Parts for your 2020 Toyota Rav4-Rack boots

2020 Toyota RAV4 rack boots: what they do and when to replace them

Rack boots (also called steering rack bellows or rackboots) are absolutely fitted to the 2020 Toyota RAV4. Factory documentation backs this up: the Toyota Repair Manual (Toyota TIS) for the 2019–2021 RAV4 (AXAA5#/AXAH5#) in the Steering Gear (Electric Power Steering) components layout shows a protective boot on each end of the rack, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) lists the rack boot and its clamps for those models. Independent service data commonly used in workshops across Australia and New Zealand (e.g., Autodata/Haynes) also illustrates inner tie rod bellows on the 2020 RAV4. So yes—rack boots are relevant on this vehicle.

On the 2020 RAV4’s electric power steering rack, the boots do a simple but vital job: they keep dust, water, and road grit away from the inner tie rod joints and the polished rack bar, while helping retain lubricant. That protection prevents premature wear, noisy steering, and damage to the rack’s internal seals. Many EPS racks, including the RAV4’s, use a balance/vent path between the boots—so keeping both sides intact matters.

Good servicing practice in Aus/NZ workshops is to inspect the rack boots at every scheduled service (typically every 10,000–15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first). If a boot is torn, split, perished, or its clamps are loose, it should be replaced straight away to avoid inner tie rod and rack damage.

• Common signs a rack boot needs attention:
  • Visible cracks, splits, or oil/grease sling on the inner rim of the wheel.
  • Moisture or grit inside the boot, or loose/missing clamps.
  • Knocking over bumps or vague steering (often due to inner tie rod wear after boot failure).
• Replacement and care tips for a 2020 RAV4:
  • Replace boots in pairs if one has failed, and always fit new clamps.
  • Avoid twisting or compressing the bellows unevenly, make sure any rack vent/balance path isn’t blocked.
  • Mark tie rod adjustment before removal, but still book a wheel alignment afterward.
  • Use quality boots matched to AXAA5#/AXAH5# RAV4 variants to ensure proper length, bellows profile, and clamp fit.
  • If contamination has entered, inspect the inner tie rod and rack seal condition while you’re there.

Look after the rackboots on a 2020 RAV4 and the steering stays tight, quiet, and compliant—ready for corrugations, city kerbs, and everything in between.

Popular questions about 2020 Toyota RAV4 rack boots

Do all 2020 RAV4 models (including Hybrid and AWD) use the same rack boots?

Most 2020 RAV4 variants in the AXAA5#/AXAH5# family use similarly designed rack boots, but part numbers can vary with build date and trim. It’s best to match by VIN or exact model code to ensure the correct boot length, bellows count, and clamp style.

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

Yes, they can. A split boot that allows contamination into steering components is commonly flagged during WOF/roadworthy checks. Even if there’s no play yet, a torn boot is typically a repair-before-approval item due to the risk of accelerated wear.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?

Yes. Although careful marking helps, removing tie rod ends to slip boots on and off can alter toe. A fresh alignment ensures correct tyre wear and straight-ahead steering after the job.