Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2018 Subaru Exiga-Rack boots
Explore 4WD & Adventure
2018 Subaru Exiga rack boots — what they do and when to replace
Yes, the 2018 Subaru Exiga is fitted with rack boots. Technical documentation backs this up: the Subaru service manual for the Exiga/Crossover 7 (YA platform) shows a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-type boots at each end, and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue lists “steering rack boot/gaiter” for MY2018 Exiga variants. So rack boots are relevant to this model and form part of the steering gear’s dust and moisture protection.
Rack boots (also called rack gaiters) are flexible bellows that seal the inner tie rod and the ends of the steering rack. Their job is to keep water, grit, and road muck out of the rack seals and inner joints, and to hold the right amount of lubricant around the inner tie rod ball. On many Subarus there’s also a small breather/equaliser tube linking both boots so the rack can move without building pressure.
When a boot splits or perishes, contaminants get in, the inner tie rod can wear, and the rack seals may cop damage. Drivers might notice a light knock on bumps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, or grease flung around the inner guard. On hydraulic systems you might also see oily residue inside the boot, on electric power steering it’s usually dry dirt ingress that does the harm. A split boot can also fail a WOF/roadworthy.
As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the Exiga’s rack boots every 10,000–15,000 km or at each service. Look for cracks, tears, hardened rubber, loose clamps, or contamination. If a boot’s compromised, replace it promptly—often both sides are done together to keep things even. Choose quality OEM or equivalent boots and stainless clamps, especially for coastal Aussie and Kiwi conditions.
- Record toe or turns on the outer tie rod so reassembly is close, then remove the tie rod end.
- Undo the inner tie rod with the proper tool, torque to factory spec on re-fit (check the Subaru manual).
- Wipe the rack end clean, add the recommended grease to the inner joint if specified.
- Slide on the new boot, orient correctly, reconnect any breather tube, and secure new clamps without twisting the bellows.
- Refit the tie rod end and organise a wheel alignment—the car will need it.
Done right, replacement is a straightforward job that protects the Exiga’s steering gear for the long haul and keeps steering feel tight and predictable.
Popular questions
How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2018 Subaru Exiga?
There’s no fixed interval, they’re replaced when worn or damaged. With regular checks at each service, many last years. If the rubber shows cracking or is oily, or the clamps are loose, it’s time to swap them out before dirt chews out the inner tie rods or rack seals.
Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing rack boots?
Yes. Even if the outer tie rod is counted back the same number of turns, minor differences can nudge toe out of spec. A proper alignment saves your tyres and restores the Exiga’s straight-line stability.
What are the signs a rack boot has failed?
Look for visible splits, grease flung on the chassis, dirt inside the bellows, a light clunk over bumps, or uneven tyre wear. On hydraulic systems you may see oil in or around the boot. Any of these warrants inspection and likely replacement.
