Parts for your 2020 Audi Q5-Rack boots

2020 Audi Q5 rack-boots (steering rack bellows) — purpose, care and service

Yes, the 2020 Audi Q5 (FY platform) is fitted with steering rack boots. Technical documentation confirms this: Audi AG’s erWin/ElsaPro Repair Manual for Q5 FY (Group 48 – Steering) includes procedures to replace the steering gear protective boot, and the Audi ETKA electronic parts catalogue for the Q5 FY lists a “protective boot, steering gear” for the rack-and-pinion assembly. Electric power steering or not, the rack still uses bellows boots over the inner tie rods to keep grit and moisture out.

On the 2020 Q5, these rubber bellows do a simple but critical job. They seal the inner tie rod joints and the polished rack bar from road grime, water and gravel, and they help retain the light grease that keeps the inner joints smooth. If a boot splits, contaminants get in and can chew out the inner joint or even mark the rack surface. That leads to play at the wheel, clunks over bumps, vague steering, and in worst cases, damage to the steering gear. Because this model uses electric power steering, there’s no hydraulic fluid in the boot, but moisture inside the bellows can still corrode components and upset steering feel.

As part of routine servicing, the workshop should inspect both boots every service interval (or roughly every 15,000 km), turning the steering from lock to lock to see the full bellows. Any cracking, oil-soaked rubber, loose clamps, or evidence of dirt under the boot means it’s time to replace. A torn rack boot can also cause a WOF/roadworthy inspection fail in NZ or Australia.

• Common signs of trouble: visible splits, grease fling on the inner rim/undertray, a light knock on direction changes, or uneven tyre wear from toe shift.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: measure toe or count tie-rod threads, separate the outer tie-rod end, remove the old boot and clamps, clean and lightly re-grease the inner joint as specified, then install a new OE-quality boot with proper crimp or ear clamps (not cable ties). After any tie-rod or boot work, a wheel alignment is strongly recommended. Many workshops replace boots in pairs for even ageing, and they’ll renew single-use clamps as required.

There’s no set kilometre lifespan—heat, age and road conditions dictate when they go. Early replacement is cheap insurance against inner tie-rod or rack wear, keeping the Q5’s steering sharp and compliant.

Popular questions about 2020 Audi Q5 rack-boots

Do all 2020 Audi Q5s have rack boots?
They do. Regardless of trim or engine, the FY-platform Q5 uses a rack-and-pinion with electric assistance and protective bellows over the inner tie rods. These boots shield the rack bar and inner joints from the elements.

How often should the rack boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. They’re inspected at each service and replaced on condition—cracks, tears, loose clamps, or contamination inside the boot. In harsh climates or with lots of gravel driving, expect earlier ageing.

Can it be driven with a torn rack boot?
It’ll usually drive, but it’s not wise. A torn boot invites grit and water into the inner joint and over the rack bar, accelerating wear. Book a repair promptly and get an alignment afterwards to keep steering true and tyres wearing evenly.