Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Rack boots

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross rack-boots: what they do and how to look after them

Based on Mitsubishi Motors’ Eclipse Cross (GK/GL) Service Manual – Steering (ST) and the Mitsubishi ASA/EPC parts catalogue for the 2018 model year, this vehicle uses an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear fitted with bellows-style rack boots (also called steering rack gaiters). So rack-boots are absolutely relevant and fitted on the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

On the Eclipse Cross, the rack-boots are the flexible bellows on each end of the steering rack. Their job is simple but vital: keep grit, water, and road grime out, and keep the rack grease in. That protection helps the inner tie rods, rack bar, and rack seals live a long, quiet life. Even though the Eclipse Cross runs electric power steering (no hydraulic fluid), a split boot still invites corrosion and abrasive contamination that can chew out inner joints and seals, and lead to grease seepage and premature rack wear.

Inspections are easy to build into regular servicing. At each service interval (typically every 10,000–15,000 km in AU/NZ) or when doing a WOF/reg check, turn the steering lock-to-lock and look along the bellows. Any cracking, oil/grease spray, missing clips, or a boot that’s slipped off its seat is a red flag. If a boot’s damaged, replace it straight away, this is one of those small fixes that prevents a very big bill later.

When replacing a rack boot, use quality OE or equivalent boots sized for the Eclipse Cross EPS rack rather than a loose “universal” fit that can chafe. New clamps should be fitted, many are single-use. If the inner tie rod has to be loosened or removed to slide the boot on, expect to need a wheel alignment afterwards. A competent workshop typically books around an hour per side depending on access and how seized the tie rod hardware is.

For owners doing plenty of gravel, coastal, or rural kilometres, more frequent checks are smart, as dust and salt can accelerate deterioration of the rubber. Keeping the bellows intact helps the steering feel tight and predictable, and it’s one of the cheapest bits of preventive maintenance on the car.

• Watch for cracking, splits, loose/missing clamps, or grease flung onto the subframe.
• Replace immediately if damaged, don’t wait for noises or steering play.
• Ask for an alignment if the tie rods were disturbed during replacement.

Popular questions about 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross rack-boots

Does the 2018 Eclipse Cross actually have rack-boots?
Yes. The 2018 Eclipse Cross uses an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear with a bellows boot on each side. Mitsubishi’s factory Service Manual (Steering section) and the Mitsubishi ASA/EPC parts catalogue both list the steering gear boot/gaiter as a serviceable component for this model.

How often should the rack-boots be checked or replaced?
They should be inspected at every service or WOF/reg inspection, typically every 10,000–15,000 km. Replace the boots immediately if they’re split, perished, or the clamps are loose. There’s no set replacement age—condition is the guide—but cars driven on gravel or near the coast benefit from more frequent checks.

Is it safe to drive with a split rack-boot?
Short, gentle trips might be possible, but it’s not a good idea. A torn boot lets in dust and water that can damage the inner tie rod and rack surfaces, leading to play, noise, and costly rack issues. Best move is to replace the boot as soon as practical and have the alignment checked if tie rods were disturbed.