Parts for your 2014 Subaru Legacy-Rack boots

2014 Subaru Legacy rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Technical references confirm rack-boots are fitted to the 2014 Subaru Legacy (BM/BR). The Subaru factory service manual (Steering – Rack and Pinion section) identifies bellows-type steering gear boots on both sides of the rack, and Subaru’s genuine parts catalogues list a specific “steering gear boot” for this model year. Major aftermarket catalogues also offer direct-fit rack boot kits for the 2014 Legacy, so the part is absolutely relevant to this vehicle.

On the 2014 Legacy, rack-boots (also called bellows) shield the inner tie rods and the rack’s end seals from grit, road spray, and water. They help keep the correct grease where it’s needed, stop contamination from chewing out the inner joints, and protect the rack bar’s surface so it doesn’t score and wear. If a boot splits, muck and moisture get in, and that can fast-track inner tie-rod play or even rack seal damage, which becomes a pricier fix.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to have the rack-boots checked from under the bonnet or on a hoist. Look for small cracks in the concertina folds, loose or missing clamps, and any weeping of oil. Fluid pooling inside a boot often points to an internal rack seal issue rather than just a boot problem, so a closer diagnosis is needed if that’s spotted.

• Tell-tale signs: split rubber, grease flung around the inner guard, a moist boot, new knocking over bumps, or vague steering.
• Service tip: replace boots in pairs where possible, use the correct spec clamps, and add the recommended grease to the inner tie-rod joint area during installation.
• Alignment note: the tie-rod end is usually removed to slip a new boot on, even if the threads are counted, a wheel alignment is recommended afterwards to protect tyre wear.
• Inspection cadence: check at every service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km. Vehicles driven on gravel, coastal roads, or through floods benefit from more frequent checks.
• Compliance: a torn steering rack boot can be a WOF/roadworthy fail in NZ and Australia, so timely replacement keeps the Legacy safe and legal.

Left alone, a damaged boot invites corrosion and grit into the steering gear. Replacing a simple boot early on the 2014 Subaru Legacy can save the cost of a steering rack down the track, keeping the steering precise and the tyres wearing evenly.

Popular questions

Does the 2014 Subaru Legacy actually have rack-boots?
Yes. The 2014 Legacy (BM/BR) uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-style boots on each end. This is documented in Subaru’s workshop literature for the model and reflected in OEM and aftermarket parts listings that specify “steering gear boot” for 2010–2014 Legacy/Outback.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing the rack-boots?
Usually, yes. The outer tie-rod end is typically removed to slide the new boot on. Even if the technician counts thread turns or marks the position, a post-job alignment is recommended to ensure the toe setting is spot-on and to prevent uneven tyre wear.

How long do rack-boots last on a 2014 Legacy?
There’s no fixed interval. Good-quality boots can last many years, but exposure to heat, ozone, gravel roads, and road grime can shorten their life. Having them inspected at every service is best practice, replace at the first sign of cracking, tearing, or clamp damage.