Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Rack boots

2012 Subaru Forester rack boots — what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 2012 Subaru Forester (SH series) is fitted with rack boots. It uses a hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering gear, and each end of the rack is protected by a flexible boot (also called a bellows or gaiter). This is shown in the Subaru Forester 2009–2013 Factory Service Manual (Steering section, Rack and Pinion) and in the Subaru electronic parts catalogue, which lists the component as “Boot – Steering Gear” with associated clamps for both sides. Many OEM listings for the 2012 Forester show interchangeable left/right boots.

The purpose of these boots is dead simple but critical: they seal out water, road grit and dust, and they keep the inner tie rod joint and the rack bar’s polished surface clean and lubricated. Because the Forester’s power steering fluid operates through seals inside the rack, any contamination that sneaks past a torn boot can accelerate wear, cause notchy steering, or end in fluid leaks and a crook rack that costs far more than a pair of boots.

Typical signs a rack boot needs attention include:

• Visible splits, cracks, or the boot slipping off its groove
• Grease or fluid weeping from the boot area
• Clicking or knock over bumps from a worn inner tie rod (often exposed after a torn boot)
• Uneven or heavy steering feel

Inspection is quick and should be part of regular servicing or a pre-trip check—turn the wheels lock-to-lock with the bonnet open, scan both boots with a torch, and look for perishing or loose clamps. In Australasia’s mix of heat, UV, beach runs and gravel, ageing can sneak up around the 8–12 year mark, so higher-kilometre Foresters often benefit from preventative replacement.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent tech:

1. Mark the outer tie-rod end position to preserve toe, then remove it from the knuckle.
2. Cut the old clamps, slide the split boot off, and wipe the rack bar clean.
3. Fit the new boot with correct orientation, seat it in the grooves, and use proper stainless clamps (don’t rely on cable ties).
4. Refit the tie-rod end to the marked position and book a wheel alignment to confirm toe is spot-on.

If fluid is present inside a torn boot, that points to an internal rack seal issue—replacing the boot alone won’t cure the leak. Because split boots are a common WOF/roadworthy fail in NZ and Australia, keeping them intact avoids both compliance headaches and expensive steering repairs down the track.

Popular questions

Do rack boots affect a WOF or roadworthy on a 2012 Forester?

Yes. Torn, unsecured or oil-soaked rack boots are a common reason for WOF/roadworthy failure. They’re regarded as a safety item because they protect steering components. Fixing them early is usually inexpensive and helps avoid larger steering repairs.

How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2012 Subaru Forester?

There’s no fixed kilometre interval, they’re condition-based. Many last 10+ years, but heat, UV and gravel use can age the rubber sooner. Inspect them at every service and replace at the first sign of cracking, splitting or looseness.

Can the boots be replaced without removing the steering rack?

They usually can. A technician removes the outer tie-rod end, slides the old boot off, cleans the rack, then fits a new boot and clamps. A wheel alignment check afterwards is recommended to confirm toe is correct.