Steering Rack Boot Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check boot for crack and damage which, if any, means possibility of rusty gear, entry of dust or lack of grease. Also, check if any of such faulty conditions exists.
Check steering rack boot for dent or breakage.
If there is a dent, keep boot in most compressed state for some seconds to correct dent.

Fig 1: Identifying Rack Boot
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.