Parts for your 2012 Holden Barina-Rack boots

2012 Holden Barina rack boots — what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical sources including GM Holden Service Information for the TM-series Barina (2012 MY), the Holden/ACDelco electronic parts catalogue, and mainstream aftermarket catalogues listing steering rack gaiter/boot kits for the TM Barina, this model uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear fitted with bellows-style rack boots. So yes, rack boots are relevant and fitted to the 2012 Holden Barina.

On the 2012 Holden Barina, the steering is assisted electrically at the column, but it still drives a rack-and-pinion down at the wheels. The rack boots (also called gaiters) are the flexible bellows on each end of the steering rack. Their job is simple but critical: keep dust, water, and road grit out of the rack mechanism and the inner tie rod joints, while keeping the factory grease in. When a boot splits, contamination gets in, grease gets out, and wear accelerates—leading to play in the steering, knocking noises, or even a damaged rack.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to give the Barina’s rack boots a quick visual once-over. Because the car uses electric power steering, there’s no hydraulic fluid line to leak at the boots, but a torn boot can still let moisture and grit attack the inner tie rod and rack bushings. If a boot is perished, cracked, or oily from sling-off grease, it’s time to replace it before the inner joint or rack gear cops it. Most boot kits include new clamps, a quality elastomer boot with proper clamp tension helps it last.

• Tell-tale signs: visible splits, missing clamps, a “wet” look from escaping grease, knocking over bumps, or a light dead-spot on centre.
• Service tip: always support the vehicle safely, scribe the tie rod end position, and count turns on removal to keep toe close, a wheel alignment is still recommended afterwards.
• Good practice: inspect the inner tie rod for play while the boot is off, replace the inner if there’s any looseness.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for rack boots—condition-based replacement is the go. Inspections at each service (10,000–15,000 km) are sensible. Replacement typically takes around 0.5–1.0 hour per side on a hoist, plus alignment time. Getting onto a split boot early is far cheaper than a steering rack replacement and helps avoid an RWC (AU) or WOF (NZ) failure at rego time.

Popular questions about 2012 Holden Barina rack boots

Do all 2012 Barinas have rack boots, even with electric power steering?
Yes. The TM-series Barina uses electric assist at the steering column, but it still has a mechanical rack-and-pinion with bellows boots on each end. The boots protect the rack internals and inner tie rods from road grime and moisture.

How often should the rack boots be checked or replaced?
They should be inspected at every routine service. There’s no set replacement interval—replace them when they’re cracked, split, or missing clamps. Labour is commonly 0.5–1.0 hour per side, and a wheel alignment is recommended after any tie rod or boot work.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack boot?
It might feel fine at first, but dirt and water can quickly damage the inner tie rod and rack. Driving for long with a split boot risks costly steering repairs and may lead to a failed RWC/WOF. It’s best to sort it promptly.