Parts for your 1997 Daihatsu Gran move-Rack boots

1997 Daihatsu Gran Move Rack Boots

Rack boots are definitely used on the 1997 Daihatsu Gran Move (also known as the Pyzar). This is confirmed in Daihatsu service literature for the G3‑series Gran Move/Pyzar (Steering section) and the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue, both of which list left and right steering rack gaiters/boots for rack‑and‑pinion setups on these models. General repair references for the era’s Daihatsu small cars also show the same arrangement.

On this vehicle, the rack boots (steering rack gaiters) are the flexible bellows that sit on either end of the rack‑and‑pinion housing. Their job is simple but vital: keep grit, water and road grime out of the rack and inner tie‑rod joints, and keep the correct lubrication in. If the boots split, contaminants get in, the inner joints wear fast, and corrosion can chew into the rack bar and seals. On power‑assisted racks, a torn boot can even fill with fluid if a seal has begun to leak, which is a red flag the rack needs attention.

For routine servicing of a 1997 Gran Move, a quick visual check of both boots is smart practice at every service interval or WoF/roadworthy inspection. Look for perishing, cracks, loose or missing clamps, or oil swelling inside a boot. Many Aussie and Kiwi inspections will fail the car for a split steering rack gaiter, so catching it early saves hassle.

• Tell‑tale signs: visible splits, greasy fling on the crossmember, a boot ballooning with fluid, or dirt inside when the clamp is loose.
• If a boot is torn: replace promptly, doing both sides together is often best given similar age and exposure.

Replacement on the Gran Move generally involves removing the front wheel, freeing the outer tie‑rod end, sliding off the old boot, and fitting a new quality EPDM boot with proper clamps. A light smear of grease on the inner joint helps the boot slide and seal, avoid packing the boot with grease. Don’t twist the boot as it goes on, and use the correct ear‑type or stainless clamps rather than flimsy cable ties. After any work disturbing the tie‑rod position, a wheel alignment check is recommended to keep the tyres happy and the steering true.

If power steering fluid is found pooled in the boot, the boot isn’t the fix—plan for a rack reseal or replacement per the workshop specs.

Popular questions

Does the 1997 Daihatsu Gran Move actually have steering rack boots?

Yes. Factory documentation for the G3‑series Gran Move/Pyzar lists left and right steering rack gaiters/boots on the rack‑and‑pinion assembly. They’re standard fitment on manual and power‑assisted racks.

How often should Gran Move rack boots be inspected or replaced?

Inspect at every service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km, and definitely before WoF/roadworthy checks. Replace at the first sign of cracking, swelling, or clamp failure—there’s no strict time limit, but climate and road grime mean many boots age out after several years.

Is it safe to drive with a split rack boot?

It’s not recommended. A torn boot lets in grit that quickly wears the inner tie‑rod and rack, and may lead to a failed WoF/RWC. Short trips to a workshop are usually fine, but prompt replacement helps avoid bigger steering repairs.