Dust Covers

Nolathane dust covers are tie rod end boots that seal the outer tie rod end on your steering. A tie rod boot, or dust boot, keeps the joint?s grease in and keeps water, road salt and grit out, so the tie rod end can last as long as it should.

A torn boot is easy to miss, and the joint behind it starts wearing as soon as dirt gets in. Replacing the boot early can save the tie rod end. Each listing shows the position and fitment.

Why Tie Rod End Boots Matter

The outer tie rod end connects the steering to the steering knuckle through a ball stud that pivots in a greased socket. The boot seals that socket.

As long as the boot is intact, the grease stays clean and the joint moves smoothly. Once the boot tears, the grease is flung out and water and grit get in. That mix acts like grinding paste, and the socket wears quickly.

A torn boot causes no symptoms at first. There?s no noise and no change in steering feel. By the time you notice play in the steering, the joint is usually already worn out. That?s why checking the boots matters.

Outer Tie Rod End Boots and Inner Rack Bellows

Two different parts are both called ?tie rod boots?, and it?s easy to mix them up.

An outer tie rod boot seals the ball stud of the outer tie rod end, out near the wheel. It?s a small, cone-shaped boot.

Inner ?tie rod boots? are actually rack bellows. These are larger, accordion-shaped boots that cover the ends of the steering rack, where the inner tie rods connect. They protect the rack rather than a ball joint.

This range covers outer tie rod end boots.

Signs of a Damaged Tie Rod Boot

Check the boots whenever the vehicle is on a lift, or when you rotate the tires. Look for:

• Splits or cracks, or a boot that?s hanging loose
• Grease flung around the steering knuckle
• A dry or rusty ball stud
• A boot that was crushed during a previous fitting
• Play in the joint

If the joint has play, the tie rod end itself is worn and needs replacing. A new boot alone won?t fix it.

Saving a Tie Rod End With a New Boot

A new boot is enough when the joint is still sound. That means there?s no play, no rust on the ball stud, and clean grease is still present in the socket.

If you catch a torn boot early, you can clean the joint, re-grease it and fit a new boot, which saves replacing the whole tie rod end. If the tie rod end has a grease fitting, re-grease it through the fitting after the new boot is on.

If the joint has play, is dry, or shows rust, replace the tie rod end and fit a new boot with it.

Polyurethane and Rubber Dust Boots

Rubber boots crack as they age. Ozone, sunlight and constant flexing all break rubber down, which is why so many original boots split after a few years.

Nolathane polyurethane dust boots resist ozone, weathering, oil and grease, so they hold their shape and seal for longer. Polyurethane also stands up well to grit and road salt.

Choosing Tie Rod End Boots

Each listing shows the position and fitment.

Vehicle-Specific Profiles

Tie rod end boots come in different profiles, to suit the shape of each joint. Choose a vehicle-specific boot that matches your tie rod end, so it seals properly around the ball stud and the joint housing.

Front Position and Drivetrain Layout

Tie rod ends sit at the front of the vehicle on most cars, trucks and SUVs. Check the listing to make sure the boot suits your vehicle and drivetrain layout.

Single Boot or Set

If one boot is torn, check the other side too. Boots of the same age usually fail around the same time, so replacing them as a set saves doing the job twice.

Tie Rod Boot Replacement

• Support the vehicle safely
• Remove the cotter pin and nut, then separate the tie rod end from the knuckle with the correct tool
• Remove the old boot and clean the joint
• Fill with grease as specified
• Fit the new boot, making sure the lip is fully seated
• Refit the tie rod end and torque the nut to specification
• Fit a new cotter pin
• Have a wheel alignment done if the tie rod end was disturbed

Tie rod ends are safety-critical steering parts, so qualified fitting is recommended.

Limitations and Trade-Offs

• A new boot can?t repair a worn, loose or rusted joint
• Each boot profile suits specific joints
• Outer boots aren?t rack bellows
• An alignment is needed if the tie rod end?s position changes

Compliance and Insurance

Torn steering boots can fail a safety inspection, so follow the inspection requirements of the state where your vehicle is registered. Tell your insurance company about any modifications.

Warranty and Support

Nolathane polyurethane dust boots carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship, for the original vehicle. If you need help matching a boot to your tie rod end, our local support team can help.

Shop Dust Covers

Replacement boots like these are found in the Nolathane universal auto parts selection.

Find the right tie rod end boots for your vehicle, and order online with fast shipping. Every boot is covered by our fitment guarantee.