The dust covers for the front and rear struts available through Nissan seem a bit expensive:
Part Number Description INTERNET PRICE
54055-85E00 COVER-DUST $9.10
55241-65E00 BUMPER-BOU $27.85
Does anyone know if these prices are each or for a pair?
Also, are their suitable boots available at any regular auto parts store, or do these really need to be vehicle-specific?
Problem is, I'm right in middle of swapping out my struts and springs and I've noticed the boots are torn. I really don't want to leave everything taken apart while I wait for new boots to arrive in the mail.

 

Can be purchased at your local parts house. More than likely the price they gave you is for each. I got mine from the Monroe catalog and I payed $15 each.

 

Thanks. However, given my tight schedule, I have opted for the "duct tape" mod I found at Matt's (? I think) web site http://gen3.4mg.com/cgi-bin/i/librar...ion/front3.jpg (hehe)

 

why do we need the boot dust cover? with one ripped does it, ruin the strut/shock?

 

i'm currently running with the saran wrap and zip tie mod to the strut boot, front both sides.

 

The boot protects your investment, any dirt that gets on the piston will ruin the seal and the strut will eventually fail. my 2 cents

 

Beside what Eric stated. It will be quite expensive to
replace your half-shafts and any related components if
you don't use the boot to protect it from dirt, but most
of all from water. The amount of money you spend on the
boot is dirt cheap compare to the amount of money you
would be spending replacing your whole front end..
Don't skimp on the boot. BUY THE BOOT!!!

Mike

 

Somewhere along the line it went from "strut" boot to "half shaft" boot. I have to agree, the minor cost for the boot will protect your investment (KYB,Tokico,OEM,etc.)

But, I have to be realistic.
If I "wasn't" mechanically incline I probably would have gone the way of some kind of home replacement kit like the others. You just have to make sure which ever home replacement kit you use, it's sealed properly and could withstand the elements. Paying the labor cost just for replacememt boots kinda high, especially if it's not time for strut replacement

But, if you are mechanically incline
The labor cost is free, so the $25-$30 for the strut boot is minor compared to your investment. Besides I changed my strut boots because I had my strut assembly apart when I was installing my camber/caster plates check my homepage, LOL

 

Yes, just to clarify, I meant the dust boots on the struts. Kinda funny, both of the front ones were separated about 2" from the bottom, which is where I duct-taped them together, and both of the rears were in good shape. Anyway, I'll order some new ones for the front and replace them later. I just couldn't leave my front-end taken apart while I wait for new dust boots.
Other than that, everything else went rather smoothly, and I love my new Tokico/Eibach suspension