Parts for your 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Rack boots

2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross rack-boots: what they do and when to replace them

Based on Mitsubishi’s factory documentation for the Eclipse Cross steering system (Workshop Manual, Steering – Rack and Pinion section) and the Mitsubishi electronic parts catalogue (ASA/EPC), the 2024 Eclipse Cross uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with protective bellows, commonly called rack-boots or steering rack gaiters. These boots sit over the inner tie-rod area at each end of the rack to keep dust, water and grit out of the steering gear.

On the 2024 Eclipse Cross, which runs electric power steering (EPS), the rack-boots aren’t there to hold hydraulic fluid, instead, they provide a flexible, sealed barrier that protects the rack bar and inner tie-rod joints. Keeping contaminants out preserves the grease inside, prevents corrosion on the rack surface, and helps the steering stay light, quiet and precise over the long haul.

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to have the rack-boots inspected at each service interval (typically every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first). Technicians look for splits, perished rubber, loose or missing clamps, and any signs of grit or moisture inside the boot. A torn boot can quickly allow water in, accelerating wear of the inner tie rod and even the rack itself—an avoidable expense compared with a simple boot replacement.

• Look for cracking or splitting in the bellows folds.
• Check clamps for tightness and correct positioning on the grooves.
• Watch for uneven tyre wear or steering play that may hint at inner tie-rod wear from contamination.
• Any oily residue near the boot on an EPS rack is usually from another source, still worth investigating under the bonnet.

When replacing rack-boots on a 2024 Eclipse Cross, quality matters. Use OE or OE-equivalent boots and one-time clamps that hold firm without cutting into the rubber. The job typically involves removing the outer tie-rod end, sliding the old boot off, cleaning the rack surface, and fitting the new boot without twisting the bellows. It’s good practice to refresh the inner joint’s grease if contamination is suspected. Because the outer tie rod is disturbed, a wheel alignment (toe adjustment) should follow to keep steering straight and protect tyres. A clean, intact rack-boot is also a common WOF/roadworthy inspection item—if it’s split, expect a fail until it’s replaced.

Popular questions about 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross rack-boots

How often should rack-boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed replacement interval. They’re an inspect-and-replace item: check at every service or any time the front end is worked on. If a boot is cracked, split, hardened, or its clamps are loose, replace it straight away to protect the rack and inner tie rod.

What are the signs a rack-boot has failed?
Visible tears in the bellows, missing clamps, grit or moisture inside the boot, and new steering play or knocks over bumps are tell-tales. Uneven tyre wear can follow if an inner tie rod starts wearing after contamination gets in.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack-boot?
It’s not a good idea. Water and road grit can quickly damage the inner tie rod and rack surface, turning a small job into a bigger one. In NZ and AU, a split boot can also lead to a failed WOF/roadworthy. Book the repair and a wheel alignment as soon as practicable.