Parts for your 2017 Volkswagen Amarok-Rack boots

2017 Volkswagen Amarok rack boots

Based on Volkswagen’s own technical documentation and parts data, rack boots are absolutely fitted to the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok and are relevant to servicing. The Amarok (2H series, MY2017) is specified with a rack-and-pinion steering gear in the Volkswagen erWin workshop literature, which shows a bellows-style boot on each end of the steering rack. The Volkswagen Group ETKA parts catalogue for the 2H Amarok also lists these steering gear gaiters/boots and their clamps as service parts. Together, those sources confirm the Amarok runs rack boots as standard.

The rack boots on a 2017 Amarok are the flexible bellows that seal each end of the steering rack where the inner tie rods live. Their job’s simple but critical: keep mud, water and road grit out of the inner joint and rack bearings, and keep the correct lubricant where it belongs. On an Amarok that sees the odd off‑road trek or beach run, intact boots make a huge difference to long-term steering feel and rack life.

As part of normal servicing, it’s worth a quick look every 10,000–15,000 km (or each service interval) and after any deep water or muddy trips. Things to watch for include: splits or perishing in the rubber, loose or missing clamps, folds sitting twisted, and any oily residue weeping out of the boot. A boot full of oil can point to an internal rack seal leak, while a dry split boot invites grit in and shortens the life of the inner tie rod.

If a boot’s damaged, replacement is straightforward for a competent tech. Typically they’ll remove the wheel, mark the tie rod end position (or count turns) to keep toe close, disconnect the outer tie rod end, slide the old boot off, clean the area carefully, then fit a quality OEM or equivalent boot with proper clamps. If the rack design uses a small balance tube between the two boots, that needs to be reconnected. Fresh, correct steering gear grease is applied to the inner joint as specified by VW, and all hardware is torqued to spec. A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards, even if the tie rod position was carefully marked.

A couple of tips Amarok owners in Aus and NZ appreciate:

• Use decent boots and stainless clamps—cheap universal kits can work in a pinch but don’t always seal as well.
• Give the boots a once-over after sand or mud. A 30-second check can save a rack.
• If you notice a steering pull, play, or a new knock after work on the tie rods/boots, book an alignment and inspection.

Popular questions about 2017 Volkswagen Amarok rack boots

How do you know if the Amarok’s rack boots need replacing?
Tell-tales include visible splits or cracks in the bellows, grease flung onto the inner rim or control arm, loose or missing clamps, and a boot sitting twisted or collapsed. If you squeeze the boot and oil seeps out, that suggests an internal rack seal weeping—time for a proper inspection.

Also listen for new knocks over bumps or feel for vague steering on-centre. While those can be other components, a torn boot often goes hand-in-hand with inner tie rod wear.

Can you replace the rack boots without removing the steering rack?
Yes—on the Amarok the boots can typically be changed with the rack in the vehicle. The outer tie rod end is removed, the old boot is slid off, and the new one goes on with fresh clamps. It’s a tidy job for a workshop and helps avoid disturbing the entire steering assembly.

Even so, a wheel alignment afterwards is smart to make sure toe is spot-on.

How often should rack boots be inspected on a 2017 Amarok?
Check them at every scheduled service (about 10–15,000 km) and after any off‑road, beach, or water crossing trips. The Amarok’s a capable ute and sees plenty of rough stuff in Aus and NZ—regular visual checks keep the steering happy and prevent bigger bills down the track.