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Parts for your 2005 Ford Territory-Rack boots
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2005 Ford Territory rack boots — what they do and when to replace them
Rack boots are absolutely used on the 2005 Ford Territory. The Territory’s front-end runs a hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-style rack boots (also called gaiters) on each end. This is documented in the Ford Territory SX/SY Workshop Manual (Steering, 211-02 Steering Gear), and routinely called out for inspection in Autodata service schedules for the model. Local parts catalogues for the SX/SY Territory also list replacement rack boot kits, confirming fitment.
On a 2005 Territory, the rack boots sit over the inner tie rods and the ends of the steering rack, sealing out grit, water and mud while keeping grease where it needs to be. They also help protect the inner rack seals, if a hydraulic rack starts to seep, fluid can collect inside a damaged boot, which is often the first visible clue of a leak.
- Purpose: keep contaminants away from the rack and inner tie rods, retain lubrication, and protect the steering gear from premature wear.
- Risk if split: water and road grit chew out the inner joints and rack bushings, steering feels vague, and the rack can cop expensive damage. A split boot can also lead to a WOF/RWC fail in NZ/AU.
There’s no set replacement interval for Territory rack boots, they’re a “replace on condition” item. Best practice is to inspect them at every service (look for splits, perishing, loose clamps, or fluid/grease weeping). Vehicles that see gravel roads, beach launches, or floodwater deserve extra checks.
- Time to replace if: the bellows are cracked or torn, clamps are missing or loose, there’s fluid pooled inside the boot, or there’s play in the inner tie rod once the boot is off.
When fitting new boots, go for OEM-quality EPDM rubber and proper crimp or ear clamps rather than cable ties. Replace boots in pairs where practical, clean the rack ends before sliding the new gaiters on, and check the inner tie rods for wear while you’re there. If an outer tie rod end is disturbed, book a wheel alignment straight after. After any work, recheck power steering fluid level and top up with the correct spec if needed.
Done right, fresh rack boots help the Territory steer sweetly for years and can save a mint by preventing premature rack failure.
Popular questions
How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2005 Ford Territory?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. They should be inspected at every service and replaced as soon as cracks, splits, or leaks are found. In harsher Aussie and Kiwi conditions, expect boots to age faster, so keep an eye out from the 5–10 year mark or after lots of gravel or off-road use.
Do split rack boots fail a WOF or RWC?
Yes. In New Zealand, damaged or insecure steering rack gaiters typically fail a WOF. In Australia, a split gaiter can fail a Roadworthy/Blue Slip inspection. Sorting a boot early is far cheaper than a steering rack later.
Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?
If the tie rod ends are removed or adjusted during the job, an alignment is recommended. Even if only the boots were swapped, it’s smart to check alignment to protect tyres and keep the Territory tracking straight.
