Parts for your 2000 Ford Falcon-Rack boots

2000 Ford Falcon rack boots — what they do and when to replace them

Yes — the 2000 Ford Falcon (AU series) is fitted with steering rack boots. Technical references including the Ford AU Falcon factory workshop manual and well-known service manuals for AU models describe a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear that uses protective rubber bellows (often called rack boots or gaiters) on both ends of the rack. OEM and aftermarket parts catalogues for AU sedans, wagons and utes also list replacement steering rack boots specifically for 1998–2002 Falcons, confirming the part is used on this vehicle.

On an AU Falcon, rack boots sit over the inner tie rod and the end of the steering rack, acting like flexible bellows. Their job is to keep out water, road grit and dust while allowing the steering to travel freely from lock to lock. They also help contain any grease on the inner joint. They’re not designed to hold power steering fluid, but if an internal rack seal starts leaking you might find fluid collecting inside a boot — a handy early warning sign.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rack boots every service or 10,000–15,000 km. Look for perishing, cracks, splits, loose or missing clamps, or boots that are wet with power steering fluid. Any tears allow contaminants in, which can quickly chew out the inner tie rod joint and even the rack itself. If one side has failed, replacing boots in pairs is good practice.

Replacement is a straightforward job for a workshop and a doable DIY for the spanner-savvy, but there are a few gotchas:

• Use quality, vehicle-specific boots that don’t bind on full lock.
• Fit proper clamps rather than cable ties, and don’t overtighten them on the rack housing.
• If the car has a breather or equaliser tube between boots, make sure it’s reconnected.
• A wheel alignment check is recommended afterwards — any disturbance of the tie rod can nudge toe settings.

If a boot is full of fluid, that points to an internal rack seal issue, replacing the boot alone won’t fix the leak, so plan on rack repair or replacement. Keeping the boots in top nick helps the Falcon steer smoothly, protects pricey steering components, and avoids a WOF/RWC headache.

Does the 2000 Ford Falcon use steering rack boots?

It does. The AU-series Falcon runs a power rack-and-pinion setup with rubber bellows on each end. Factory workshop material and mainstream service manuals for the AU list and illustrate these boots, and local parts catalogues carry direct-fit replacements for MY2000 Falcons.

What are the signs my AU Falcon’s rack boots need replacing?

Common clues are cracking, splits at the concertina folds, missing or loose clamps, and contamination inside the boot. Oil or ATF pooling in a boot usually means an internal rack seal has failed. You might also notice play in the steering or uneven tyre wear if grit has gotten into the inner tie rod joint.

Do I need a wheel alignment after changing rack boots?

It’s wise to get the alignment checked. If the inner or outer tie rod is disturbed during the job, toe can shift slightly. A quick alignment protects tyres and keeps the Falcon tracking straight.