Parts for your 2018 Ford Transit-Rack boots

2018 Ford Transit rack-boots: what they do, why they matter, and when to replace

Referencing the Ford Workshop Manual (Steering System, Section 211-02), the Ford Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2015–2019 Transit, and independent service guides (Haynes/Autodata), the 2018 Ford Transit uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with protective bellows on each end—commonly called rack boots or gaiters. So rack-boots are absolutely relevant and fitted to this model, across hydraulic and electric power-assisted steering variants.

On a 2018 Transit, the rack-boots are the flexible bellows that seal the inner tie rods and steering rack from dust, water, and grit. They keep the grease where it needs to be and stop corrosive muck from scoring the rack bar or chewing out the inner joints. Even on EPAS (electric) racks, those boots still do the heavy lifting of sealing and venting the rack ends properly.

Good rack-boots mean smoother steering feel and longer life for the inner tie rods and rack. Split or perished boots let water in, which can rust the rack bar, cause binding, and, on hydraulic systems, let fluid pool inside the boot—an early clue to internal seal issues. In New Zealand a torn steering gaiter will typically fail a WOF, and in Australia it can knock you back on a roadworthy, so it’s not just a nicety.

Service tip: have the boots checked at every service or at least every 20,000 km, especially if the van sees gravel, coastal air, or tradie site work. Look for splits, weeping grease, loose or missing clamps, or “ballooning” (a blocked vent). If a boot is damaged, replace in pairs if they’re the same age. Use proper clamp bands rather than cable ties, and choose quality neoprene or OEM-style bellows that don’t kink at full lock.

Replacement basics: mark the outer tie-rod position to preserve toe, separate the tie-rod end from the knuckle, remove the old clamps and boot, clean the rack end, slide on the new boot in the correct orientation, fit new clamps, and reassemble. Always finish with a wheel alignment check. If you find power steering fluid inside a boot on a hydraulic rack, book the van for further diagnosis—there may be a rack seal on the way out.

• Inspect every service/20,000 km
• Replace if split, swollen, or oil-soaked
• Check venting and use proper clamps
• Align the wheels after any boot or tie-rod work

Popular questions

Do EPAS (electric power steering) Transits still have rack-boots?
Yes. Even with electric assist, the steering gear is still a rack-and-pinion with inner tie rods, and it needs bellows boots to keep contamination out and grease in. The boots also allow the rack to “breathe” without sucking in dust or water.

How often should rack-boots be replaced on a 2018 Transit?
There’s no fixed interval—replace on condition. Have them inspected every service, many last years, but heat, UV, gravel roads, and road grime can crack or soften the rubber. If a boot is split or the clamps are loose, replace promptly to protect the rack and inner joints.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack-boot?
It’ll still steer, but it’s not wise. A torn boot lets in water and grit that can quickly damage the inner tie rod and rack bar. In NZ it can fail a WOF, and in AU it can fail a roadworthy. Get it sorted and have the alignment checked afterward.