The steering rack boot (gaiter) is a flexible rubber bellows that protects the inner tie rod and steering rack from dirt, water, and road debris. A torn boot allows contaminants to enter the rack, causing rapid wear of the rack bushings and seals, leading to expensive rack replacement. Early boot replacement prevents costly damage.
Rack boots split from age, UV exposure, and contact with road debris. Inner tie rod corrosion and rack seal failure follow quickly once the boot is compromised.
Rack boot replacement requires disconnecting the outer tie rod end from the knuckle and sliding the boot along the rack.