Parts for your 2018 Ford Fiesta-Rack boots

2018 Ford Fiesta rack-boots (steering rack bellows)

Yes, the 2018 Ford Fiesta is fitted with rack-boots (also called steering rack bellows or gaiters). Technical sources including the Ford Workshop Manual (WSM) for Fiesta 2018, Section 211-02 Steering System, plus OEM parts catalogues for the 2018 Fiesta that list “Boot – Steering Gear,” confirm bellows-style boots are used on the EPAS (electric power-assisted steering) rack-and-pinion assembly. Independent service data platforms used in ANZ workshops also include removal/installation procedures for Fiesta steering gear bellows, further verifying fitment.

On this Fiesta, rack-boots sit on each end of the steering rack, sealing the inner tie rods and rack bar from dust, water, and road grime. They keep the factory grease where it belongs and help the steering last longer. If a boot splits, contamination can chew out inner tie rods and even mark the rack itself, leading to play, noises, or heavier steering. Keeping the bellows intact is simple insurance for smooth, precise steering and even tyre wear.

For day-to-day servicing, it’s smart to check the boots at every routine service or around each 10,000–15,000 km. Look for perishing, cracks at the folds, loose or missing clamps, and any grease weeping. On the EPAS Fiesta there’s no hydraulic fluid, so leaks will look like grease, dirt build-up, or dampness. A torn boot should be replaced promptly to avoid costly steering gear damage.

• Replace on condition, there’s no fixed interval, but split or hardened boots should be changed straight away.
• Quality matters: use OE-spec bellows and proper clamps (not cable ties) for a secure seal and correct travel.
• After any boot or inner tie rod work, a wheel alignment should be organised to protect tyres and restore steering feel.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work: remove the outer tie rod end, note thread position, slide off the old boot, inspect and clean, then fit the new bellows with the correct clamps. Care is taken not to stress the EPAS motor and to keep grit out of the housing. Because tie rod threads are disturbed, alignment is considered part of the job.

It’s easy to confuse rack-boots with CV boots, on the Fiesta, CV boots are on the driveshafts, while rack-boots live on the steering rack. A split in either is a common WOF/roadworthy failure point in NZ and Australia, so timely attention keeps the car compliant and driving sweet.

Technical references: Ford WSM (2018 Fiesta) Section 211-02 Steering, Ford parts catalogues listing “Boot – Steering Gear” for MY2018 Fiesta, professional workshop databases detailing Fiesta EPAS rack bellows service procedures.

Popular questions

Does the 2018 Ford Fiesta actually have rack-boots?
Yes. The 2018 Fiesta uses an EPAS rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows boots on both ends. They’re there to seal the inner tie rods and rack bar from dust and moisture, preserving grease and helping the steering stay tight and consistent.

How often should Fiesta rack-boots be replaced?
There’s no set kilometre interval. They should be inspected at every service and replaced if they’re split, perished, loose, or contaminated. Many ANZ workshops treat damaged steering boots as an immediate repair to prevent inner tie rod and rack wear.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack-boot on a Fiesta?
Short trips might be possible, but it’s not recommended. A torn boot lets in grit and water, which can quickly wear the inner tie rod and rack. Owners should book repair soon and get a wheel alignment afterwards to protect steering feel and tyre life.