Parts for your 2017 Ford Kuga-Rack boots

2017 Ford Kuga rack-boots: what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources confirm the 2017 Ford Kuga (C520) is fitted with steering rack-boots (also called bellows or gaiters). Ford’s Workshop Manual for Kuga/Escape models with Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) lists removal/installation of the steering gear boot in Section 211-02, and Ford’s Global EPC/Microcat parts catalogue shows rack-boot/bellows listings by VIN for 2013–2019 Kuga. General service data (Autodata/Haynes) also calls for routine inspection of steering gaiters. So rack-boots are absolutely relevant on this model.

On this Kuga, rack-boots are the accordion-style rubber sleeves on either end of the steering rack. Their job is to keep water, road grit, and muck away from the inner tie rods and rack shaft while letting the steering move freely. They help preserve the inner tie rod joints, protect EPAS seals and bearings, and keep grease where it belongs. If a boot splits, contaminants can chew out the inner joints and allow corrosion on the rack, which can lead to vague steering, knocking, and even EPAS faults. It’s also a likely fail at WoF/RWC time in NZ and Australia.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but inspection at every service is smart. A workshop should check for cracks, splits, weeping grease, missing or loose clamps, and any sign the boot is rubbing or twisted. If damaged, replace promptly—ideally both sides—using OEM-quality bellows and single-use ear clamps rather than cable ties. After removing a tie-rod end to swap a boot, a wheel alignment check is recommended because toe can shift even if the threads are carefully marked. While in there, assess inner tie-rod play, a noisy or loose inner joint is best replaced together with new boots.

• Typical signs of a failing rack-boot:
  • Grease sling on the inner wheel or subframe
  • Cracks or splits in the bellows folds
  • Clicking/knocking over bumps or when turning
  • Moisture or grit visible under the boot clamps

Workshops should fit the boot squarely, avoid twisting the bellows, and position clamps on the correct grooves. A light smear of compatible grease on sealing lips can help assembly, and care should be taken not to pinch the boot during full lock-to-lock checks. Properly fitted rack-boots are cheap insurance for smooth, reliable steering on a 2017 Ford Kuga.

Popular questions about 2017 Ford Kuga rack-boots

Does the 2017 Ford Kuga actually have rack-boots?
Yes. The EPAS steering rack on this model uses protective bellows on both sides. This is documented in Ford’s Workshop Manual (Section 211-02) and shown in Ford’s Global EPC/Microcat parts listings for the Kuga/Escape platform.

How often should rack-boots be replaced on a 2017 Kuga?
They’re not a scheduled replacement item. Instead, they should be inspected at each service and replaced if split, perished, loose, or contaminated. In harsh conditions (gravel roads, flooding, coastal areas), more frequent checks make sense.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing rack-boots?
It’s best practice to check alignment. Replacing a boot usually means removing the outer tie rod end, even careful reassembly can nudge toe out of spec. A quick alignment ensures the Kuga tracks straight and preserves tyre life.