to contamination. Expect a rejection until the boot is replaced and the steering rechecked for play.

My Wish is EPS — does it still need rack boots?
Absolutely. Even with electric power steering, the car still uses a rack-and-pinion with inner tie rods that need protection. The boots don’t hold hydraulic fluid, they keep dust and water out and preserve the rack’s lubrication and seals.