Parts for your 2007 Subaru Impreza-Rack boots

2007 Subaru Impreza rack boots: what they do, and when to sort them out

Rack boots are absolutely fitted to the 2007 Subaru Impreza. Technical references including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for MY2007 Impreza (Steering, ST section – rack boot removal/installation), the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue listing “Boot – Steering Gear” for left and right sides (common OEM numbers include 34137FE0xx), and independent manuals such as the Haynes Subaru Impreza 2001–2011 all show the car uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with protective bellows, commonly called rack boots.

On this Impreza, the rack boots are the concertina-looking rubber bellows that sit over the inner tie rods at each end of the steering rack. Their job’s simple but critical: keep grit, water, and road muck out of the rack seals and inner tie rod joints, while letting the rack move freely lock-to-lock. They also help keep the right amount of lubricant where it needs to be. When a boot splits, perishes, or its clamps loosen, contamination sneaks in, grease gets flung out, and the steering gear can wear fast. If there’s power steering fluid inside a boot, that can be a sign the rack seals are leaking.

Good servicing habits make a big difference on these cars:

• Inspection: Have the rack boots checked at each service (roughly every 10,000–15,000 km). Look for tears, oiliness, perishing, or loose/missing clamps. Turn the steering side to side so the whole boot can be seen.
• Symptoms: Light knocking over bumps, uneven tyre wear, vague steering, or visible splits are all red flags. Any fluid weeping should be investigated quickly.
• Replacement: If a boot’s damaged, replace it promptly—often best done in pairs. Use OE-quality bellows and proper ear-style clamps rather than cable ties. Don’t pack the boot with grease, lube only as specified in the service manual.
• Alignment: If the tie rod or outer end is disturbed during the job, a wheel alignment is recommended to keep the Impreza tracking straight and protect the tyres.
• Care tips: Never lift or support the car by the tie rods. After heavy off-road or flood driving, get the boots rechecked, as water and silt can sneak past compromised clamps.

Following the factory procedure for the 2007 model—particularly clamp orientation and tie-rod lock hardware—is the go. A tidy set of rack boots keeps the steering feel tight, protects the rack seals, and helps the Impreza stay safe and sharp on Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Popular questions

What are the signs my 2007 Impreza’s rack boots need replacing?
Common giveaways include visible splits or perishing in the rubber, oil or grease on the outside of the boot, and dirt collecting in the folds. You might also notice vague steering feel or light knocking over bumps if contamination has reached the inner tie rod joint. If a boot looks swollen or oily, that can also point to a power steering rack seal leak hiding inside the bellows.

Do I need a wheel alignment after changing a rack boot?
If the outer tie rod end or inner tie rod is moved to slip the new boot on, a wheel alignment is the smart move. Even small changes to the tie rod position can shift toe settings, which affects tyre wear and steering feel. If the boot is replaced without altering tie rod lengths, alignment might not shift—but it’s still wise to check.

Can I use cable ties instead of proper rack boot clamps?
Best practice is to use OE-style ear clamps or quality stainless clamps sized for the boot and rack. Cable ties don’t hold tension as reliably under heat and movement, and they can loosen, letting water and grit in. The Subaru service guidance specifies proper clamps for a reason—use them and you’ll avoid repeat jobs.