Parts for your 2020 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Rack boots

2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris Rack Boots — What They Do and When to Replace

Based on Toyota’s factory Repair Manual for the XP210-series Yaris (2020 model year) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (steering gear and linkage exploded view), the vehicle uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear fitted with flexible bellows-style rack boots (also called steering gear boots). These sources show the boots seated over the inner tie rod joints on both sides of the rack to keep contaminants out. So rack boots are absolutely relevant and used on the 2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris, including models with column-assist electric power steering.

On the 2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris, the rack boots are simple, hard-working bellows that slide over the rack ends and inner tie rods. Their job is to keep water, grit, and road splash out of the steering rack while holding a light coating of grease around the inner tie rod ball joints. Even though this Yaris uses electric power steering at the column, the steering gear is still rack-and-pinion, and those boots are vital for long rack life and tight, precise steering feel.

They’re a classic “small part, big consequence” item. A torn boot lets in grit that chews out the inner joint and can score the rack bar. Tell-tales include visible splits or perishing, grease flicked onto nearby components, a light knock over bumps, or a WOF inspection note. A quick look at each service (every 10–15,000 km or 12 months) keeps things sweet. If a boot is cracked or loose on its clamps, replace it promptly to avoid steering wear and a bigger bill down the track.

• Replace damaged boots straight away, consider doing both sides if one has failed.
• Use OE or OE-quality boots and proper band clamps — skip cable ties.
• Don’t overpack with grease, just enough to wet the inner joint as per the manual.
• If the outer tie rod is disturbed, book a wheel alignment afterwards.
• With EPS there’s no hydraulic fluid in the boot, any oily mess likely comes from elsewhere.

When servicing, keep petroleum solvents away from the rubber (most boots are EPDM). A silicone-safe cleaner is fine, and a light re-grease of the inner joint is all that’s needed if the boot has been off and is still sound. If there’s moisture or dirt under the boot, clean it out, check the inner tie rod for play, and refit with fresh clamps. Many racks breathe through the boots, so ensure both sides aren’t kinked or blocked. It’s a straightforward job for a workshop, and sticking to Toyota’s torque specs helps protect threads and joints. For a relatively low outlay, good boots protect a very expensive steering rack — a smart bit of preventative maintenance for any Kiwi or Aussie Yaris owner.

Popular questions about 2020 Toyota Vitz/Yaris rack boots

Do 2020 Yaris/Vitz models actually have rack boots?
Yes. Toyota’s Repair Manual and Electronic Parts Catalogue list and illustrate the “steering gear boot” on both sides of the rack for 2020 Yaris/Vitz models. Even with column-assist electric power steering, the rack-and-pinion uses boots to protect the inner tie rods and rack bar.

How often should the rack boots be checked or replaced?
Inspect at each service (about every 10–15,000 km or 12 months). Replace any boot that’s torn, perished, loose on its clamps, or contaminated internally. There’s no fixed kilometre life — they’re changed on condition.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing rack boots?
If the outer tie rod end is removed or the toe setting is disturbed, a wheel alignment is recommended. If the boot can be swapped without altering the tie rod length, alignment may be unchanged, but it’s still wise to check toe for even tyre wear and straight-line stability.