Parts for your 2008 Ford Falcon-Rack boots

2008 Ford Falcon rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Yes – rack-boots are absolutely used on the 2008 Ford Falcon, and they’re relevant to every model in that year (late BF MkII and the new-for-2008 FG). Technical references back this up: the Ford Falcon Workshop Manual (Section 211-02 Steering System) illustrates a steering rack bellows/boot on each end of the rack, and Ford’s parts catalogue for BA/BF/FG lists a “steering gear boot/bellows” as a service item. Major aftermarket catalogues in Australia and New Zealand also list rack boot kits specifically for 2002–2014 Falcons, confirming fitment.

On the Falcon, the rack-boot is the flexible bellows that seals the inner tie rod and the end of the rack housing. It keeps water, grit and road grime out, holds the correct grease on the inner joint, and helps protect the rack seals. If a boot splits, contamination quickly chews out the inner tie rod and rack bushings, and any power steering fluid weeping into the boot points to a failing rack seal.

As part of routine servicing, a quick visual inspection is smart. A workshop should look for cracks, splits, oil inside the boot, loose or missing clamps, and uneven bellows folds at full lock. There’s no fixed replacement interval, change the boots whenever they’re perished or damaged. Using quality EPDM boots and proper stainless clamps beats flimsy cable ties every time.

If replacement is needed, the usual process involves removing the outer tie rod end, sliding off the old boot, checking the inner tie rod for play, then fitting the new boot with the correct clamps. It’s best practice to replace both sides if one has failed, and to book a wheel alignment afterwards because the tie rod end is disturbed during the job. If fluid is found inside a boot, that’s a sign the rack’s internal seal is leaking – a new boot won’t fix that, the rack will need repair or replacement.

• Signs it’s time: visible splits or perishing, oil inside the boot, clicking or notchiness when steering, roadworthy/WOF fail for a torn gaiter.
• Tips: avoid twisting the rack while loosening seized tie rod locknuts, use penetrating oil and correct spanners, confirm boot isn’t rubbing at full lock on lowered Falcons.

Look after the rack-boots and the Falcon’s steering stays light, tight and drama-free.

Do all 2008 Ford Falcons have rack-boots?
Yes. Both late BF MkII and the FG-series Falcons use a rack-and-pinion steering gear with a bellows-style boot on each end. That covers the popular XR6/XR8 and luxury variants as well. If a Falcon from this era doesn’t have boots fitted, they’re missing or damaged.

How often should the rack-boots be replaced?
There’s no set kilometre interval. They should be inspected at every service and replaced as soon as they’re cracked, split, oil-soaked, or the clamps are loose. In hot, sunny climates, rubber ages faster, so earlier replacement is common.

Do you need a wheel alignment after changing rack-boots?
Usually, yes. Replacing a boot normally means removing the outer tie rod end. Even if the threads are carefully marked, tiny changes can alter toe settings, so a post-repair alignment is recommended to protect tyres and keep the Falcon tracking straight.