Parts for your 2013 Subaru Outback-Rack boots

2013 Subaru Outback rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Based on the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2013 Outback/Legacy (Steering section) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, this model uses steering rack bellows (commonly called rack-boots) on both ends of its rack-and-pinion steering gear. These sources show the bellows boots and the small balance/vent tube that links them, confirming the part is relevant and fitted to the 2013 Subaru Outback.

On a 2013 Outback, the rack-boots are flexible bellows that seal the inner tie rods and rack ends from road grime, water and dust. Whether the car runs hydraulic assist (as this generation does) or electric assist, the job of the boots is the same: keep contaminants out, preserve grease where needed, and allow the rack to move freely without letting dirt in. They’re a small, inexpensive bit of kit that prevents big steering bills later.

With age, heat and steering movement, boots can crack or split. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—coastal salt air, gravel backroads, and the odd muddy track—they cop plenty. Tell-tales include visible splits, oily residue inside a boot (often from a leaking rack seal), uneven tyre wear from inner tie rod play, or a dusty, gritty mess around the rack ends. If a WOF or rego check notes perished boots, sort them promptly to avoid contaminating the rack.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work: remove the outer tie rod end, slide off the old boot, inspect the inner tie rod and rack end for wear, then fit an OE-quality boot and new clamps. Reconnect the balance/vent tube between the two boots so pressure equalises lock-to-lock—if it’s left off or blocked, boots can balloon or collapse. Don’t pack the boot with grease, only use the light smear specified by Subaru if required. After reassembly, a wheel alignment is strongly recommended. Counting threads on the tie rod can get you close, but proper alignment protects tyres and steering feel.

Smart servicing means giving the rack-boots a look at every service, and after any off‑road trip. Replace them in pairs if they’re the same age. If a boot is full of power steering fluid, that points to an internal rack seal issue—the boot isn’t a reservoir—so plan for rack repair or replacement rather than just a new boot.

• Inspect boots each service or 20,000 km.
• Use quality clamps and refit the balance/vent tube.
• Book a wheel alignment after any boot or tie rod work.

Popular questions about 2013 Subaru Outback rack-boots

How do they know if their rack-boots need replacing?
They should look for splits, perishing, loose or missing clamps, or signs of grit getting past the boot. Any oil pooled inside the boot points to a leaking rack seal. If steering feels vague or there’s uneven tyre wear, have the inner tie rods and boots checked together.

Can rack-boots be changed without doing a wheel alignment?
It’s possible to get close by counting threads or marking positions, but an alignment is still recommended. Even a small change at the tie rod can shift toe enough to scrub tyres and affect stability, so most workshops will replace the boots and then align the wheels.

Are both boots the same, and what’s that little tube between them?
Many Outback racks use left/right boots of the same style and a small balance/vent tube linking them. That tube equalises air pressure as the rack moves. If it’s not refitted or is blocked, the boots can deform and fail early, so make sure it’s clean and connected.