Parts for your 2013 Honda Stream-Rack boots

2013 Honda Stream rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Rack-boots are absolutely relevant and fitted to the 2013 Honda Stream. Technical references including the Honda Stream RN6–RN9 Service Manual (Steering section: rack end/boot inspection) and the Honda electronic parts catalogue for RN6–RN9 list a “steering gear boot” on both sides of the rack-and-pinion assembly. Whether the vehicle runs electric power steering or otherwise, the Stream still uses a mechanical rack with protective bellows-style boots.

On a 2013 Honda Stream, rack-boots (also called steering rack gaiters) shield the inner tie rod joints and rack bar from road grime, water, and grit. They act like a flexible dust seal, allowing the rack to travel side-to-side while keeping contaminants out and helping preserve grease where it’s needed. Healthy boots help the steering feel stay tight and consistent, and they also prevent moisture entering and corroding the rack or knocking out the inner tie rod socket prematurely.

As part of regular servicing, they’re worth a look every 10,000–15,000 kilometres (or each service). A quick inspection on a hoist or stands will show if the rubber is perishing, cracking, or split. Oil mist on or inside a boot can hint at a leaking rack seal, which needs attention sooner rather than later. In Australia and New Zealand, torn rack-boots are a common warrant/roadworthy fail, so catching them early saves hassle.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent tech: remove the outer tie rod end, slide off the old boot and clamps, inspect and lightly re-grease the inner joint if specified, then fit the new boot with the correct clips. Counting the turns on the outer tie rod during removal helps keep toe close, but a proper wheel alignment after the job is recommended. Avoid over-packing the boot with grease (the cavity is meant to breathe), make sure any breather feature is oriented correctly, and use quality clamps rather than generic cable ties. If one boot has failed from age, doing them in pairs is smart preventative maintenance.

Owners of a 2013 Stream who drive on gravel, through floodwater, or near the coast should inspect more often—salt spray and fine dust are hard on rubber. Fresh, intact rack-boots are cheap insurance against inner tie rod wear, noisy steering, and costly rack damage down the track.

• Typical signs of trouble: splits or perished rubber, grease sling on the crossmember, knocking over bumps, vague on-centre feel.
• Service tips: check both sides, verify clamps are snug, and book an alignment after any steering end is disturbed.

Popular questions about 2013 Honda Stream rack-boots

How often should the rack-boots be replaced?
They don’t have a fixed interval, they’re replaced when cracked, split, or loose. With gentle use, factory boots can last 8–12 years or more, but heat, UV, gravel roads, and coastal air shorten their life. Inspect at each service and replace at the first sign of damage.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack-boot?
It’s not recommended. A torn boot lets water and grit in, which quickly wears the inner tie rod and can corrode the rack. In many states and for WOF checks, a torn boot will fail inspection. Sort it promptly to avoid bigger bills.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing a rack-boot?
Yes—best practice is to get an alignment. Even if the tie rod end turns were counted, tiny differences add up to toe changes that affect tyre wear and steering feel.