Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2006 Ford Transit-Rack boots
Explore 4WD & Adventure
2006 Ford Transit rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them
Yes, rack-boots are fitted to the 2006 Ford Transit. Technical references including the Ford workshop manual (Steering, 211-02), Ford Microcat/EPC listings for “gaiter – steering gear,” and the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel 2000–2013 manual all show rubber rack gaiters (rack-boots) on the steering rack of both Mk6 (2000–2006) and early Mk7 (from late 2006) models, covering front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive variants.
On this Transit, the rack-boots do a simple but vital job: they seal the inner ends of the rack-and-pinion, keeping dust, water, and road grit away from the rack bar and inner tie rods. That protection stops premature wear, keeps grease where it should be, and helps the steering stay light and precise. If a boot splits, contaminants quickly chew out the inner joint and can let moisture attack the rack seals.
As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to inspect the rack-boots at each service interval (or at least annually). Look for cracking, splits, loose clamps, or grease flung around the inner guard. If a boot is swollen or wet with power steering fluid inside, that can point to a leaking rack seal and needs attention beyond just a new boot.
- Common clues they’re due: perished rubber, visible tears, clicking or play from the inner tie rod, uneven tyre wear, or a WOF/roadworthy fail for steering dust boot damage.
Replacement is straightforward, but alignment is essential after. A typical approach:
- Safely lift the front, remove the wheel, and mark the tie-rod end position.
- Crack the locknut, separate the outer tie-rod end, and slide off the old boot and clamps.
- Clean the rack area, check the inner tie-rod for play, and lightly grease the boot lips.
- Fit the new boot with quality clamps (not cable ties), refit the tie-rod end, and torque to Ford specs.
- Finish with a proper wheel alignment.
Good-quality EPDM boots last longer in Aussie and Kiwi heat and road grime. Replacing both sides together is often best value, and if a boot has torn for a while, budget to inspect or replace the inner tie rod and potentially the rack if contamination has gone too far.
FAQs
Do all 2006 Ford Transit models use rack-boots on both sides?
Yes. Whether it’s a late Mk6 or early Mk7 build, the steering rack uses a rubber gaiter on each side to protect the rack and inner tie rods.
How long do rack-boots typically last on a Transit?
Often 5–10 years, but heat, oil contamination, gravel roads, and worn engine or rack mounts can shorten that. Regular inspections at service time catch cracking before it becomes a split.
Is it safe to drive with a split rack-boot?
Only short-term to reach a workshop. A torn boot lets grit in, which can damage the inner tie rod and rack seals, and it can cause a WOF/roadworthy fail. Sort it promptly and book an alignment after replacement.
