Parts for your 2022 Mazda Cx-5-Rack boots

2022 Mazda CX-5 rack-boots — what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2022 Mazda CX‑5 is fitted with rack‑boots. Mazda’s workshop manual for the KF‑series CX‑5 (which includes MY22) and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue both show bellows‑style steering rack boots on each end of the electric power steering rack, covering the inner tie rods. Many OEM and aftermarket catalogues list “steering gear boots” for the 2017–2022 CX‑5, confirming they’re a standard, serviceable item.

On this CX‑5, the rack‑boots (also called steering rack bellows) keep grit, water and road grime off the polished rack bar and inner tie rod joints. With electric power steering there’s no hydraulic fluid to leak, but those bellows still matter: once torn, contaminants can chew out the inner tie rod ball sockets, corrode the rack, and ultimately shorten the life of the steering gear. Protecting a pricey EPS rack with a pair of inexpensive boots is a no‑brainer.

Inspection’s straightforward and should be done at every service interval (about every 10–15,000 km, or annually). With the vehicle on a hoist, turn the steering from lock to lock and check each boot for splits, perishing near the pleats, loose or missing clamps, and any sign of grit tracked inside. In dusty or coastal conditions, look closer and more often.

Replacement is a quick, tidy job for a workshop: the outer tie‑rod end is removed, the old boot and clamps come off, and a new boot is slid on with fresh OE‑style ear clamps. It’s smart to replace boots in pairs and to book a wheel alignment afterwards, because the tie‑rod end position is disturbed during the process. Avoid cable ties, proper band clamps keep the seal tight without cutting into the rubber. If the old boot was torn for a while, have the tech check the inner tie rod for play and the rack bar for scoring before reassembly.

• Tell‑tale signs it’s time: visible cracks or tears, boot full of dirt, uneven or notchy steering, and a WOF/roadworthy knock‑back for “split steering boot”.
• Use quality rubber boots matched to the CX‑5’s rack, cheap universal bellows often don’t seal well or foul on full lock.
• After installation, recheck clamp seating after a few drives and keep the area free of built‑up mud and road debris.

Popular questions about 2022 Mazda CX‑5 rack‑boots

Do all 2022 CX‑5 models have rack‑boots?
Yes. Regardless of front‑ or all‑wheel drive, petrol or diesel, the 2022 CX‑5 uses an electric rack‑and‑pinion steering gear with a bellows boot on each side. They’re shown in Mazda’s service literature and parts diagrams as steering gear boots, fitted over the inner tie rods.

How often should rack‑boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed mileage—boots are replaced on condition. Have them inspected at each service. If a boot is cracked, loose or torn, replace it immediately to prevent grit getting into the inner tie rod and rack. In harsh, dusty or off‑road use, expect more frequent attention.

Can someone drive with a split rack‑boot?
Short trips won’t strand a driver, but it’s not a good idea. A split boot lets in water and abrasive dust, which can rapidly wear inner tie rods and the rack bar. It can also fail a WOF/roadworthy. Get it replaced promptly and have a wheel alignment done afterwards.