Parts for your 2016 Subaru Xv-Rack boots

2016 Subaru XV rack boots: what they do and when to replace them

Based on Subaru’s own technical literature, rack boots are absolutely used on the 2016 Subaru XV. The Subaru Service Manual for the GP/GJ Impreza/XV platform (MY2016), Steering section (Electric Power Steering – Steering Gearbox), shows bellows-type dust boots on both sides of the steering rack. The Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST) for the GP7 XV likewise lists the steering gear boot/bellows in the Steering Gear &, Linkage diagram. So, they’re a fitted and serviceable item on this model.

On the XV, those bellows—often called rack boots, rack bellows or tie-rod dust boots—seal the inner tie rods and the ends of the rack from grit, water and road splash. Even though the 2016 XV uses an electric power steering rack (so there’s no hydraulic fluid inside the boots), the bellows still play a vital role: they keep grease where it should be, block contaminant ingress that can chew out the inner tie-rod joints, and help the rack slide freely without abrasive muck grinding away at it.

Tell-tale signs a rack boot needs attention include visible splits or perishing, grease flung onto the control arm or subframe, or a boot that’s come loose from its clamp. Off-road or beach driving around Australia and New Zealand can accelerate wear thanks to sand and salt, so it’s smart to check them more often if the XV sees that kind of use.

• Inspection: Have the rack boots inspected at each service interval and before long trips. Look for cracks, tears, loose clamps and trapped moisture.
• Replacement: If one boot is split, replace in pairs where practical, fit new quality clamps, and avoid generic cable ties that don’t hold tension properly.
• Procedure notes: Replacing a boot typically means removing the outer tie-rod end, sliding off the old bellows and fitting the new one with the correct orientation. Don’t twist the boot, make sure the breather path isn’t kinked. Follow Subaru workshop torque specs for the tie-rod lock nut and clamp style specified in the manual. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards, as toe can shift.

Left unattended, a torn boot invites grit and water into the inner tie-rod joint and rack, leading to play, noise and premature rack wear. Keeping fresh, intact boots on a 2016 Subaru XV is cheap insurance that protects steering feel and tyre life over many kilometres.

How long do rack boots last on a 2016 Subaru XV?

Serviceable life varies with conditions. Many last well beyond 100,000 km in city use, but frequent gravel, off-road or coastal driving can age the rubber faster. Regular inspections catch small cracks before they open up and let in grit.

Do rack boots on the XV contain power steering fluid?

No. The 2016 XV uses an electric power steering rack. The boots keep grease in and contaminants out, any wetness is usually grease or water ingress, not hydraulic oil. Still, a torn boot should be replaced promptly to protect the inner tie rod and rack.

Can a rack boot be replaced without needing a wheel alignment?

Because the outer tie-rod end is usually removed, toe can change. Counting turns during removal helps get it close, but a proper wheel alignment after replacement is the right move to protect tyres and restore straight-line tracking.