Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Rack boots

2017 Subaru Exiga rack-boots: purpose, service and maintenance

Yes, rack-boots are fitted to the 2017 Subaru Exiga (including Crossover 7 variants). Technical sources that document this include Subaru’s Factory/Workshop Service Manual for the Exiga YA/YAM series (Steering section: Rack and Pinion – Dust Boot) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, both of which list and illustrate the steering gear dust boot (rack boot) for this model year. That makes rack-boots directly relevant to servicing the 2017 Subaru Exiga.

On this Exiga, the rack-boot is a flexible bellows that seals each end of the rack-and-pinion housing where the inner tie rod moves. Its job is simple but critical: keep water, grit and road grime out, while keeping grease in. Because the Exiga’s steering works through precise, greased joints, once a boot splits or the clamp loosens, contamination sneaks in and can chew out the inner tie rod joint and the rack itself. Left too long, that can turn into a not-so-fun bill and can also fail a Warrant of Fitness or roadworthy inspection.

For day-to-day ownership, they’re a quiet achiever. They don’t need constant fussing, but they do deserve a look whenever the Exiga’s up on a hoist. A quick visual at each service (around every 10,000–15,000 km) is smart: check for perishing, oil swelling, splits at the concertina folds, weeping grease, or loose/broken clamps. If a boot is torn, it’s best practice to replace it promptly and clean/inspect the inner tie rod and rack end while there.

When replacing rack-boots on a 2017 Subaru Exiga, a competent tech will usually remove the outer tie rod end, slide the old boot off, clean the area, lightly re-grease as specified in the manual, and fit a new boot with quality clamps. An alignment check is recommended if any tie rod adjustment was disturbed. It often makes sense to replace boots in pairs to keep wear and elasticity similar side-to-side.

• Inspect at each service, replace immediately if torn or perished.
• Use new clamps, avoid generic cable ties that can loosen.
• Don’t twist the boot during install, ensure correct “breather” equalisation and clamp seating.
• If contamination is found under a torn boot, have the inner joint and rack inspected for play.

Popular questions

How often should rack-boots be replaced on a 2017 Subaru Exiga?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval—boots are replaced on condition. With normal driving, they can last many years. The key is to inspect them at every service. If there’s cracking, splits, or grease leakage, replace straight away to protect the rack.

If you regularly drive on gravel or through standing water, consider more frequent checks, as harsh conditions age rubber faster.

What are the signs a rack-boot has failed on a 2017 Subaru Exiga?
Look for visible splits or tears in the bellows, grease flung onto the inner wheel or suspension, loose or missing clamps, or damp grime on the boot ends. You might also notice a new clunk over bumps if the inner tie rod has started to wear from contamination.

During a WOF/roadworthy, any damage or leakage from the boot is typically a fail item.

Can a torn rack-boot damage the steering rack on a 2017 Subaru Exiga?
Yes. Once the boot is torn, water and grit can reach the inner tie rod joint and rack end, accelerating wear and corrosion. If not addressed, that can lead to play in the steering, uneven tyre wear, and potentially a costly rack replacement.

Replacing a cheap boot early is far more economical than a steering rack rebuild later.