Parts for your 2022 Ford Transit-Rack boots

2022 Ford Transit rack boots (steering rack bellows)

Rack boots are fitted to the 2022 Ford Transit. Technical sources confirm this: the Ford Workshop Manual (2022 Transit, Section 211-02 Steering System – Rack and Pinion) identifies steering gear bellows/boots on each end of the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack, and the Ford global parts catalogue lists a steering gear boot/bellows service kit for 2020–2023 Transit models. That means rack boots are relevant to servicing and worth keeping an eye on.

On the Transit, rack boots (also called rack gaiters or bellows) seal the inner tie rod joints and exposed sections of the rack, keeping out water, mud, road grit and salt spray, while allowing full steering travel. They also help retain lubrication where it’s needed. Even with an EPAS rack, those flexible bellows are critical to protecting the moving bits, once a boot splits, contaminants can chew out inner tie rods and let moisture into the rack assembly, putting the steering gear at risk.

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand, the boots should be inspected at each service interval or about every 10,000–15,000 kilometres. Look closely after gravel road trips, floodwater exposure, or regular worksite use. A boot can look fine at a glance but show fine cracks when the steering is turned lock-to-lock, so it’s worth a careful check with good lighting.

• Signs it’s time to replace: perished or cracked rubber, tears or pinholes, loose or missing clamps, grease or oil mist on the boot, dirt/sand tracked inside, or uneven front tyre wear from inner tie rod contamination.

When replacing, it’s best practice to do boots in pairs and use OE-quality bellows with proper stainless crimp clamps or specified ear clamps—skip the cable ties. Some EPAS racks use a small breather or equalisation path, make sure any venting isn’t blocked and don’t pack the bellows with excess grease. Outer tie rods usually come off to slide the boot on, so a wheel alignment is required afterwards to set toe correctly. If the steering wheel ends up off-centre, a quick steering angle reset with a scan tool may be needed.

Because split rack boots are a common WOF/RWC fail and can snowball into a costly rack replacement, staying on top of inspections and fixing minor splits early will save a lot of hassle for a 2022 Transit that works hard.

• Does the 2022 Ford Transit have rack boots?
  Yes. The 2022 Transit’s EPAS rack uses bellows/boots on both ends. This is shown in the Ford Workshop Manual (Section 211-02) and the Ford parts catalogue, which lists a steering gear boot/bellows kit for this model range.
• How often should rack boots be replaced?
  There’s no set kilometre interval. They’re replaced on condition—whenever cracks, tears, oil/grease contamination or loose clamps are found, or when inner tie rods are serviced. Inspect at every service, and sooner after harsh road or floodwater use.
• Can driving with a split rack boot damage the steering?
  It can. Water and grit quickly damage inner tie rods and can shorten the life of the EPAS rack, leading to heavy steering, play, noise and expensive repairs. Avoid long drives with a torn boot and book a repair and alignment promptly.