Parts for your 2024 Ford Transit-Rack boots

2024 Ford Transit rack-boots: what they do and how to look after them

Based on Ford technical literature, rack-boots are fitted to the 2024 Ford Transit. The Ford Workshop Manual (WSM) for Transit (2015–2024), Section 211‑00 Steering System, shows an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion (EPAS) with steering gear bellows/boots on both ends, along with specified boot clamps and venting. Ford’s parts catalogue for 2024 Transit also lists “Boot — Steering Gear” and associated clamp kits for all drive variants. That confirms rack-boots are relevant to this model.

The rack-boots on a 2024 Transit are the concertina-style bellows that seal the inner tie rods and the ends of the EPAS rack. Their job is simple but critical: keep water, dust and road grit out of the rack, hold the correct grease around the inner tie rod joints, and allow the rack to move freely without contamination. On EPAS setups like the Transit’s, the boots often have a small vent arrangement to equalise pressure as the rack slides, helping the steering feel stay consistent.

Because they sit low and cop a fair bit of road spray, rack-boots are worth a quick look at every service or tyre rotation. Techs usually check for splits in the bellows, perished rubber, loose or damaged clamps, grease flung outwards, or any signs of moisture or grit inside the boot. If a boot’s torn, it should be replaced pronto — running with a split boot can let contaminants chew out the inner tie rod joint or score the rack bar, which gets expensive fast on an EPAS rack.

Replacement is straightforward in capable hands. Use quality boots and the correct crimp or ear clamps rather than cable ties. Keep the boot orientation and any vent tube routing as per Ford’s workshop diagrams so it doesn’t rub on the strut or subframe at full lock. Once an inner tie rod or boot is changed, a wheel alignment is recommended to keep tyres wearing evenly and the steering tracking straight. If one boot has failed from age or heat, doing both sides isn’t a bad shout to save a second visit.

• Tell-tales that a Transit might need rack-boot attention: cracking, splits, oily dampness, dirt inside the bellows, a clunk from the inner tie rod, heavier steering after rain, or uneven tyre wear.
• City couriers and vans on unsealed roads should have the boots inspected more often — think each service interval or every 10–15,000 kilometres.

Popular questions

Do all 2024 Ford Transits have rack-boots?
Yes. Ford’s workshop documentation for the EPAS rack-and-pinion on 2024 Transit shows bellows (rack-boots) on both ends across FWD, RWD and AWD variants. They’re essential to keep grit and water out of the steering gear.

How long do rack-boots usually last on a Transit?
There’s no set lifespan — many last years — but heat, UV, and road debris will age the rubber. Have them inspected at every service. Replace them at the first sign of cracking, tears or loose clamps to protect the rack and inner tie rods.

Can it be driven with a torn rack-boot?
It’ll usually still steer, but it’s risky. A split boot can let in water and grit that quickly damages the inner joint and rack. If a tear’s found, keep driving to a minimum and book a repair and alignment as soon as practical.