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Parts for your 2020 Toyota Hilux-Rack boots
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2020 Toyota HiLux rack boots — what they do and when to replace them
Rack boots are absolutely fitted to the 2020 Toyota HiLux. Technical references including the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for AN120/AN130 series HiLux (e.g., GUN125/GUN126) list a “Boot, Steering Gear” and clamps for each end of the rack, and the Toyota workshop/repair manual outlines inspection and replacement of the rack boot and its clamps during steering service. Common genuine part numbers in circulation for this generation include 45535-0K010 and 45535-0K040 (application varies by VIN).
On a 2020 HiLux, the rack boots (also called steering rack bellows or gaiters) sit over the inner tie rods and the ends of the rack housing. Their job is simple but critical: keep dust, water, mud and grit out of the rack-and-pinion and protect the inner tie-rod joints, while allowing full steering travel. By sealing the rack ends, they help preserve grease where it should be and prevent contamination that can chew out seals and the rack bar.
For a ute that sees gravel, farm tracks or beach work, healthy boots are a no-brainer. At each service, the boots should be checked for cracks, perishing, split pleats, loose clamps and signs of grease or fluid. If power steering fluid is found inside or weeping out of a boot, that often points to an internal rack seal leak that needs attention beyond just a new boot.
- Inspect every service (or ~10,000–15,000 km) and after heavy off-road or water crossings.
- Replace boots at the first sign of cracking, splits, clamp damage or contamination.
- Use quality boots and new clamps, the factory clamps are single-use.
- Plan on a wheel alignment after replacement—tie-rod ends are typically disturbed.
Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: detach the outer tie-rod end, remove old clamps, slide off the old boot, clean and re-grease the inner joint as specified, then fit the new boot without twisting and secure with new clamps to the repair manual spec. Counting the exposed threads or measuring toe on disassembly helps, but an alignment is still recommended to protect tyres and steering feel. Given the HiLux’s workload in Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many owners pre-emptively renew boots in pairs to keep the rack sealed and steering tight.
Popular questions about 2020 Toyota HiLux rack boots
How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2020 HiLux?
There’s no fixed interval, but they should be inspected at every service. In hot, dusty or off-road use, rubber ages quicker—replace at the first sign of cracking, splits or loose clamps. Waiting risks contamination and more expensive rack repairs.
Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Even if the tie-rod end is marked and refitted to the same position, small changes can alter toe. An alignment restores proper tyre wear and steering feel.
Will a torn rack boot fail a WOF or roadworthy inspection?
It can. Damaged steering dust covers/boots are typically a defect, as they allow contaminants into safety‑critical steering components. Replacing the boot promptly helps keep the HiLux compliant and protects the rack.
