Parts for your 2017 Subaru Legacy-Rack boots

2017 Subaru Legacy rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2017 Subaru Legacy is fitted with steering rack boots (also called bellows or gaiters). The Subaru Service Manual for the 2015–2019 Legacy/Outback (STIS, Steering/Steering Gearbox section) depicts bellows on each side of the rack-and-pinion assembly, and the Subaru parts catalogue lists a “Boot – Steering Gear” for this model year. Major aftermarket catalogues also supply rack-and-pinion bellows kits specifically for the 2017 Legacy, confirming their use on the vehicle.

On this Legacy’s electric power steering rack, the rack-boots are flexible bellows that seal the ends of the rack housing and cover the inner tie rods. Their job is simple but critical: keep water, grit and road spray out, and hold the correct lubricant in. If a boot splits or a clamp loosens, contamination can chew out the inner tie rod or the rack’s polished surface, leading to notchy, vague or noisy steering and, in worst cases, an expensive rack replacement.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect both boots every service or 10,000–15,000 km, and more often if the car sees gravel roads or coastal conditions. Look for cracks, hardening, oil or grease flung on the subframe, or a boot that’s slipped off its groove. Because the Legacy’s rack moves through its stroke, a boot that’s twisted or over-compressed can also fail prematurely.

If a boot is damaged, replace it promptly—ideally in pairs—and always fit new clamps. While the boot is off, the technician should check inner tie-rod play and the rack seal areas for corrosion. When installing, the boot must sit in the rack and tie-rod grooves without twist, with the correct venting between sides per the Subaru procedure. After refitting the outer tie rod, follow the factory torque specs and get a wheel alignment, toe will almost certainly change.

Handy signs it’s time to sort the rack-boots on a 2017 Legacy:

• Visible splits, perishing, or a boot that’s oily or swollen
• Grease sprayed on the crossmember or undertray
• Clicking over bumps or a gritty feel when turning the wheel
• Loose or missing boot clamp

A good-quality OE-style boot resists heat and ozone better, so it’s worth the small extra cost. And one last tip: never jack or support the car under the steering rack—boots don’t like surprises.

Popular questions about 2017 Subaru Legacy rack-boots

Do all 2017 Subaru Legacy models have rack-boots?
They do. Regardless of trim, the 2017 Legacy uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows on both sides. This is shown in the Subaru workshop manual’s steering section and reflected in genuine and aftermarket parts listings for the model.

How often should the rack-boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval—they’re replaced on condition. Inspect them at each service. If a boot is cracked, torn, swollen, or its clamp is loose, replace it immediately to protect the rack. Cars that see lots of gravel or beach air in AU/NZ benefit from more frequent checks.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack-boot?
Short trips to a workshop are usually fine, but prolonged driving risks water and grit damaging the inner tie rod and rack seals. That can turn a simple boot job into a steering rack replacement, and it may also cause a WOF/rego inspection fail.