Parts for your 2005 Ford Falcon-Rack boots

2005 Ford Falcon rack boots: what they do and when to replace them

Rack boots are absolutely used on the 2005 Ford Falcon. Technical references including the Ford Falcon BA/BF Workshop Manual (Steering, Section 211-02), Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual for BA series, and industry catalogues from major parts suppliers for BA/BF (2002–2008) all show a hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering gear fitted with protective bellows-type rack boots (also called steering rack gaiters). These boots sit over the inner tie rods at each end of the rack to seal out grit and moisture and to keep the rack grease where it belongs.

On a 2005 Falcon—whether it’s an XT, Fairmont, XR6 or XR8—the rack boots are a simple but critical line of defence. They flex with steering movement, protect the polished rack bar and inner joint, and help stop road grime or water getting into the rack housing. If a boot splits, contamination can chew out the inner tie rod and rack seals, and on power-steer cars it can also let fluid weep into the boot—often the first sign of an internal seal leak.

As part of routine servicing on a 2005 Falcon, it’s smart to eyeball the boots every oil change.

• Look for cracks, splits, missing clamps, or boots that feel hard and brittle.
• Gently squeeze the boot, fluid inside can indicate a failing internal rack seal.
• Check for uneven tyre wear or vague steering—often linked to inner joint wear after a boot has failed.

Replacing a damaged rack boot isn’t a big job, but it does need care. The outer tie rod end is removed, the old boot and clamps come off, the new boot slides on, and fresh clamps secure it. It’s best practice to mark the tie rod position and still get a wheel alignment afterwards to keep the Falcon tracking straight. Use quality boots that match BA/BF dimensions and always follow the workshop manual for procedures and torque specs.

If one side has failed, consider doing both sides while you’re there—the labour overlaps and it keeps the steering protected long term. With good boots and intact clamps, the Falcon’s rack lasts longer, stays quieter, and gives that tidy steering feel owners expect.

Popular questions about 2005 Ford Falcon rack boots

Do all 2005 Ford Falcons have rack boots?
Yes. BA MkII and early BF Falcons from 2005 use a hydraulic rack-and-pinion that relies on bellows-style rack boots on both sides. That includes XT, SR, Fairmont, XR6 and XR8 variants.

How often should the rack boots be checked or replaced?
Give them a look every service or about every 10,000–15,000 km. Replace any boot that’s cracked, split, oil-soaked, or loose on its clamps. Many last years, but UV, heat and road grime can age them faster.

Will split rack boots fail a WOF or RWC?
They often do. In NZ, a WOF inspection can fail split or insecure steering boots. In Australia, a RWC can also be knocked back for the same reason. Fixing boots early helps avoid bigger bills from rack or inner tie rod damage.