The steering rack boot is composed of rubber material that protects the steering rack from any dirt or debris. The component is responsible for creating a seal at the end of each rack.
Rack and pinion boot conceptThe steering rack boots are designed to protect the steering rack as well as the tie rod ends from any dirt or moisture. The steering rack boot is typically fastened with a clamp, and the boot is made to be accordion-like to allow lateral and vertical movement depending on how the suspension reacts. At one point, the rack boots were composed of plastic but now rack boots are made from rubber.
The high-grade rubber that the rack boot is made from can become exposed due to age and exposure to the harsh environment. Power steering racks deal with fluid that is under high pressure which is retained by the seals at the end of each rack housing. But dirt, debris, and moisture can quickly cause the rack boots to fail.
Common issues with a faulty rack and pinion bootA faulty rack and pinion boot can cause rough steering or the steering rack can fail and lead to a bad driving experience.