Parts for your 2016 Nissan Navara-Rack boots

2016 Nissan Navara rack boots — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2016 Nissan Navara (D23/NP300) uses rack boots. This is shown in the Nissan Navara D23 Series Workshop/Service Manual (ST — Steering), where the steering gear exploded view lists the “Boot — Steering Gear” on both sides with clamps and a breather, and in the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST) for D23 models, which includes a dedicated Boot-Steering Gear and clamp set for 2015–2019 Navara variants. So rack boots are absolutely relevant to this ute.

On the Navara, the rack boots (also called steering rack gaiters or bellows) sit at each end of the rack-and-pinion steering gear. Their job is to keep dust, mud, water, and grit out of the inner tie rod joints and rack seals, while helping retain the correct grease. That protection matters in Aussie and Kiwi conditions — think corrugations, clay, coastal salt spray and the odd creek crossing. A torn or perished boot lets contamination in, which can chew out the inner tie rods and rack, lead to stiffness or play in the steering, and in hydraulic systems may let fluid pool inside the boot.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the rack boots every time the Navara is on a hoist or during a 10,000–15,000 km service. Look for:

• Splits, perishing, or clamps that have worked loose
• Grease flung around the inner guard or crossmember
• Wet, oily residue inside the boot (for hydraulic-assisted variants)
• Notchy steering or new play felt on turn-in

If a boot is torn, replace it promptly to protect the rack. Replacement is straightforward workshop work: the outer tie rod end is removed, the old boot slides off, the inner joint area is cleaned and regreased, then a new boot and clamps are fitted. Marking the tie rod thread position helps, but a proper wheel alignment should follow any steering-end work. Use quality clamps (not cable ties) and follow the torque specs in the Navara D23 Steering (ST) section of the workshop manual.

While it’s fine to replace just the failed side, most techs will inspect both and often refresh them as a pair if the other boot is aged or cracked. The parts are inexpensive, the real value is preventing far costlier steering rack wear — especially if the ute sees off-road or beach work.

Popular questions about 2016 Nissan Navara rack boots

How can an owner quickly tell if their Navara’s rack boot has failed?
They’ll often spot a split in the bellows, grease flung onto the lower control arm or chassis, or a loose clamp. On hydraulic-assisted setups, there may be oily residue inside the boot. If the steering suddenly develops play or feels grainy at the straight-ahead, a closer look under the bonnet and at the inner tie rod area is worthwhile.

Is it safe to keep driving with a torn rack boot?
Short distances to a workshop are usually fine, but it’s not a good idea to keep using the ute that way. A torn boot lets grit and water in, accelerating wear of the inner tie rod and rack seals. That can turn a cheap boot job into an expensive rack repair or replacement, plus a misaligned front end can start chewing tyres.

Do you always need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?
It’s strongly recommended. Even if the outer tie rod is carefully marked and refitted, small differences can shift toe settings. A quick alignment after boot replacement protects tyre life and keeps the Navara tracking straight.