Parts for your 2006 Honda Elysion-Rack boots

2006 Honda Elysion Rack Boots — What They Do and When to Replace

Yes — rack boots are absolutely relevant on a 2006 Honda Elysion. Technical references including the Honda Elysion RR1–RR4 Service Manual (Steering: Rack and Pinion) and the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) list the steering gear as rack-and-pinion with bellows-type “Boot, Steering Rack” on both sides. These boots sit over the inner tie rods and the ends of the steering rack to protect the assembly.

The rack boots on a 2006 Elysion do a simple but crucial job: they seal out dust, water, and road grit from the rack-and-pinion and inner tie rods, while allowing the rack to move freely. They also keep the correct grease in place and let air breathe between sides so the bellows don’t balloon. When a boot splits, grit can score the rack shaft and chew out inner tie rods and rack seals. If you spot power steering fluid pooling inside a boot, that’s a tell-tale the rack’s internal seal is leaking — time to plan a rack overhaul or replacement, not just a new boot.

On Aussie and Kiwi roads — with plenty of coarse-chip surfaces and the odd water crossing — boots can age and crack earlier. A split rack boot will fail a WOF/RWC, and left long enough it can turn into heavier steering, clunks, and uneven tyre wear.

Servicing advice for an Elysion owner:

• Inspect the bellows at every service (10,000–15,000 km). Look for splits between the concertina ribs, loose clamps, or oiliness.
• If cracked, replace both boots as a pair. Remove the outer tie-rod end, slide off the old boot, check the inner tie rod for play, and inspect the rack surface for scoring.
• Apply the specified light grease sparingly, orient the breather correctly per the manual, and secure quality clamps (don’t reuse rusty ones). Avoid twisting the boot as it goes on.
• Count the turns or measure the tie-rod length on removal, then get a proper wheel alignment — toe will shift even if you’re careful.
• The 2006 Elysion uses hydraulic power steering, check fluid level and condition (Honda PSF). Fluid inside a boot = likely rack seal leak.

Handy signs it’s time: visible splits, grease flung around the subframe, wet or swollen rubber, a light puffing noise on steering lock, or fresh toe wear on the front tyres.

Popular questions about 2006 Honda Elysion rack boots

How can someone tell if a rack boot is split on a 2006 Elysion?
They’ll usually see a crack in the concertina folds, grease or fluid weeping, or grime stuck to a damp patch on the boot. On lock, a split boot can “puff” air. A tech will also check for play at the inner tie rod and any fluid trapped in the boot, which points to a rack seal issue.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing rack boots?
Yes. Even with careful measuring or counting turns on the tie-rod end, toe will shift a touch when the joint is disturbed. A quick alignment saves tyres and keeps the Elysion tracking straight.

What fluid should be checked if a rack boot looks oily?
The 2006 Elysion runs hydraulic power steering. Check the Honda PSF reservoir. If PSF is found inside the boot, that’s commonly a leaking inner rack seal, and the fix is rack repair or replacement rather than just new bellows.