Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer-Rack boots

2017 Mitsubishi Lancer rack boots — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer uses rack boots. This is documented in Mitsubishi’s 2017 Lancer Service Manual (Group 37 – Steering), which shows a rack-and-pinion steering gear with protective bellows on each end, and in Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue where the components are listed as steering gear bellows/rack boots. Many reputable aftermarket catalogues for the CF/CY Lancer chassis also list rack boot kits for this model, confirming fitment across trim levels.

On the Lancer, rack boots (also called bellows or gaiters) sit over the inner tie rods at both ends of the steering rack. Their job is simple but critical: keep grit, water, and road grime out of the rack seals and inner joints, and hold a smear of lubricant where it’s needed. If a boot tears or perishes, contamination can creep in, inner tie rods can wear faster, and the steering rack itself can cop damage — a far costlier repair than a pair of fresh boots.

As part of regular servicing on a 2017 Lancer, a quick visual check of both rack boots is well worth it. Look for splits in the bellows, oil seepage around the clamps, or a boot that’s slipped its groove. If there’s any power steering fluid misting (on hydraulic variants) or obvious grime inside the boot, plan a replacement.

• Replace in pairs if possible — if one’s gone, the other is often close behind.
• Use quality clamps, don’t reuse stretched or rusty ones.
• After any inner tie rod or boot work, get a wheel alignment — toe will likely be out.
• If fluid is found inside a boot, inspect the rack seals before refitting new parts.

Replacement is a straightforward job for a workshop: detach the outer tie rod end, slide the old boot off, inspect and clean the inner joint, apply the correct lubricant as specified by Mitsubishi, and fit the new boot with proper clamps. Torque the tie rod end nut to spec and set the alignment. For drivers clocking lots of kilometres on gravel or coastal roads, checking the boots at each service interval is a smart, low-cost preventative step that keeps the Lancer’s steering light, accurate, and drama-free.

How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2017 Lancer?

There’s no fixed kilometre interval — they’re replaced on condition. At each service, inspect for splits, hardening, or loose clamps. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, boots commonly last many years, but high heat, UV, and rough roads can shorten their life.

If any cracking or oil inside the boot is found, replace immediately to protect the inner tie rod and rack seals.

Can a torn rack boot be changed without removing the steering rack?

Yes. The usual method is to remove the outer tie rod end, slide the damaged boot off, clean and lube the inner joint as specified, then install the new boot and clamps. It’s a relatively quick job, but a wheel alignment should follow.

If there’s fluid inside the boot or play at the inner joint, the technician will check for worn seals or a sloppy inner tie rod before refitting.

What happens if a rack boot is left torn?

Dirt and moisture make their way into the rack, accelerating wear of the inner tie rod and rack seals. That can lead to clunks, vague steering, and ultimately a leaking or noisy rack — turning a simple boot job into a much bigger bill.

Catching a torn boot early keeps the steering tight and saves money over the long run.