Parts for your 2020 Mazda Bt-50-Rack boots

2020 Mazda BT-50 rack boots: purpose, care, and when to replace

Yes, the 2020 Mazda BT-50 is fitted with rack boots. Technical sources including the Mazda BT-50 UP/UR Workshop Manual (2011–2020), the Mazda BT-50 TF Service Information (released 2020), and Mazda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue list a “steering gear boot” (rack boot) for both the Ford-based UP/UR and the later Isuzu-based TF models. Whether the ute uses hydraulic power steering (UP/UR) or electric assist (TF), the steering gear is rack-and-pinion with bellows-style boots on each end.

On a 2020 BT-50, rack boots shield the inner tie rods and rack bar from grit, water, and mud, while keeping grease where it belongs. They also help protect the rack seals (on hydraulic systems). That’s especially important for Aussie and Kiwi conditions—corrugations, river crossings, beach runs, and job-site dust can quickly chew through unprotected steering gear.

Rack boots are a simple item to keep an eye on during servicing. They should be checked at every service or roughly every 10,000–15,000 kilometres, and after heavy off-road use. Look for perishing, cracks, splits, or loose clamps. If the ute has hydraulic assist (UP/UR), fluid inside a boot can point to a leaking rack seal. On TF models with electric assist, any moisture or dirt inside the boot signals a compromised seal or torn bellows.

• Visible splits, tears, or missing clamps
• Grease or fluid contamination around the boot
• Steering play, stiffness, or knocking over bumps
• Uneven tyre wear that hints at inner tie-rod wear
• Water or grit found inside the boot

When replacing, quality matters—OE-style boots with proper ear or band clamps seal better than generic cable ties. Avoid twisting the bellows during install and ensure the breather path isn’t pinched so the boot can expand and contract. It’s smart to inspect the inner tie rods at the same time, if they’re loose, replace them. Any time a tie rod is disturbed, book a wheel alignment. For UP/UR hydraulic racks, follow the workshop manual for grease type on the inner joint and torque specs, TF electric racks have different procedures, but the same care applies.

If a boot is torn, don’t delay—leaving it will fast-track rack wear and can lead to a WOF/RWC fail and a much pricier steering repair down the track.

• Are rack boots fitted to a 2020 Mazda BT-50?
  Yes. Both the late UP/UR (Ford-based) and the TF (Isuzu-based) 2020 BT-50 models use rack-and-pinion steering with bellows-style rack boots on each end of the rack. This is confirmed in Mazda workshop manuals and the Mazda EPC under “steering gear boot”.
• How often should the rack boots be checked or replaced?
  Inspect them at every service or 10,000–15,000 km, and after deep water or mud. Replace immediately if cracked, split, loose, or contaminated. Many owners change boots in pairs when one has failed, especially if the ute sees off-road work.
• Will a torn rack boot fail a WOF/RWC?
  Often, yes. A damaged boot can allow grit and water into the steering gear, leading to play, noise, and accelerated wear. Inspectors commonly mark torn boots as a fail item, and it’s cheaper to replace a boot than a rack.