Parts for your 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer-Rack boots

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is fitted with steering rack boots (also called rack bellows). This is confirmed by technical sources including the Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual, Group 37: Steering, for the CJ/CF Lancer (2013 MY), the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue, and common workshop references such as the Haynes manual for Lancer models of this generation. These documents list a bellows-type boot on each end of the rack-and-pinion assembly to protect the inner tie rods and rack bar.

On this Lancer, the rack boots are there to keep water, grit, and road grime out of the steering gear while holding the correct grease where it needs to be. Whether the vehicle uses hydraulic assist or electric assist, the boots help the seals last longer, prevent corrosion on the rack bar, and keep steering feel consistent. When a boot splits or pulls off its clamp, contamination can rapidly chew out inner tie rods and rack seals, leading to play at the wheel, uneven tyre wear, and potential failure at rego or WOF inspection.

There’s no fixed replacement interval—boots are replaced on condition. At each service, a quick visual once-over goes a long way:

• Look for splits, perished rubber, or grease flung around the inner guard.
• Check the small and large clamps are tight and seated, no gaps or kinks.
• Squeeze the boot lightly—if it’s full of fluid, the rack may be leaking.

If a boot is damaged, replacement is straightforward for a competent tech. The wheel is removed, the tie-rod end marked and detached, and the old boot slid off. A new, model-correct boot is fitted with proper clamps (not cable ties), making sure any breather feature isn’t blocked. Inner tie rods are checked for play while access is easy. After refitting the tie-rod end, a wheel alignment is essential so the Lancer tracks straight and steering angle sensors (where fitted) remain happy.

Quality matters here. Using an OEM-style EPDM boot sized for the CJ/CF Lancer helps avoid binding at full lock and stops the boot rubbing through. It’s a small, affordable part that can save a steering rack and keep the Lancer feeling tight and tidy on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer have rack boots?
Yes. Technical references like the Mitsubishi CJ/CF Service Manual (Group 37: Steering) and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue list a bellows-type boot on each side of the steering rack. They’re standard fitment and critical for protecting the inner tie rods and rack bar from dirt and water.

What are the signs the rack boots need replacing?
Common signs include visible splits or perishing, grease spray on the inner guard, loose or missing clamps, or dampness inside the boot. If the steering feels loose or there’s uneven tyre wear, the inner tie rods may already be affected—get it checked promptly.

Can universal rack boots be used on a Lancer?
Universal boots can work in a pinch, but an OEM-fit boot for the CJ/CF Lancer is the safer bet. Correct length and convolution count prevent binding at full lock and ensure proper sealing, which helps with roadworthy or WOF compliance.