Parts for your 2007 Ford Transit-Rack boots

2007 Ford Transit rack boots: what they do and when to sort them out

Yes, the 2007 Ford Transit is fitted with steering rack boots (also called rack gaiters or bellows). Ford’s Workshop Manual (section 211-02 Steering System) and Ford ETIS list “steering gear bellows” for this model, and widely used service references like the Haynes Ford Transit (2000–2013) manual show inspection and replacement of the rack boots on rack-and-pinion, power-assisted Transits of this era. OEM parts catalogues for 2006–2013 Transit likewise specify left and right rack boots with clamps.

On a 2007 Transit, the rack boots are the flexible bellows on each end of the steering rack. Their job is simple but critical: keep water, grit and road grime out of the inner tie rod and rack seals, and keep the factory grease where it belongs. When a boot splits or a clamp loosens, muck gets in, the inner joint wears, and the rack can cop corrosion. That’s when steering feel goes vague, the van starts to knock over bumps, and a WOF/roadworthy can be at risk.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to have the rack boots checked every service or 10,000–15,000 km—especially if the Transit does courier work, gravel roads, or carries weight. Look for perished rubber, cracks at the concertinas, grease sling on the control arm, or dampness that suggests contamination. If a boot is torn, replace it straight away, leaving it will quickly chew out the inner tie rod and can shorten the life of the rack. It’s common practice to replace boots in pairs and re-grease the inner joints while you’re there.

• Choose quality boots (OEM or reputable aftermarket) that match the rack diameter and stroke.
• Use proper stainless or OE-style clamps—avoid cable ties, which can loosen and won’t pass some inspections.
• After fitting, get a wheel alignment. Disturbing the tie rod end can nudge toe settings.
• If fluid or heavy rust is found under a boot, have the rack assessed before refitting.

For DIYers, the job is straightforward: remove the track rod end, slide off the old boot, clean and inspect, lube the inner joint, then fit the new boot with the correct clamps and refit using factory torque. For workshop servicing, a quick visual check of the bellows is a small step that saves big money down the track.

Popular questions about 2007 Ford Transit rack boots

Do 2007 Ford Transits actually have rack boots?
They do. Ford’s Workshop Manual and ETIS list steering rack bellows for the 2007 Transit’s rack-and-pinion setup. Most variants of this year (FWD and RWD) use the same principle—boots on both ends to shield the inner tie rod and rack from the elements.

What are the signs the rack boots need replacing?
Common giveaways are visible splits or perishing, grease flung onto the lower arm or wheel arch, a light knock over bumps, or a WOF/roadworthy note about damaged gaiters. If dirt has entered, inner tie rod play and uneven tyre wear can follow.

Can I secure new boots with cable ties?
It’s not recommended. Proper OE-style or stainless clamps lock the boot down firmly and maintain a seal through heat cycles. Cable ties can loosen, allow ingress, and may not satisfy inspection standards in AU/NZ.