Parts for your 2020 Haval H6-Rack boots

2020 Haval H6 rack boots (steering rack bellows)

Rack boots are relevant and fitted to the 2020 Haval H6. Technical sources that confirm this include the GWM/Haval H6 Service Manual (2017–2020) steering system section, which illustrates a rack-and-pinion steering gear with protective bellows (rack boots) on both sides of the rack, and the Haval Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists a steering gear dust boot/bellows for the 2020 H6. General steering references such as the Bosch Automotive Steering Handbook also describe bellows as standard fitment on rack-and-pinion assemblies.

On a 2020 Haval H6, the rack boots (also called bellows or gaiters) are the flexible rubber sleeves that cover the inner tie rod ends and the exposed sections of the steering rack. Their job is simple but crucial: keep water, dust, and road grit out, and keep grease where it belongs. If a boot splits, contaminants can chew through the inner tie rod joint and the rack bar, leading to premature wear, noisy steering, or even corrosion that can knock a steering rack out of action. Left long enough, a torn boot can also allow any lubricant to escape and may be flagged at a WoF or rego inspection.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the H6’s rack boots a quick look whenever the front end is up in the air. A visual check takes seconds: turn the steering from lock to lock and make sure each boot flexes without cracking and that the clamps are snug. If there’s grease or oily residue inside the front rims or on the boot, or if the boot feels stiff and perished, it’s time to act.

Replacing a worn rack boot is a tidy, workshop-friendly job that can save the steering rack. Quality boots are designed to seal tightly with proper clamps, cable ties aren’t a great long-term fix. Once a boot is replaced, an alignment is recommended because the outer tie rod is typically removed or adjusted during the job. If one boot has failed due to age, doing both sides together can be cost-effective and avoids a second visit. In coastal or rural conditions where the H6 sees more dust, mud, or salt spray, inspecting the boots at every service interval is a good habit.

• Signs a rack boot needs attention:
  • Cracks, splits, or loose/missing clamps
  • Grease or oil on the inside of the tyre or control arm
  • Notchy steering feel or a clunk on rough roads
  • WoF/inspection note about a “perished or torn steering gaiter”

Technical sources referenced: GWM/Haval H6 Service Manual (2017–2020) Steering – Rack-and-Pinion assembly diagrams, Haval Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listing for steering gear dust boot/bellows, Bosch Automotive Steering Handbook (bellows function on rack-and-pinion systems).

Does the 2020 Haval H6 have rack boots?

Yes. The H6 uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with a bellows-style boot on each side to protect the inner tie rods and the rack from dust, water, and grit. They’re standard wear-and-tear items that should be inspected during routine servicing.

How often should rack boots be replaced on a 2020 Haval H6?

There’s no fixed kilometre interval, they’re replaced on condition. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, a quick visual check at every service is sensible. Replace boots immediately if they’re cracked, split, or the clamps are loose. Vehicles that see lots of gravel, mud, or salt spray benefit from more frequent checks.

Is it safe to drive with a torn rack boot on a 2020 Haval H6?

Short-term, it may feel fine, but it’s risky. A torn boot can let in water and grit, accelerating wear of the inner tie rod and rack. That can snowball into costly steering repairs and may trigger a WoF failure. Get the boot replaced promptly and have the alignment checked afterwards.