Parts for your 2020 Toyota Hilux-Rack boots

2020 Toyota HiLux rack boots: what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 2020 Toyota HiLux uses steering rack boots (also called rack bellows or rack gaiters). This is supported by Toyota’s workshop literature for the AN120/AN130 series steering system and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, which both show a rack-and-pinion assembly with flexible boots sealing the inner tie rods and rack ends.

On a 2020 HiLux, the rack boots keep dust, water, grit and road splash out of the steering rack while letting the rack bar move freely. They also help hold the correct grease around the inner tie rods. For Aussie and Kiwi conditions—corrugations, mud, beach runs and plenty of rain—those boots are a quiet hero, protecting pricey steering components and keeping the ute tight on-centre.

Cracked or torn boots let contamination in, which chews out the rack ends and seals. That can lead to stiffness, free play, or a leak from the power steering. It can also raise a flag at WOF or rego time. So, part of routine servicing of your 2020toyotahilux rackboots should be a quick visual once-over and a clean.

Inspection is easy: with the front wheels turned from lock to lock, look for splits, oil seepage, or loose clamps. If there’s sand or mud caked around the boots, rinse it off gently and check the pleats. Any split, perishing or oil inside the boot means replacement, not repair.

When replacing, go for quality OE-equivalent boots and proper clamps, not cable ties. Make sure the boot isn’t twisted, both clamps are secure on clean sealing lands, and the rack can breathe (some boots have a small vent). If an outer tie rod is disturbed, book a wheel alignment. It’s also smart to check the inner tie rods for play while the boot is off.

• Typical signs a rack boot’s done: visible split or perishing, grease or oil inside the boot, clicking grit noises over bumps, oily mist at the rack end.
• Service tips: inspect at each service (every 10–15,000 km), wash off mud after off-road or beach work, avoid jacking by the tie rod, replace in pairs if one has failed.

Looked after, the HiLux rack boots last years, but once they crack, change them promptly—saving the rack is far cheaper than replacing it.

Q: Does the 2020 Toyota HiLux actually have rack boots?

Yes, it does.

It runs a rack-and-pinion steering setup.

The rack ends are covered by flexible bellows boots.

These are shown in Toyota’s AN120/130 workshop manual.

The Toyota EPC also lists the steering rack boot as a service part.

Both 4x2 and 4x4 variants use boots.

The boots seal the inner tie rods and rack bar.

They keep dust, water and grit out.

They hold grease where it’s needed.

They’re critical for rack longevity.

They’re inspected during regular servicing.

Damaged boots should be replaced promptly.

Q: How often should 2020 HiLux rack boots be checked or replaced?

Check them at every service.

That’s typically every 10–15,000 km or 6–12 months.

Inspect after off-road, mud or beach driving.

Look for splits, perishing and loose clamps.

If a boot is torn, replace it—don’t wait.

Boots aren’t on a fixed replacement interval.

They’re replaced on condition.

Use OE-equivalent boots and proper clamps.

A wheel alignment is wise if tie rods are disturbed.

Clean boots last longer, so rinse off grit.

Avoid lifting by the tie rods to prevent strain.

Fast action saves the rack and your wallet.