This procedure covers replacement of the steering rack and pinion boots on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with the 1.8L I4 engine, requiring removal of tie rod ends and boot clamps.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rack and pinion boot kit (includes both boots and clamps) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end grease × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Mark tie rod end position on threads with paint pen or marker for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod end cotter pins
   Locate the tie rod end castle nuts at both outer steering knuckles. Straighten and remove the cotter pins using pliers or diagonal cutters. Discard the old cotter pins.
2. 2

   Loosen tie rod end castle nuts
   Loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end castle nuts. Leave them threaded on a few turns to protect the threads and prevent the tie rod end from dropping when separated.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod ends from knuckles
   Using a tie rod end separator or pickle fork, separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Position the separator between the knuckle and tie rod ball joint taper. Strike with hammer or use screw-type separator until taper releases. Remove castle nuts completely once separated.
   ⚠Support tie rod end to prevent sudden drop when taper releases. Do not position hands or body parts where they could be pinched.
4. 4

   Remove outer boot clamps
   Locate the clamps securing the outer edge of each rack boot (near the tie rod). Use boot clamp pliers to release crimp-style clamps, or carefully cut with diagonal cutters if crimped clamps are used. Remove and discard old clamps.
5. 5

   Unscrew tie rods from rack
   Count and record the number of exposed threads on each tie rod end before removal. Unscrew the tie rod ends from the rack assembly, rotating counterclockwise. Keep track of thread count to maintain approximate alignment settings during reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove inner boot clamps
   Access the inner boot clamps located at the steering rack housing. These clamps secure the boots to the rack body. Release or cut the clamps and remove. Slide the old boots off the rack assembly.
7. 7

   Clean rack housing and threads
   Using brake cleaner and wire brush, thoroughly clean the rack housing surfaces where boots seal and the tie rod threads. Remove all old grease, dirt, and debris. Inspect rack for damage or excessive wear. Check for any leaking grease indicating internal rack damage.
   ℹ️If rack shows signs of fluid leakage or damage beyond torn boots, complete rack replacement may be necessary.
8. 8

   Install new boots
   Apply a small amount of grease to the rack housing where the boot inner seal contacts. Slide new boots onto rack assembly from the outer end, positioning the small end on the rack housing. Ensure boots are seated properly in their grooves on the rack body.
9. 9

   Secure inner boot clamps
   Install new inner boot clamps over the boots at the rack housing. Position clamps in the boot groove and crimp or tighten securely using boot clamp pliers. Ensure boots are not twisted and form a proper seal.
10. 10

    Apply grease and reinstall tie rods
    Pack the inside of each boot with appropriate grease as specified in the boot kit. Thread tie rod ends back onto the rack, turning clockwise, to the same thread count recorded during removal. This maintains approximate alignment settings.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Nut52 Nm (38 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install outer boot clamps
    Position the outer end of each boot over the tie rod body. Ensure boot is not twisted and sits properly in its groove. Install and secure outer boot clamps using boot clamp pliers. Verify boots are sealed at both ends with no gaps.
12. 12

    Reinstall tie rod ends to knuckles
    Insert tie rod end ball studs into steering knuckle tapers. Thread castle nuts onto ball studs and tighten to specification. Ensure cotter pin hole in stud aligns with castle nut slot. If necessary, tighten nut slightly more (never loosen) to align hole.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install new cotter pins
    Insert new cotter pins through castle nuts and ball stud holes. Bend cotter pin ends around castle nut to secure. Ensure cotter pin is properly seated and will not work loose.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all clamps are properly secured and boots are not twisted
2. Ensure tie rod ends are tight and cotter pins are properly installed
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in wheel wells
4. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to distribute grease
• Inspect boots for proper seating and no tears or twisting
• Verify no grease leakage from boot clamps
• Check for any unusual noises when turning steering wheel
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify steering response
• Schedule professional wheel alignment to verify toe settings after tie rod removal

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