Replace the steering rack and pinion boots to prevent contamination and maintain proper steering function on the 2025 Rivian EDV 500 electric power steering system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rack and pinion boot kit (inner tie rod boots) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Boot clamps (if not included in kit) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Steering rack grease (if not pre-filled) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage 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 at manufacturer-recommended lift points
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Verify steering wheel is centered and turn ignition to OFF position

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the steering rack
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the steering rack assembly behind the front subframe. Identify the inner tie rod boots on both sides of the rack. Clean the area around the boots and tie rod connections with brake cleaner and a wire brush to remove road debris.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end (driver side)
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the driver side outer tie rod end at the steering knuckle. Use a tie rod end separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle. Note the position of the tie rod adjustment sleeve before removal to maintain approximate alignment.
3. 3

   Remove old boot clamps (driver side)
   Using boot clamp pliers or side cutters, carefully remove the clamps securing the driver side rack boot. There will be one clamp at the rack housing end and one at the tie rod end. Discard old clamps.
4. 4

   Remove old boot (driver side)
   Slide the old boot off the inner tie rod and rack housing. Inspect the inner tie rod ball joint for wear, damage, or excessive play. Clean the rack housing and tie rod surfaces with brake cleaner and lint-free rags, ensuring no debris enters the rack housing.
5. 5

   Install new boot (driver side)
   Apply appropriate grease to the inner tie rod ball joint area if the new boot is not pre-filled. Slide the new boot onto the rack housing first, then stretch over the inner tie rod. Ensure the boot is properly seated in the grooves on both the rack housing and tie rod without twists or kinks.
6. 6

   Secure new boot clamps (driver side)
   Position new clamps in the grooves on both ends of the boot. Use the boot clamp crimping tool to properly secure both clamps. Ensure clamps are tight and positioned correctly to prevent boot movement or leakage.
7. 7

   Reconnect outer tie rod (driver side)
   Thread the outer tie rod end back into the steering knuckle. Install and tighten the castle nut, then install a new cotter pin. Ensure the tie rod is at approximately the same adjustment position as before removal.
8. 8

   Remove outer tie rod end (passenger side)
   Repeat the process on the passenger side. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the passenger side outer tie rod end at the steering knuckle. Use the tie rod end separator to separate the tie rod from the knuckle. Note the adjustment position.
9. 9

   Remove and replace boot (passenger side)
   Remove the old boot clamps using clamp pliers or side cutters. Slide off the old boot and clean all surfaces thoroughly. Inspect the inner tie rod for wear. Install the new boot with appropriate grease, ensuring proper seating in all grooves without twists.
10. 10

    Secure boot and reconnect tie rod (passenger side)
    Install and crimp the new boot clamps on both ends of the passenger side boot. Reconnect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle, install the castle nut, and secure with a new cotter pin.
11. 11

    Inspect installation
    Verify both boots are properly seated with no twists, kinks, or gaps. Confirm all clamps are secure and properly crimped. Check that both outer tie rod ends are firmly connected to the steering knuckles with properly installed cotter pins.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle to ground and torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
3. Remove jack stands and wheel chocks
4. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to distribute grease and verify smooth operation

Verification

• Check that steering operates smoothly with no binding or unusual noises when turning lock-to-lock
• Verify both boots are secure with no visible movement or grease leakage
• Confirm all clamps are properly crimped and positioned
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible since tie rods were disconnected
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area to verify proper steering function before normal operation

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