Parts for your 2017 Ford Mondeo-Rack boots

2017 Ford Mondeo rack boots — what they are and why they matter

Rack boots are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Ford Mondeo. The model runs an electric power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering gear (EPAS), and the assembly uses bellows-style rack boots on each side to protect the inner tie rods and the rack bar. This is documented in the Ford Workshop Manual for Mondeo/Fusion (CD391) — Section 211-02 Steering System — where the exploded view lists “steering gear boot (bellows)” for both sides, and in Ford’s parts catalogues (ETIS/Microcat), which show “Boot — Steering Gear” service kits for 2015–2019 Mondeo.

For a 2017 Mondeo, the rack boots do a quiet but vital job: they seal the ends of the steering rack to keep dust, road grime, and splash out, while holding a light smear of grease in. That keeps the inner tie rod joints and rack bar happy, reduces wear, and helps the EPAS rack stay smooth and accurate. When a boot perishes, splits, or its clamps loosen, grit and moisture get inside and can chew through those steering joints surprisingly quickly — which can turn a small boot job into a steering rack or inner tie rod replacement.

Good servicing practice on a Mondeo includes inspecting both boots at each service or tyre rotation. Under the bonnet and on a hoist, a tech will check for cracks in the bellows, weeping grease, or loose/damaged clamps. Any split or oil-soaked boot should be replaced immediately. Although the Mondeo’s EPAS rack doesn’t use hydraulic fluid, oil contamination from a nearby leak can still attack rubber, so it’s worth fixing leaks early.

Replacement is straightforward with the right tools: align the steering straight-ahead, mark the inner/outer tie rod relationship, remove the outer tie rod end, slide off the old boot, clean the rack bar, and fit a new OE-quality boot with proper single-use clamps (not cable ties). Then set toe and perform a wheel alignment. Most owners time this with front-end work or a set of tyres to save a second alignment fee.

Typical signs a Mondeo needs rack boots:

• Visible splits, perishing, or missing clamps on the bellows
• Grease flicked on the inside of the wheel or control arm
• Knocks or free play traced to inner tie rods (often after boots have failed)

Left too long, damaged boots can lead to inner tie rod wear, steering vagueness, and a potential WOF/RWC fail. Fresh boots are cheap insurance for tight, consistent steering feel and tyre life.

Popular questions about 2017 Ford Mondeo rack boots

How long do rack boots typically last on a 2017 Mondeo?
With normal use, quality rack boots often go well past 100,000 km. Heat, road grime, and accidental clamp damage can shorten that. A quick look every service helps catch small cracks before they turn into splits.

Will a split rack boot fail a WOF/RWC?
Very likely. A torn boot lets contaminants into steering components, which is a safety concern. Inspectors commonly ping split or unsecured boots, so replacing them before inspection is the smart play.

Can the boots be replaced without removing the steering rack?
Yes. On the Mondeo, boots are serviced with the rack in the car. The outer tie rod is removed, the old boot slides off, and the new one goes on with fresh clamps. Always follow with a wheel alignment.