Parts for your 2020 Mazda 3-Rack boots

2020 Mazda3 rack boots — fitted, important, and worth a look at each service

Rack boots are absolutely used on the 2020 Mazda3 (BP series). Mazda’s BP-series Workshop Manual and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue list protective steering rack bellows (also called steering gear or tie-rod boots) on both sides of the electric power steering rack, so the part is relevant to this model. Even though the Mazda3 runs electric power assist (not hydraulic), the rack-and-pinion still needs flexible boots to keep dust, water, and grit away from the inner tie rods and rack bar.

On this Mazda3, the rack boots seal the moving bits while allowing full steering travel. They stop road splash and debris from chewing out the inner tie rod joints and rack seals, and they help keep the factory-applied grease where it needs to be. Split or perished boots can let in water, leading to corrosion, stiffness, or play in the steering – issues that can snowball into costly rack or tie-rod replacements and can even cause a WOF/RWC fail.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for rack boots on the 2020 Mazda3, the smart move is to inspect them at each service. A quick visual under the front end goes a long way.

• What to look for:
  • Cracks, splits, or oil/grease slung onto the subframe
  • Loose or missing clamps at either end of the boot
  • Moisture or grit inside the bellows, or a boot that feels brittle
  • New knocks, vague on-centre feel, or uneven tyre wear
• Replacement tips for this model:
  • Use OEM or OEM-equivalent boots and proper ear or band clamps
  • Do not pack extra grease into the boot, follow Mazda specs only
  • Avoid twisting the bellows, ensure free movement lock-to-lock
  • If the inner tie rod is disturbed, torque to spec and organise a wheel alignment
  • If one boot has failed due to age, consider inspecting the opposite side closely as well

Kept intact, the rack boots on a 2020 Mazda3 quietly protect the steering for years. Catch a torn boot early and it’s a quick, affordable fix, leave it, and the bill can escalate to inner tie rods or a steering rack.

Popular questions about 2020 Mazda3 rack boots

Do all 2020 Mazda3 models have rack boots?
Yes. Regardless of trim, the BP-series Mazda3 uses an electric rack-and-pinion with protective bellows on both sides. Mazda’s service literature and parts listings show these boots as standard components.

How often should the rack boots be replaced?
There’s no set kilometre interval. They’re a “replace on condition” item: inspect at every service. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions (heat, UV, road grime), ageing rubber can crack, so keep an eye out from around the 60,000–100,000 km mark or sooner if you drive on rough or unsealed roads.

Can a home mechanic replace the rack boots?
It’s doable with basic tools, tie-rod end separators, and suitable clamps. The key is not to damage the boot, not to twist the bellows, and to refit the tie-rod end so toe is close. A professional wheel alignment afterward is strongly recommended.