Parts for your 1998 Daihatsu Gran move-Rack boots

1998 Daihatsu Gran Move rack-boots

Yes, the 1998 Daihatsu Gran Move (also known as the Pyzar in some markets) uses steering rack-boots. This is confirmed by Daihatsu service manual steering sections specifying a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-type boots/gaiters over the inner tie rods, and by Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for “boot, steering gear” on Gran Move models. General workshop data sources (e.g., Autodata/Haynes Pro) also describe the Gran Move’s power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup, which by design requires protective rack boots.

On this Gran Move, rack-boots do a deceptively big job. They keep grit, water, and road splash out of the steering rack while helping retain grease on the inner tie rod ball joints. For power-steered cars, intact boots also help prevent contamination that can chew out rack seals. Once a boot splits, moisture can creep in, corrosion starts, and before long you’re looking at not just inner tie rods but potentially a full rack rebuild—costly and avoidable.

Best practice is to check the rack-boots at every service. Most Aussie and New Zealand workshops give them a look whenever the car is up on a hoist for tyres, brakes, or an oil change. If they’re perished, oily inside, or starting to crack, plan a replacement. It’s smart to do both sides together, fit new clamps, and book a wheel alignment afterward.

• Common signs a rack-boot needs attention:
  • Visible splits or perishing in the bellows
  • Grease or power steering fluid weeping from the boot
  • Clicking or play felt over bumps, uneven tyre wear

Replacement is straightforward with the right tools: mark the tie-rod end position, remove the cotter pin and castle nut, crack the locknut, and wind off the tie-rod end. Slide off the old boot, wipe the rack bar clean, and fit the new boot with a light smear of compatible grease on the inner lip. Use proper band/ear clamps rather than cable ties, and make sure the boot isn’t twisted when the wheels are at straight-ahead.

If there’s fluid inside a boot, the rack seals may already be leaking—worth checking before refitting. Reassemble to the workshop-specified torques, install a new cotter pin, and finish with an alignment. For power steering fluid, use the specification in the owner’s/service manual (many Daihatsus of this era specify an ATF type).

Popular questions about 1998 Daihatsu Gran Move rack-boots

How often should rack-boots be replaced on a Gran Move?
They don’t have a fixed interval—inspect at every service and replace at the first sign of cracking, splits, or contamination. In Aussie and NZ conditions, sun and heat can age the rubber, so it’s common to see replacements needed around higher mileages or with lots of outdoor parking.

Can a torn rack-boot be taped up, or should it be replaced?
Tape or glue won’t last and won’t keep water and grit out. Once torn, the boot should be replaced promptly to protect the inner tie rod and rack seals, then the alignment checked.

Do I need a wheel alignment after changing rack-boots?
Yes. Even if you carefully count threads and mark positions, removing the tie-rod end can shift toe settings. An alignment prevents uneven tyre wear and keeps the Gran Move tracking straight.