Parts for your 2017 Honda Odyssey-Rack boots

2017 Honda Odyssey rack boots — what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources confirm the 2017 Honda Odyssey uses rack boots. The factory Honda Service Manual for the 2011–2017 Odyssey steering system shows a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-style boots on each end of the rack. Honda’s electronic parts catalogue also lists “Boot Set, Steering Gear” for this model year. So, rack boots are absolutely fitted and relevant on a 2017 Odyssey.

On a 2017 Honda Odyssey, the rack boots (also called steering rack bellows) have a simple but critical job: keep dust, water, and road grit away from the inner tie rods and the rack’s oil seals, while letting the steering move freely lock-to-lock. They also help contain the grease on the inner tie rod ball joints. Left unprotected, grit quickly chews out joints and seals, leading to play in the steering and power steering fluid leaks.

Given Aussie and Kiwi conditions—UV exposure, heat, gravel roads and coastal salt—it’s common for rubber components to harden and crack over time. That’s why it’s smart to have the rack boots checked at every service or around each 10,000–15,000 km. A split boot can turn a tidy steering rack into an expensive repair surprisingly fast.

Things a technician will look for include:

• Cracks, splits, or perishing in the bellows
• Grease flung out near the inner tie rod area
• Wetness of power steering fluid around the boot or clamps
• Clicking or roughness when steering, which may hint at grit ingress

If a boot is torn, replace it promptly—ideally both sides if the rubber’s the same age. Proper fitting matters: the bellows shouldn’t be twisted, quality clamps should be used (not cable ties), and the breather path between boots should remain clear if designed that way. If the inner tie rod is removed, it must be torqued correctly, and a wheel alignment is recommended afterwards to keep the Odyssey tracking straight.

This Odyssey generation uses a hydraulic power steering system, so any fluid seen inside a boot is typically Honda-specific power steering fluid, not ATF. Catching a small weep early can prevent seal damage and pump issues down the track.

Rack boots aren’t pricey, and the job can often be done without removing the entire rack. Regular checks and timely replacement are a low-cost way to protect the steering gear and keep the family hauler feeling tight and safe on Aussie and NZ roads.

Popular questions about 2017 Honda Odyssey rack boots

How often should rack boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. They should be inspected at every service and replaced as soon as cracking, splitting, or fluid/grease leakage is found. In harsh climates or on gravel, they may age faster and need earlier attention.

Can the rack boots be changed without removing the steering rack?
Yes. Typically the outer tie rod end is removed, the old boot is slid off, and the new one is fitted with proper clamps. Expect to need a wheel alignment afterwards to keep the steering centred and tyre wear even.

What fluid might I see if a rack boot is wet on this model?
On the 2017 Odyssey, the steering is hydraulic, so wetness could be Honda power steering fluid from a weeping rack seal. Greasy residue may also be inner tie rod grease. Either way, it’s a sign to have it checked promptly.