Parts for your 2013 Holden Commodore-Rack boots

2013 Holden Commodore rack boots

Yes, rack boots are fitted to the 2013 Holden Commodore. Both late VE Series II and early VF models use a rack‑and‑pinion steering gear with protective bellows (rack boots) over the inner tie rods. This is identified in GM Holden service literature for VE/VF Steering—Rack and Pinion (which covers boot inspection and replacement), the GM Electronic Parts Catalogue listing a steering gear boot/kit for 2013 Commodore variants, and common AU/NZ parts catalogues (Repco, Roadsafe, Nolathane) that sell model‑specific rack boot kits. ZF/Bosch Steering technical material on rack‑and‑pinion assemblies also specifies elastomer bellows to keep contaminants out of the rack. So for a 2013 Commodore, rack boots are relevant, present, and considered a normal service item.

Rack boots do a simple but crucial job on a 2013 Commodore: they seal the ends of the steering rack, keeping water, grit, and road crud away from the inner tie rod joints and the rack bar. Whether the car is a VE II with hydraulic power steering or a VF with electric power steering, those bellows protect expensive gear. If a boot cracks or slips its clamp, dirt is free to chew out the joint and the rack, and on hydraulic systems it can trap leaking fluid—both are bad news for tyre wear, steering feel, and your wallet.

Owners should have the boots checked at regular services or around every 10,000–15,000 km, especially if the car sees rough roads or floods. Tell-tale signs include oil or grease misting on the boot, perishing or splits in the folds, or a boot that feels loose on its seat. On VE hydraulic racks, fluid inside the boot may point to an internal rack seal leak. On VF electric racks, moisture inside can corrode components and stiffen steering in cold, wet weather.

Replacement is straightforward with the right kit and clamps. A tech will mark the tie-rod position, remove the outer tie rod end, cut the old clamps, slide off the boot, and fit the new bellows with proper stainless bands—not cable ties. Any breather tube gets reconnected so the bellows don’t balloon. Always book a wheel alignment afterwards, even careful work can nudge toe settings. Choose quality rubber or thermoplastic boots from reputable brands and avoid stretching them over sharp threads—use a thread protector or tape. A clean, well‑clamped boot can add years to the rack and keep the Commodore steering sharp and confidence‑inspiring.

• Check boots at every service or after deep water crossings.
• Replace cracked, oily, or loose boots promptly.
• Schedule a wheel alignment after any boot or tie rod work.

Popular questions

How can an owner tell if the 2013 Commodore’s rack boots need replacing?
They should look for splits in the bellows folds, greasy streaks on the boot or subframe, or a boot that’s slipped off its seat. Uneven front tyre wear or a new knock when turning can follow a torn boot because the inner tie rod wears faster once grit gets in.

If in doubt, a mechanic can lift the front, flex the boot gently to spot cracks, and check for fluid inside (VE hydraulic) or trapped moisture (VF electric). It’s a simple inspection that can save a rack.

Do VF models with electric power steering still use rack boots?
They do. Even without hydraulic fluid, the VF’s electric rack still needs bellows to keep dirt and water away from the rack bar and inner joints. A damaged boot on an EPAS rack can let moisture in, leading to corrosion and heavier steering over time.

Will a wheel alignment be needed after replacing a rack boot?
Yes, a wheel alignment is recommended. Removing the outer tie rod to slip the new boot on can alter toe settings, even if the threads are marked. An alignment ensures the Commodore tracks straight and protects the tyres.