Steering Rack Boots

I just replaced the tie rods and boots on a 2002 AC 4WD and I feel like I'm missing something on the passenger side of the rack. The driver's side has a nice lip on the rack housing that the boot just barely fits over snugly. The passenger side has an indentation between the bracket and the notch with the blue paint but it's way smaller diameter than the boot and definitely doesn't fig snugly. Does anyone have any pics of this so I can see if I'm missing something? I can't tell from the parts diagram from Toyota.

 

What part number did you get?

They appear to be two diff't part nums for my '06: https://www.tundras.com/threads/corner-of-shame-oem-minus-or-plus.122591/page-3#post-3417021

Here are the part numbers, both the boots and the large clamps are different part number left to right...: https://www.tundras.com/threads/corner-of-shame-oem-minus-or-plus.122591/page-2#post-3416561

 

And not sure if it helps whittle down, but here's the parts exploded for my '06, mouse over the 5-6 digit number to pull up the part numbers: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-catalogs/epc/toyota-usa/tundra/uck40/10281/chassis/4505

 

What Shifty said, the left and right side are different. The OEM boots aren't too terribly expensive for what you're getting. Don't bother using the OEM metal clamps if it's going to be a hassle to procure. Just use one of those high quality plastic zip tie that has a metal locking tab. More than likely it will seal MUCH better than the band clamp you're currently using in your pic. Of course the OEM Oetiker clamp is excellent, but it's not always feasible to order JUST one or two clamps from a dealer...especially when MSRP is $3.46, local dealer wants around $9 and change, and online dealers sell them for around $1.73.

 

Rock Auto doesn't specify right vs left on the bellows which is concerning. Maybe OEM is the way to go.

 

And just like that I’m in fashion again for wanting to splurge on OEM

 

Hey I'm normally OEM or Die. I just didn't think even Moog could fck up a rubber boot.

 

Moog doesn’t make their own parts, so I guess it’s a Moog point.

 

Hey Shifty, they appear to be the same part for '02's: https://parts.capitoltoyota.com/oem...kcmEmeT0yMDAyJnQ9bGltaXRlZCZlPTQtN2wtdjgtZ2Fz

well shiiiiiiit, looks like someone needs to read your article on finding part numbers a little more thoroughly lol. My local dealership kind of led me astray with the description below but I see now on the amayana site that they are different. Thanks once again Shifty!

 

Those are stainless steel zip ties I was trying out from Amazon. But yeah not quite as substantial as I was hoping

 

apparently even OEM can fuck up their own left boot because I ordered two 45536's which the diagram would indicate is the smaller one. I guess I just get 45535 now and hope it's the smaller one

 

It’s not just you. I fell into the same trap, if you scroll a bit farther down into that post where I put the numbers you’ll see where I say, “oh shit gotta edit my post above!” Didn’t want to screw anyone later.

I also saw the “Left, Right” and assumed it was identical and said it was same. Then I started to dig around… and found it’s not the case!!

I also pointed that out in that thread. The part number ending in “35” in the diagram points to the part number with “36” and vice versa. Best thing to do is see which part you ordered double of last time and change the number accordingly. Like if you ordered two of 36 last time. Order one of 35 this time.

Just to help out, which *did* you order two of last time? And which clamp, if you got the OEM Oetiker clamp? What side was that boot you ordered for, pass or driver?

 

Haha ok yeah, I see your post now and that you've been through this already. I get it now though. I ordered the 36 so now I'll order the 35 and the correct clamps while I'm at it. I need to study that corner of shame thread and see if I can actually do my next project without screwing something up!

 

Mistakes are growth, in a painful and sometimes expensive wrapper. Mistakes may suck, but growth is good.

 

I just did parts store boot and worm clamp its not a vital part as long as it keeps moisture out.

 

... and stays in place, so both ends remain sealed.

 

Worm clamps work fine. I initially ordered the correct different boots and clamps only to need to take them off again. Can't reuse them like you can worm clamps. Get boot clamps on ebay/Amazon and then either OEM or local parts store boots work. The point of them is to keep dirt out and grease in. Doesn't matter otherwise.

Unfortunately my rack still sucked and I ended up replacing the whole thing. 2WD and 4WD show different part numbers, but then any rebuild place has only one option. I don't think they're different, just a reason for Toyota to charge more. Prices fluctuate a lot on these, but at the end of the day, after ~20 years, it's good to just get a new rack. So much tighter now.

 

ok...that was good.