Parts for your 2022 Toyota Land cruiser-Rack boots

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser (J300) rack boots

Technical confirmation: The 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser (J300) runs an electric‑assist rack‑and‑pinion steering gear, and it does use rack boots (also called steering rack bellows). Toyota’s service information (TIS) repair manual for the 2022 Land Cruiser, Steering Gear and Linkage section, shows the boot sub‑assemblies on each side of the rack, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue lists them as “Boot, Steering Rack” with clamps. So, rack boots are absolutely relevant on this model.

What the boots do: These flexible bellows seal the inner tie‑rod joints and the ends of the rack bar, keeping dust, mud, water, and road grit out while allowing the rack to move freely. On a tourer like the LC300 that sees corrugations, beach work or river crossings, intact boots prevent contamination that can chew out the rack bushings and inner tie‑rod sockets, and they help protect the electric power steering’s rack seals from moisture.

Service advice: Have the boots inspected at every service or 10,000–15,000 km, and always after off‑road trips. With the Cruiser on a hoist, turn lock‑to‑lock and look for splits, perishing, or oil/grease weep past the clamps. Check the clamps themselves—wide‑band clamps maintain tension better than cable ties. If a boot is torn, replace it promptly, grit inside the bellows quickly damages the rack and inner tie rod.

Replacement tips: Use quality OEM‑equivalent boots and new clamps, and consider doing both sides at once. It’s smart to inspect the inner tie‑rods while the boots are off, any play means replacement. Fit the boot without twisting, ensure the breather path is clear so the bellows can equalise as it compresses and expands, and seat the lips fully in their grooves before tensioning the clamps. After any steering work, book a wheel alignment. For vehicles that regularly ford creeks or beach launch boats, add mid‑interval checks—salt and silt are brutal on rubber.

Watch for these symptoms:

• Torn or perished boot, especially visible cracks at full lock.
• Grease or oil mist around a boot or clamp.
• Grit or moisture found inside the bellows when inspected.
• Notchy or loose steering feel, or clunks over corrugations.

How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2022 Land Cruiser?

There’s no fixed interval. They should be inspected at each service and after harsh off‑road use. Replace as soon as any cracking, splits, loose clamps, or contamination is found. Climate and usage matter—a vehicle doing beach runs or outback kilometres will usually need boots sooner than a city commuter.

Can they drive with a torn rack boot on an LC300?

Best not. A short, careful drive to a workshop is usually okay, but a torn boot lets grit and water into the rack and inner tie‑rod socket, which can rapidly wear the steering gear. The risk is higher after mud holes or river crossings, so get it sorted quickly.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?

If the outer tie‑rod locknuts were untouched, toe shouldn’t change, but it’s still smart to check alignment. If inner or outer tie‑rods were loosened or replaced, a proper wheel alignment is essential to protect tyres and steering feel.