Parts for your 2022 Toyota Prius-Rack boots

2022 Toyota Prius rack-boots: what they are and how to look after them

Yes, the 2022 Toyota Prius uses rack-boots. Technical documentation confirms it: the Toyota Repair Manual for the ZVW50/ZVW51 series (model years 2016–2022) includes a Steering Gear and Linkage section with procedures for rack boot removal/installation, and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a Boot, Steering Rack for left and right sides on this model. Major aftermarket parts catalogues likewise list steering rack bellows for a 2022 Prius. So, rack-boots are relevant and fitted to this vehicle.

On a 2022 Toyota Prius, the rack-boots (also called steering rack bellows) sit on either end of the electric rack-and-pinion steering gear, sealing over the inner tie-rod joints. Their job is to keep out water, road grit and dust, while holding the correct amount of grease around the rack ends and inner tie-rod pivots. Because the Prius uses electric power steering, there’s no hydraulic fluid involved here—the boots simply protect the moving joints so the steering stays smooth and quiet.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack-boots at the same time the technician checks tyres, brakes and suspension. Look for splits, perishing, loose or missing clamps, grease seepage, or damp contamination inside the boot. If a boot is torn, the inner tie-rod can wear quickly, leading to play in the steering and potential WOF/RWC issues. Catching a split early usually saves the steering gear from damage.

• Inspection timing: have the boots checked at every service, or at least every 15,000–20,000 kilometres, and after any heavy kerb strike or pothole hit.
• Replacement tips: boots are typically replaced in pairs, using new single‑use clamps. The outer tie-rod end is removed to slide the new boot on, so a wheel alignment check afterward is recommended.
• Fitting notes: align the boot’s breather and orientation marks as per the Toyota Repair Manual, use the specified type of clamp (don’t substitute cable ties), and apply the correct amount of grease to the inner joint. Follow all torque specs for the tie-rod end lock nut and related fasteners.

If a boot is just starting to crack, don’t wait—once grit gets in, inner joints can chew out surprisingly fast. A quality boot kit and proper clamps are inexpensive insurance compared with replacing inner tie-rods or, worse, a steering gear. Any authorised workshop familiar with late‑model Toyotas will have the correct procedure and specs on hand.

Does the 2022 Toyota Prius have rack-boots?

It does. The Prius runs electric rack-and-pinion steering with a flexible bellows boot on each side to seal the rack ends and inner tie-rods. These are documented in Toyota’s Repair Manual and shown in the Toyota parts catalogue as Boot, Steering Rack.

How often should rack-boots be replaced on a 2022 Prius?

There’s no fixed interval. They should be inspected at each service and replaced promptly if torn, perished or if clamps are loose. In normal use, good-quality boots can last many years, but one split boot can quickly contaminate the inner joint.

Will a split rack-boot fail a WOF or roadworthy check?

Often, yes. A split boot exposing the inner tie-rod joint is a common reason for a fail, because it allows contamination and can lead to steering play. Replacing the boot and rechecking alignment usually sorts it.