I was taking a look at my front brake pads when I saw this:



I'm not the most mechanically inclined (though I'm trying to learn), so I have some questions:

1) How bad is this? Or, how critical is it that I get this fixed right away?

2) What can happen if I leave it alone and don't get it fixed?

3) How many hours should a competent shop need to replace the boot? I assume the strut has to come off, etc.

Thanks.

 

Dont worry about it. It just protects it from dirt etc from getting inside the seal causing a leak. I know alot of ppl who dont use them anyway. My stock struts had 212K on them and the boot was all shredded little tiny pieces left but it didnt hurt them without it

 

1) Not a big deal. 2) Nothing really.... 3)I wouldn't bother.

 

I 2nd that opinion, just drive until you need to replace the shocks and do it then. A shop will charge you to take it off and put it back on.

 

Boots for struts are not needed at all, When I installed my agxs I didnt even put them on.

 

mines torn but who cares as other people are saying it too. I mean when the car is back on the ground, they barely show cause it is compressed unlike when the car is raised.

 

I bet all Maxima's with stock shocks have this problem, mine does.

 

same here

 

Great. Thanks guys.

 

Mine are ripped also no problem at all