Parts for your 2017 Honda Civic-Rack boots

2017 Honda Civic rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Based on Honda’s factory service information for the 2017 Civic (Steering – Electric Power Steering, rack-and-pinion) and Honda’s electronic parts catalogue illustrations for the model year, the vehicle is fitted with bellows-style steering rack boots (often called rack boots or rack bellows) on both sides of the steering gear. Those sources show the boots and their clamp bands as standard parts on the 10th‑gen Civic, so rack-boots are absolutely relevant to servicing this vehicle.

On a 2017 Honda Civic, the rack-boots seal each end of the steering rack and cover the inner tie rods. Their job is simple but critical: keep grit, water, and road grime out of the rack, hold the correct grease around the inner joints, and let the rack move freely without dragging contaminants into the steering gear. Even though this Civic uses electric power steering (no hydraulic fluid), a torn boot can still let in moisture and abrasive dust that chew out the inner tie rod or rack bushings, leading to play in the steering, clunks, or premature rack wear.

As part of routine servicing, rack-boots deserve a quick look at every service interval. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—heat, UV, roadworks, and the odd gravel detour—rubber bellows can harden and crack over time. A sensible approach is:

• Inspect at each service (around 10,000–15,000 km): check both boots for splits, perished rubber, loose or missing clamps, and grease flung onto the sway bar or subframe.
• Replace at the first sign of damage: once a boot is torn, grit gets in fast. It’s common to replace them as a pair.
• Always fit new clamps/bands: use quality stainless bands tightened to spec so the boot seals without cutting the rubber.
• Keep the bellows relaxed: with the wheels at straight-ahead, position the boot so it’s not stretched at full lock either way.
• Book a wheel alignment: boot replacement typically involves removing the outer tie-rod end, toe settings can shift, so an alignment is good practice.

DIYers with moderate skills can manage rack-boot replacement, but correct torque on tie-rod components and careful boot seating matter. Using genuine or high-quality aftermarket boots that match the Civic’s rack diameter and tie-rod OD is a smart move. For roadworthy/WoF checks, torn rack-boots are a common fail item, so staying on top of them helps keep the Civic tight, quiet, and legal.

Popular questions about 2017 Honda Civic rack-boots

Do 2017 Honda Civics have rack-boots?
Yes. The 2017 Civic uses an electric rack-and-pinion steering gear, and Honda’s workshop manual and OEM parts catalogue show bellows-style rack boots on both sides of the rack to protect the inner tie rods and rack seals.

How often should rack-boots be replaced on a 2017 Civic?
There’s no fixed interval—replace them when worn or damaged. Inspect at every service. In local conditions, they often last many years, but once cracked or torn they should be changed promptly to avoid rack and inner tie-rod damage.

Can a torn rack-boot fail a WoF or roadworthy?
It can. A split boot allows contamination and indicates potential steering wear. Many inspectors will flag it, and it’s common to require replacement before issuing a pass.