Replace the rubber boots protecting the steering rack and pinion assembly to prevent contamination and maintain proper steering operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rack and pinion boot kit (includes both boots and clamps) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (2mm x 30mm) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on both front wheels while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Turn steering wheel to center position and ensure ignition is off

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod end cotter pins
   Locate the tie rod end castle nuts on both sides where they connect to the steering knuckles. Straighten and remove the cotter pins using pliers. Discard old cotter pins.
2. 2

   Loosen tie rod end castle nuts
   Using a 19mm socket, loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end castle nuts on both sides. Leave nuts threaded on a few turns to protect threads during separation.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Using a tie rod end separator or pickle fork, separate the tie rod end ball joints from the steering knuckles on both sides. Once separated, remove the castle nuts completely. Support the tie rod end to prevent damage to the boot during removal.
   ⚠Be careful not to damage the CV boot or ABS sensor wire when using the separator tool.
4. 4

   Mark tie rod position
   Before removing anything further, mark the position of the tie rod end on the tie rod threads using a paint marker or by counting exposed threads. This helps maintain approximate alignment during reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove outer boot clamps
   Cut or release the outer boot clamps on both rack boots (the clamps closest to the tie rod ends). Use boot clamp pliers if equipped with crimp-style clamps, or cut zip-tie style clamps with side cutters.
6. 6

   Remove inner boot clamps
   Access and remove the inner boot clamps (closest to the steering rack housing) on both sides. These may require reaching behind the steering rack. Note the orientation of the clamps for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove old boots
   Slide the old boots off the tie rods and steering rack. Clean any old grease from the tie rod threads and rack housing using clean rags. Inspect the tie rod ball joints and rack teeth for excessive wear or damage.
   ℹ️If rack teeth show significant wear or pitting, rack and pinion replacement may be necessary instead of just boot replacement.
8. 8

   Install new boots
   Apply a light coating of appropriate grease to the rack teeth and tie rod shaft. Slide the new boots onto the steering rack, ensuring they are properly positioned over the rack housing on the inner side and the tie rod on the outer side. Ensure boots are not twisted.
9. 9

   Secure boots with clamps
   Install new boot clamps on both the inner and outer positions of each boot. Position clamps in the grooves provided on the boot. Tighten clamps securely using boot clamp pliers or appropriate tool. Ensure boots are not twisted and are seated properly before final tightening.
10. 10

    Reconnect tie rod ends
    Align the tie rod ends with the steering knuckle tapers on both sides. Install the tie rod end castle nuts and tighten to specification. Ensure the cotter pin holes align. If holes do not align, tighten further (do not loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new cotter pins
    Insert new cotter pins through the castle nuts and tie rod end studs. Bend the cotter pin ends around the nut to secure properly. Ensure cotter pins are fully seated and will not work loose.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all boot clamps are tight and boots are not twisted or damaged
2. Verify tie rod ends are fully seated in steering knuckle tapers
3. Check that all cotter pins are properly installed and bent

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times while stationary to verify boots do not tear or slip
• Inspect boots for proper seating and no interference with suspension components
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify steering operates normally without binding
• Have wheel alignment checked and adjusted as necessary

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