Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer-Rack boots

1998 Mitsubishi Lancer rack boots — what they do and when to replace them

Rack boots are absolutely relevant to the 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual for CK/CE Lancer (Group 37A — Steering) and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue list the steering gear as rack-and-pinion with protective bellows (rack boots) fitted on both ends of the rack. Aftermarket catalogues used in AU/NZ trade supply also list direct-fit steering rack boots for the 1998 Lancer, confirming they’re standard equipment on this model.

On this Lancer, rack boots (also called bellows or gaiters) seal the ends of the steering rack, shielding the inner tie rods and rack seals from dust, water and road grit. They also help keep grease where it belongs on the inner joints. If a boot splits, contaminants get in and grease gets out, accelerating wear of the inner tie rods and risking corrosion of the rack bar. On power-steer cars, a torn boot can also hide fluid leaking from an internal rack seal, which can snowball into heavy steering and rack damage.

Good servicing practice is to inspect rack boots at every service and tyre rotation, and at WoF/roadworthy checks. Look for:

• Cracks, splits or perishing in the folds
• Loose or missing clamps
• Grease sling or oil inside the boot (suggesting other faults)
• Boots chafing on full lock

Replacement is straightforward workshop work, but it affects wheel alignment. The tie rod end is removed, the old clamps cut, and the boot slid off. The new boot should match steering type (manual vs power) and length/stroke, AU/NZ suppliers stock EPDM or neoprene boots that handle local heat and ozone better than cheap vinyl. Always fit proper clamp bands rather than generic cable ties, and keep the breather path clear so the boot can expand and contract as the rack moves. After refitting the tie rod end to the same thread count, a wheel alignment is recommended to protect tyres and restore on-centre feel.

Drivers who frequent unsealed roads, beach launches or flood-prone areas should have the boots checked more often. Catching a small split early is far cheaper than replacing inner tie rods or a steering rack. Note that rack boots are different from CV boots — both are protective bellows, but they serve different components and aren’t interchangeable.

Popular questions about 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer rack boots

How often should rack boots be replaced on a 1998 Lancer?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. They should be inspected at every service and replaced as soon as cracks, splits, loose clamps or oil contamination are found. Vehicles seeing gravel roads, heat or UV exposure may need boots sooner than city commuters.

Will a torn rack boot fail a WoF or roadworthy?
Yes, a visibly torn or missing steering rack boot is commonly a fail item because it allows contaminants into steering components, compromising safety and durability. Repairing the boot and rechecking alignment usually resolves the issue.

Are left and right rack boots the same on this model?
Many 1998 Lancer racks use matching boots left-to-right, but part numbers can vary by VIN and steering type (manual vs power). It’s best practice to confirm via the Mitsubishi ASA catalogue or reputable AU/NZ parts listings.