Do you need boots on struts?
Shocks can be run without boots and will function perfectly. In fact, many offroaders who deal with large amounts of mud will recommend not using boots at all because boots can trap mud against the shock rod and over time can cause pitting in the rod or lead to failure in the seal.
Is a torn strut boot bad?
Can a Damaged Strut Boot Be Repaired? The short answer is no—damaged strut boots can’t be repaired. Do not attempt to patch up these rubber boots with adhesives or sealants, as that could cause more harm than good to your vehicle’s suspension system. Worn shock and strut boots should only be replaced—never repaired.
How much does it cost to have struts replaced?
A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100 on parts and labor combined. An individual shock and strut assembly costs around $150 to $900, while estimated labor costs for replacing a shock and strut assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per assembly.
When do you need to replace your strut boots?
Worn strut boots must be replaced as soon as you notice visible signs of damage. If the boots look torn or damaged in any way, it’s probably time for a replacement. Some vehicles may require a strut boot replacement earlier than others because of varying driving habits and road conditions.
What is the purpose of a strut boot?
The strut boot is just a rubber bellows that surrounds the strut rod which protects it from debris. I’ve seen many vehicles where this boot was either ripped or rotted away where it no longer protected the strut rod.
What happens if your shocks and struts fail?
The strut also affects ride comfort and handling, so if it fails, you can expect your vehicle to experience drivability issues. Using shock and strut boots can extend the service life of your vehicle’s shocks and struts. However, like other components, they may eventually wear down over time.
Are there Bellows on top of the struts?
There is still another series of seals at the top of the strut body to keep contamination out. A lot of struts don’t even have these bellows and chances are, the new struts the repair shop was trying to sell you won’t come with them either. ok4450 July 6, 2016, 1:06am #5