Parts for your 2021 Mitsubishi Asx-Rack boots

2021 Mitsubishi ASX rack boots — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm that rack boots are fitted to the 2021 Mitsubishi ASX and are absolutely relevant. The Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual for ASX/RVR (GK/GU series, electric power steering) illustrates a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-type boots on both sides of the rack. Mitsubishi’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (Group 44: Steering) lists left- and right-hand “Boot, steering gear” for 2021 ASX models, matching industry practice for EPS-equipped racks. That makes rack boots standard equipment on this vehicle.

On the 2021 Mitsubishi ASX, the rack boots (also called steering rack bellows or gaiters) shield the inner tie rods and rack ends from grit, water, and road splash, while helping keep the factory-applied grease where it belongs. Even though the ASX uses electric power steering (so there’s no hydraulic fluid in the boots), the bellows are critical to protect the rack seals and the inner tie rod ball joints. Once a boot splits, sand and moisture can chew out the inner joint, corrode the rack, and cause play, noise, and poor steering feel. It can also lead to a WOF/RWC fail across NZ and Australia.

As part of regular servicing (every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres for most ASX variants), the boots deserve a good look on a hoist with the wheels turned from lock to lock. Technicians watch for cracks, perishing, grease fling, loose or missing clamps, and any signs of rubbing at full lock. If a boot is damaged, it should be replaced promptly. Smart practice is to inspect the inner tie rod for wear at the same time and check the rack for smooth movement.

• Replace any boot that’s split, soft, swollen, or chafed. Use quality, correctly sized clamps rather than cable ties.
• Avoid twisting the boot during fitment, ensure the bellows aren’t kinked at full lock both ways. Equalise air inside the bellows if specified by the workshop guide.
• Lightly re-grease the inner tie rod ball with the specified grease if the manual calls for it. Always follow the factory procedure.
• After boot or inner tie rod work, a wheel alignment check is wise to keep the ASX tracking straight and protect tyres.

Owners in coastal or dusty regions, or who see plenty of gravel road driving, may want mid-interval checks. Catching a small crack early is far cheaper than replacing an inner tie rod or a corroded rack later on.

Popular questions about 2021 Mitsubishi ASX rack boots

How long do rack boots typically last on a 2021 ASX?
On many ASX vehicles, rack boots can last 5–10 years or well past 100,000 kilometres, but heat, UV, road grime, and gravel use can shorten their life. Regular inspection at each service helps pick up ageing rubber before it fails.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack boot?
It’s not recommended. A split boot quickly lets in water and grit, accelerating wear of the inner tie rod and rack ends. It can become a safety and legal issue, as a torn boot can trigger a WOF/RWC fail. Replacing the boot promptly helps avoid bigger steering repairs.

Do electric power steering ASX models still need rack boots, and do they hold fluid?
Yes, EPS ASX models still use rack boots. The boots don’t contain power steering fluid, they simply act as protective bellows. If a boot looks wet, it’s usually road splash, engine fluid from elsewhere, or grease—not power steering oil on an EPS-equipped ASX.