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Parts for your 2020 Volkswagen Amarok-Rack boots
2020 Volkswagen Amarok rack boots: what they do and how to look after them
Based on Volkswagen’s factory literature for the Amarok (model code 2H), the 2020 Amarok uses a hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering gear. The Volkswagen Workshop Manual (Running Gear, Axles, Steering) and the VW ETKA parts catalogue both list protective bellows/gaiters—commonly called rack boots—on the steering rack for 2020 Amarok variants. That confirms rack boots are absolutely relevant to this vehicle.
On the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok, the rack boots are there to keep dust, water, mud and grit out of the steering rack while holding grease around the inner tie rods. Think of them as flexible shields for one of the ute’s most hard-working components. For a 4x4 that sees corrugations, paddocks and creek crossings, these boots are vital to avoid contamination that can chew out the rack seals and inner joints.
They’re not a replace-by-date item, but they should be inspected at every service or at least every 10,000–15,000 kilometres. A quick look for splits, perishing, loose clamps, or grease/oil weeping can save a costly steering rack down the track. If there’s power steering fluid collecting inside a boot, that points to an internal rack seal leak and needs attention straight away.
- Typical warning signs: visible cracks or tears, grease flung onto the chassis or wheel arch, notchy steering feel, or moisture/dirt inside the boot.
- Common causes: age-related rubber hardening, stone strikes, lifted suspension changing angles, or snagging off-road.
When replacing rack boots on an Amarok, quality matters—choose OEM or a reputable aftermarket bellows kit with proper clamps. It’s smart to do both sides together, as the other boot is often not far behind once one fails. Replacement involves separating the tie rod end from the knuckle, sliding off the old boot, fitting the new one with correct clamps, and reassembling. Mark the tie rod threads or count turns to keep toe close, but a wheel alignment is still essential afterwards.
- Raise and support the front safely, remove the front wheels for access.
- Loosen the tie rod end locknut, separate the tie rod end from the knuckle.
- Remove clamps, slide off the old boot, clean the rack area carefully.
- Lightly grease the inner lip, slide on the new boot and secure with proper clamps (not cable ties).
- Refit the tie rod end, torque to spec, set the locknut, and book an alignment.
A tidy set of rack boots keeps the Amarok’s steering precise, leak-free, and ready for the next long haul or off-road weekend.
How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2020 Amarok?
There’s no fixed interval. They’re inspected each service and replaced when cracked, torn, loose, or oil-soaked. Vehicles that see off-road use or coastal conditions may need boots sooner due to grit and salt exposure.
Can a 2020 Amarok be driven with a torn rack boot?
It’ll still steer, but it’s risky. Dirt and water can get into the rack and inner tie rod joint quickly, turning a cheap boot job into a pricey rack rebuild. If a boot is torn, minimise driving and get it sorted promptly, then have the wheel alignment checked.
Do Amarok rack boots come with inner tie rods, or are they separate?
They’re typically sold as separate bellows kits with clamps. Some aftermarket inner tie rod kits may include a boot, but most workshops source the boots on their own so they can choose the best-quality bellows for the job.
