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Parts for your 2019 Ford Ranger-Rack boots
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2019 Ford Ranger rack-boots: fitted and worth keeping in top nick
Rack-boots are absolutely used on the 2019 Ford Ranger (PX MkIII). This model runs a rack-and-pinion steering gear with electric power assist (EPAS), and each end of the steering rack is protected by a rubber bellows boot. Technical confirmation comes from the Ford Workshop Manual for the 2019 Ranger PX MkIII (Section 211-02A Power Steering), which details inspection and replacement of the steering gear boot, and from Ford’s parts catalog listings for “Boot — Steering Gear” applicable to T6 Rangers. Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., MOOG and Repco) also list direct-fit rack boot kits for 2015–2022 Rangers.
On this ute, the rack-boots keep dust, water, and grit out of the inner tie-rods and rack seals while letting the steering move freely. They’re a simple bit of rubber, but if they split or the clamps loosen, mud and moisture can sneak in, chewing out the inner tie-rod and risking corrosion inside the rack. EPAS doesn’t have hydraulic fluid like the old systems, so the boots aren’t there to hold oil, they’re purely protective bellows that stop contamination and keep the factory grease where it should be.
As part of regular servicing, it’s smart for owners or techs to eyeball the rack-boots, especially if the Ranger sees gravel roads, beach work, or river crossings. Look for cracking, perishing, oil-stained grime, or loose/missing clamps. Any damage means replacement—sooner rather than later—because once grit gets inside, the bill can jump from a low-cost boot to a pricier inner tie-rod or rack job.
- Tell-tale signs a rack-boot needs replacing:
- Visible splits, perished rubber, or grease flicked onto the lower control arm.
- Loose or broken clamps, or water/mud inside the boot.
- Free play or clunks traced to the inner tie-rod (after contamination).
Good practice on a 2019 Ranger is to inspect the boots at every service interval and after heavy off-road sessions. Replace in axle pairs if one side has clearly aged. Use quality OE-style clamps rather than cable ties, seat the boot fully on its grooves, and don’t twist it during fitment. The job usually involves removing the outer tie-rod end, marking toe helps, but a proper wheel alignment afterwards is the go. Keeping those bellows tidy protects the EPAS rack, preserves steering feel, and saves money down the track—too easy.
Technical sources referenced: Ford Workshop Manual (2019 Ranger PX MkIII, Section 211-02A Power Steering – Steering gear boot inspection/replacement), Ford Parts Catalog (Boot — Steering Gear, T6 Ranger applications), and major aftermarket fitment guides (MOOG/Repco) listing rack-boot kits for 2015–2022 Rangers.
Popular questions about 2019 Ford Ranger rack-boots
Do all 2019 Ford Rangers have rack-boots?
Yes. Regardless of trim, the PX MkIII uses an EPAS rack-and-pinion that relies on a bellows boot at each end to shield the inner tie-rods and rack from dust and water. It’s a standard fitment noted in the Ford Workshop Manual and parts catalogue.
How often should rack-boots be checked or replaced?
Check at every service and after off-road or water crossings. There’s no fixed replacement interval—swap them when cracking, splits, or loose clamps show up. Early replacement is cheap insurance against inner tie-rod and rack wear.
Is a split rack-boot a WOF/roadworthy issue?
Commonly, yes. A torn boot that allows contamination can lead to a fail on safety inspections and can accelerate wear of steering components. Replacing the boot and getting a wheel alignment restores compliance and steering performance.
