Genuine Mazda Steering Rack Boot Outer Spring Clip • NE51-32-128

Genuine Mazda Steering Rack Boot Outer Spring Clip

Replacement Genuine Mazda steering-rack boot retaining spring clip for all Mazda MX-5 Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC models with 1.8- or 2.0-litre petrol engines.

This spring clip fits around the narrow outer end of the steering-rack boot where the rubber bellows meets the inner tie rod. It holds the boot securely against the rod while allowing the steering linkage to move normally.

The steering-rack boot protects the rack mechanism and inner tie-rod joint from water, dirt and road contamination. A missing, weakened or incorrectly fitted clip can allow the boot to move away from its seating surface and reduce the protection provided to the steering components.

The same clip is used on the left- and right-hand sides. Two clips are fitted per vehicle, while this listing supplies one Genuine Mazda clip.

• Part type: Steering-rack boot retaining spring clip
• Common names: Rack-gaiter clip / bellows clip / track-rod boot clamp
• Mazda catalogue description: Clip / boot-kit clamp
• System: Steering rack and linkage
• Installation position: Outer, narrow end of the steering-rack boot
• Mounting location: Around the boot where it fits over the inner tie rod
• Side application: Left or right
• Quantity fitted per vehicle: 2
• Quantity supplied: 1 clip
• Steering-rack boot included: No
• Inner tie rod included: No
• Outer track-rod end included: No
• Inner boot clamp included: No
• Brand: Genuine Mazda
• Part No.: NE51-32-128
• Associated steering-rack boot: NE59-32-12X
• Associated inner tie rod / rack end: NE51-32-240
• MX-5 fitment: Mk3, Mk3.5 and Mk3.75 NC

Typical reasons for replacement:

• Original clip missing after previous steering repairs
• Clip stretched, distorted or weakened during removal
• Clip heavily corroded
• Steering-rack boot being replaced
• Inner tie rod being removed or renewed
• Boot no longer held tightly against the tie rod
• Incorrect cable tie or universal clamp previously fitted
• Original clip damaged while removing a perished rack boot

Quantity advice: One clip is used at the outer end of each steering-rack boot. This listing supplies one clip; order two when replacing the clips on both sides.

Position advice: This is the small outer clip fitted around the rack boot at the inner tie rod. It should not be confused with the larger clamp securing the inner end of the boot to the steering-rack housing.

Replacement advice: Inspect the steering-rack boot before fitting the clip. Replace the boot if it is split, perished, punctured, oil-contaminated or no longer seats correctly against the tie rod.

Steering inspection: With the boot released, inspect the inner tie-rod joint for excessive movement and check the steering rack for corrosion, contamination or fluid leakage as applicable.

Installation advice: Ensure the boot is fully seated in its locating groove before installing the spring clip. The clip must sit evenly around the boot without trapping, twisting or cutting the rubber.

Other items to inspect: Check the steering-rack boot, larger inner boot clamp, inner tie rod, track-rod locking nut, outer track-rod end and corresponding components on the opposite side.

Useful tools / consumables: Vehicle lift or axle stands, suitable pliers or clip-installation tool, trim pick, steering-component spanners, rubber-safe cleaner and alignment equipment where the track rod is disturbed.

Difficulty guide: DIY Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Clip installation is straightforward with access available, although removal of surrounding steering components may be necessary when replacing the rack boot.

Why Genuine Mazda? Genuine Mazda retaining clips match the original diameter, spring tension and steering-rack boot arrangement. Correct retention helps keep the bellows seated without relying on an unsuitable universal clamp or cable tie.

What’s in the box: One Genuine Mazda steering-rack boot outer spring clip, part number NE51-32-128.

Installation notes: Raise and support the vehicle safely where required. Position the steering-rack boot correctly over the inner tie rod and confirm that the rubber is fully seated and not twisted. Expand the spring clip only as much as necessary, place it in the boot’s outer retaining groove and confirm that it sits evenly around the complete circumference. Check that the boot can extend and compress normally as the steering moves from lock to lock.