Replace the protective rubber boots on the steering rack to prevent contamination and damage to the rack and pinion assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rack and pinion boot kit (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rack and pinion boot kit (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Boot clamps (typically 4 per side) × 8 — Included in boot kit
• Cotter pin for tie rod end × 2 — As needed if tie rod is disconnected

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Center steering wheel and turn ignition to lock position or remove key
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the steering rack area
   Remove the engine under cover if equipped. Remove plastic splash shields from both wheel wells to access the steering rack ends. This will provide clear access to the rack boots on both sides.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark tie rod position (alignment reference)
   Before loosening anything, use a marker or paint pen to mark the exact position of the tie rod end on the tie rod threads. Count and record the number of exposed threads beyond the tie rod end locknut. This reference is critical for maintaining approximate alignment.
   ⚠Skipping this step will result in incorrect toe alignment and tire wear.
3. 3

   Disconnect outer tie rod end (if necessary)
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut. Loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator tool to break the taper joint between the tie rod end and steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the castle nut completely and remove the tie rod end from the knuckle. Repeat for opposite side if replacing both boots.
   ⚠Do not hammer directly on tie rod threads. Use proper separator tool to avoid damage.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove tie rod end from tie rod (optional method)
   If additional clearance is needed, loosen the tie rod end locknut and unthread the tie rod end from the tie rod, counting the exact number of turns for reinstallation. Keep the locknut on the tie rod. This method provides easier access but requires careful counting of turns.
   ℹ️This step is optional. You may be able to replace boots without fully removing tie rod ends depending on boot design.
5. 5

   Remove old boot clamps
   Locate the boot clamps on both ends of the rack boot (one at the tie rod, one at the rack housing). Cut or release the clamps using boot clamp pliers or wire cutters. There are typically two clamps per boot end (four clamps total per boot). Discard old clamps.
   ⚠Be careful not to cut into the rack housing or tie rod threads when removing clamps.
6. 6

   Remove old rack boot
   Slide the old boot off the tie rod toward the rack center. Pull the boot off the rack housing. Note the orientation and position of the boot for proper installation of the new boot. Inspect the rack shaft for damage, scoring, or rust. Clean the rack shaft and housing mounting area with shop towels.
   ℹ️If rack shaft shows damage or excessive rust, the entire rack may need replacement rather than just boots.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect rack components
   Thoroughly clean the rack shaft where the boot will seal using a shop towel. Remove any old grease, dirt, or debris. Use a wire brush if necessary but avoid scratching the polished shaft surface. Inspect the rack shaft for pitting, scoring, or corrosion. Check the rack housing boot seating area is clean and free of debris.
   ⚠Any damage to the rack shaft surface will cause premature boot failure and rack contamination.
8. 8

   Apply grease to rack shaft
   Apply a thin coating of lithium-based grease to the entire length of the rack shaft that will be covered by the new boot. This protects the shaft and aids in boot installation. Do not use excessive grease as it can cause the boot to slip during clamp installation.
   ℹ️Use only compatible grease. Some boots come pre-greased or include grease packets.
9. 9

   Install new rack boot
   Slide the new boot onto the tie rod first, then position it over the rack shaft. Ensure the boot is properly oriented with the smaller end toward the tie rod and larger end on the rack housing. Seat the boot fully into the groove on the rack housing and ensure the boot lip at the tie rod end is properly positioned. Ensure boot is not twisted.
   ⚠Boot must be fully seated in housing groove or it will leak and fail prematurely.
10. 10

    Install boot clamps
    Position new boot clamps at both ends of the boot. Install the rack housing end clamps first (typically two clamps), ensuring they seat in the boot grooves. Use boot clamp pliers to tighten clamps securely. Then install the tie rod end clamps (typically two clamps) and tighten. Ensure clamps are tight enough to seal but not so tight they cut the boot material.
    ⚠Improperly installed or loose clamps will allow boot to leak, contaminating the rack.
11. 11

    Reconnect tie rod end to steering knuckle
    If tie rod end was removed, thread it back onto the tie rod to the marked position (or counted turns). Thread the tie rod end into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the tie rod stud (tighten further if needed, never loosen to align). Install a new cotter pin and bend ends to secure.
    ⚠Castle nut must be torqued to specification and secured with new cotter pin to prevent dangerous steering separation.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 5 through 11 for the opposite side rack boot if replacing both boots. Ensure both boots are properly installed with all clamps secure before proceeding.
    ℹ️It is recommended to replace both boots at the same time as they typically wear at similar rates.
13. 13

    Reinstall under covers and wheels
    Reinstall wheel well splash shields and engine under cover using the original fasteners. Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With vehicle on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Make final torque pass to ensure all lug nuts are properly seated.
    ⚠️Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause wheel separation while driving.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all boot clamps are secure and boots are not twisted or pinched
2. Verify tie rod ends are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed
3. Check that all under covers and splash shields are reinstalled
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification after vehicle is lowered to ground

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and check for boot binding or unusual noises
• Visually inspect both boots for proper seating and secure clamps with no visible gaps
• Check for any grease leakage around boot clamp areas
• Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify steering feels normal with no pulling
• Have wheel alignment checked by professional to verify toe settings are within specification
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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