Replace the rack and pinion steering gear boots to prevent contamination and fluid leakage from the steering rack 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 (if not included in kit) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for tie rod ends × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock with steering wheel lock tool
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
6. Remove both front wheels
7. Remove engine under cover and front splash shields to access steering rack

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Tie Rod Ends
   Remove the cotter pin from each tie rod end castle nut using pliers or wire cutters. Loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end nuts. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove the nuts completely and detach tie rod ends from both sides.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access Steering Coupling
   Working from inside the vehicle or through the firewall access, locate the steering column intermediate shaft coupling at the steering rack input shaft. Mark the relationship between the coupling and shaft for proper reassembly alignment.
3. 3

   Disconnect Steering Coupling
   Remove the coupling bolt connecting the intermediate shaft to the steering rack pinion shaft. Slide the coupling off the pinion shaft splines. Support the intermediate shaft to prevent it from hanging.
   ⚠Do not rotate the steering wheel after disconnecting the coupling to prevent clock spring damage
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove Old Boots - Driver Side
   Locate the outer boot clamps on the driver side rack boot. Cut or release the clamps using boot clamp pliers. Slide the old boot off the tie rod and rack housing. Clean the rack housing and tie rod surfaces with brake cleaner and a wire brush to remove old grease and debris.
5. 5

   Remove Old Boots - Passenger Side
   Repeat the boot removal process for the passenger side rack boot. Cut or release the clamps and slide the old boot off. Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly to ensure proper sealing of the new boot.
6. 6

   Inspect Rack Assembly
   With boots removed, inspect the rack shaft for scoring, pitting, or excessive wear. Check the rack housing for cracks or damage. Inspect tie rod ball joints for excessive play. Replace components if any damage is found. Wipe down exposed rack surfaces.
   ℹ️If rack shaft shows significant wear or damage, consider replacing the entire steering rack assembly
7. 7

   Install New Boot - Driver Side
   Apply a light coat of the supplied grease to the rack shaft and inside the new boot. Slide the small end of the boot onto the tie rod, then stretch the large end over the rack housing. Ensure the boot is properly seated in both grooves without twisting. Install new clamps on both ends but do not fully tighten yet.
8. 8

   Install New Boot - Passenger Side
   Repeat the boot installation process for the passenger side. Apply grease, slide the boot into position, and install new clamps. Verify both boots are seated correctly in their grooves and are not twisted or kinked.
9. 9

   Secure Boot Clamps
   Using boot clamp pliers or the appropriate tool for your clamp style, tighten all four boot clamps securely. Ensure clamps are positioned properly in the boot grooves and are tight enough to prevent leaks but not so tight as to damage the boot material.
10. 10

    Reconnect Steering Coupling
    Align the marks made during disassembly and slide the intermediate shaft coupling onto the rack pinion shaft. Ensure proper spline engagement. Install the coupling bolt and torque to specification.
    ⚠Verify steering wheel is still in locked center position before connecting coupling
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect Tie Rod Ends
    Insert tie rod end studs into steering knuckle tapers on both sides. Install tie rod end castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and bend the ends to secure. If slots do not align with holes, tighten slightly more (never loosen) until alignment is achieved.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall Under Covers
    Reinstall the front splash shields and engine under cover. Torque cover screws to specification if applicable. Ensure all fasteners are properly secured.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install Wheels and Lower Vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern with vehicle weight on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove steering wheel lock and verify steering operates smoothly through full range of motion
2. Check that all boots are properly sealed with no visible gaps or twists
3. Verify all fasteners have been reinstalled and torqued to specification
4. Double-check that new cotter pins are properly installed and bent

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary to verify smooth operation
• Inspect boots for any signs of leaking grease or improper seating
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering response is normal with no unusual noises
• Recheck all torque specifications after test drive
• Schedule a wheel alignment check as tie rod ends were disconnected during this procedure

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