Parts for your 2017 Haval H6-Rack boots

2017 Haval H6 — Steering Rack Boots (Rack Bellows/Gaiters)

Referencing the GWM/Haval H6 factory workshop manual for steering (rack-and-pinion assembly), the GWM electronic parts catalogue, and common service data used in Australia and New Zealand (e.g., Autodata), the 2017 Haval H6 is fitted with steering rack boots on both ends of the rack. So yes — rack boots are relevant parts on this model.

On a 2017 Haval H6, the rack boots (also called bellows or gaiters) are the flexible, accordion-style rubber sleeves that seal the ends of the steering rack where the inner tie rods live. Their job is dead simple and super important: keep dust, water, and road grime out of the rack and inner joints, and keep the factory grease in. Whether the H6 is equipped with electric power steering or a hydraulic setup in a given market, it still uses rack boots — the assist type doesn’t change the need for those protective bellows.

As part of regular servicing, rack boots should be inspected any time the H6 is on a hoist — typically at each service interval or tyre rotation. Look for splits, perishing, oil or grease weeping, detached clamps, or boots that are sitting twisted. If a boot is torn, grit sneaks in and chews out the inner tie rod and the rack gear surprisingly quickly, leading to play in the steering, a heavy feel, or a knocking sound over bumps. If left, that can turn a cheap boot job into a pricey rack replacement.

• Replace torn or perished boots in pairs where practical.
• Use quality, vented boots that match the rack diameter and stroke, avoid cable ties — use proper clamps.
• Clean the inner joint, regrease per the workshop manual, and orient the boot so it doesn’t kink at full lock.
• If the outer tie rod end is removed, get a wheel alignment afterwards to protect your tyres and steering feel.
• Check inner tie rod play while you’re there, a damaged boot often means the inner joint is on its way out.

There’s no fixed kilometre-based replacement interval for rack boots — they’re replaced on condition. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions (heat, UV, gravel), ageing can accelerate, so catching a small split early is the smartest, cheapest move.

Does the 2017 Haval H6 actually have rack boots, and where are they?
Yes. The H6 uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with a flexible boot on each end of the rack. You’ll spot them behind the front wheels, tucked inboard on the steering rack where the inner tie rods meet the rack housing.

How often should rack boots be checked or replaced on a 2017 H6?
Check them at every service or tyre rotation. Replace them as soon as cracks, splits, or loose clamps are found. There’s no set kilometre interval — it’s condition-based, and early replacement prevents inner tie rod and rack damage.

Will a torn rack boot fail a WOF or rego inspection?
Quite possibly. A split boot that exposes steering components to contamination is commonly flagged. If play is found in the inner tie rod or the rack has been contaminated, expect additional repair work and an alignment.