Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Rack boots

Understanding Rack Boots on the 2014 Subaru Forester

The 2014 Subaru Forester, a popular choice among Aussie drivers who value reliability and safety, is known for its sturdy and efficient steering system. When talking about the steering setup, you might come across the term 'rack boots'. But do these rack boots actually feature on the 2014 Subaru Forester? The short answer is no, they are not part of this vehicle's steering assembly.

Many vehicles with conventional rack-and-pinion steering use rack boots to protect the inner tie rods and steering rack from dirt, moisture, and contaminants. These boots, typically made from rubber or thermoplastic, act like protective covers or bellows over the ends of the steering rack. However, the 2014 Subaru Forester uses a different steering design that does not rely on exposed inner tie rods needing protection with boots.

Subaru often employs a steering rack design where the rack and pinion mechanism is well sealed within the assembly. This means that rather than having exposed inner tie rods that require bellows-style boots, the components are shielded through engineering solutions. The seals and housings inside the steering rack do the job of keeping contaminants out, rendering external boots unnecessary.

Because of this design, when servicing the steering system on a 2014 Forester, mechanics will not find or check for rack boots the way they would on some other models. This can be good news for Forester owners since it reduces the number of rubber parts that might deteriorate over time and let dirt in, potentially leading to steering issues.

Of course, this does not mean the steering components are completely impervious to wear or damage. The steering rack seals and other internal components still require attention during servicing, but there is no rack boot replacement involved.

Given this, if you ever come across references to rack boots in relation to a 2014 Subaru Forester, it's worth noting that these are more generic or referring to other model years or different vehicles altogether. The 2014 Forester's steering system is designed differently, skipping the need for external protective boots.

For the Forester owner, this means less fuss with rubber bellows and a steering setup that is generally low maintenance. The key to keeping the steering in good nick will focus more on regular servicing checks, fluid levels for power steering (where applicable since some Foresters use electric power steering), and watching for any unusual noises or stiffness when turning the wheel.

It can still be a good idea to get the steering rack and related components inspected periodically by a professional, especially if you drive through rough terrain or bush tracks, conditions common in many parts of Australia. While no rack boots are present, seals and joints can still wear over time and might need servicing or replacement.

So, while rack boots are certainly an important part on many vehicles' steering systems for protecting vital parts like inner tie rods, they are not a part on the 2014 Subaru Forester due to its particular steering rack design. This design choice simplifies maintenance and removes one potential point of failure associated with ageing rubber parts.