Parts for your 2021 Toyota Camry-Rack boots

2021 Toyota Camry rack-boots — purpose, care, and when to replace

According to Toyota’s technical literature for the XV70-series Camry (2018–2022), including the 2021 model year, the car uses an electric power–assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear with flexible rack-boots (also called steering gear boots or bellows) fitted to each side. The Toyota Repair Manual section for Electric Power Steering (Steering Gear) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue both list these boots and their clamps for this vehicle, confirming rack-boots are a relevant service item on the 2021 Toyota Camry.

On this Camry, the rack-boots seal and protect the inner tie rod joints and the ends of the steering rack. They keep dust, water, and road grit out, hold the right amount of grease around the inner joints, and allow the rack to move freely without contamination. When the boots are intact, steering feel stays crisp, the inner joints last longer, and the electric steering rack is protected from expensive damage.

Because Aussie and Kiwi roads and weather can be hard on rubber, the boots can perish or crack over time from UV, heat, road grime, or a knock from debris. A torn boot lets in moisture and grit, which quickly wears the inner joint and can corrode the rack housing — not ideal on an EPS rack that’s pricey to replace.

• Have the rack-boots visually checked at every service (around 10,000–15,000 km), and after floodwater or gravel-road driving.
• Replace any boot that’s cracked, torn, oily, or loose on its clamps. It’s smart to do both sides if one has failed.
• Use OE or equivalent high-quality boots and the correct single-use clamps — cable ties aren’t up to the job.
• When a boot is replaced, the outer tie-rod end is usually removed, organise a wheel alignment so toe is spot-on.
• If a boot has been open for a while, have the inner tie rod and rack-end checked for play or corrosion, and regreased to Toyota spec.
• Avoid spraying petroleum-based cleaners on the boots, and rinse off road salt or mud promptly.

Signs a Camry might need rack-boots include a visible split in the bellows, grease flung on the inner guard, a light knock over bumps, or early inner-edge tyre wear from toe shift. Catching a failing boot early is cheap insurance against steering repairs down the track.

Do all 2021 Toyota Camry models have rack-boots?

Yes. Whether it’s a petrol, hybrid, Ascent, SX, or SL, the 2021 Camry uses an EPS rack-and-pinion steering gear, and each side of the rack is covered by a bellows-style rack-boot with dedicated clamps listed in Toyota’s parts catalogue.

How often should rack-boots be inspected or replaced?

Inspection is recommended at every routine service or tyre rotation. Replacement isn’t time-based, it’s condition-based. Many last well past 100,000 km, but if a boot shows cracking, is torn, or is oily/loose at a clamp, replace it immediately and check alignment.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack-boot?

It’s best to minimise driving and book the car in promptly. A torn boot can let water and grit into the inner joint and rack, potentially turning a simple boot swap into inner tie-rod or steering rack repairs — much costlier than a quick boot replacement and alignment.