Parts for your 2018 Honda Accord-Rack boots

2018 Honda Accord rack boots: what they do and when to replace them

Rack boots are absolutely used on the 2018 Honda Accord. The model runs an electric power steering (EPS) rack-and-pinion, and the assembly includes bellows-style rack boots on each end to shield the inner tie-rod joints and rack seals. This is shown in the Honda Service Manual for the 2018 Accord (Steering – EPS system, exploded view) and in Honda’s official parts catalog listings for the steering gear, which identify the bellows/boot components and clamps. Major aftermarket catalogues in Australia and New Zealand also list rack boots for this generation Accord, confirming fitment.

On the 2018 Accord, the rack boots (sometimes called bellows or steering gear boots) do the quiet, essential work of keeping grit, water, and road spray out of the inner tie-rod joints and the rack bar seals. Because the car uses EPS, there’s no hydraulic fluid to leak, but contamination can still chew out inner joints, cause stiffness or knock over bumps, and lead to premature rack wear. Healthy boots help the steering stay light, precise, and drama-free.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for rack boots. Instead, they should be inspected at every service. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—heat, UV, and the odd gravel road—boots can harden, crack, or tear with age. If a boot is split, oil/grease is flung out or water has made its way in, it’s time for replacement. Both sides are usually checked and, if one’s gone, the other often isn’t far behind.

• Tell-tales: visible cracks, grease spray on the control arm or subframe, dampness inside the boot, clicking/knocking when turning, or a notchy steering feel.
• Service tips: fit quality boots with new clamps, don’t overpack with grease (use only what the manual specifies), ensure the boot breathes correctly so it doesn’t balloon or collapse.
• Alignment: if the inner or outer tie-rod is disturbed to slip the boot on, get a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear even and the steering centred.
• Compliance: a torn rack boot can cause a WOF/RWC fail, so it’s worth sorting before inspection time.

A competent technician can swap a damaged boot relatively quickly, but if there’s evidence of water ingress or inner joint play, it’s smart to replace the affected inner tie-rod at the same time. That little bit of extra care keeps the Accord’s steering sharp and protects the EPS rack from costly damage down the track.

Popular questions

Does the 2018 Honda Accord have rack boots?
Yes. The 2018 Accord uses an EPS rack-and-pinion with bellows-style rack boots on both ends. They shield the inner tie-rod joints and rack seals from dirt and water, as documented in the Honda Service Manual and parts catalogue.

How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2018 Accord?
There’s no set kilometre interval. They’re a “replace on condition” item—inspect at each service and replace if cracked, torn, or contaminated. In local climates, UV and heat can age the rubber, so regular checks pay off.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?
Usually yes, if the tie-rod was loosened or removed to fit the boot. An alignment keeps the steering straight and prevents uneven tyre wear. If the tie-rod length wasn’t disturbed, some shops may verify toe only.