Now I am not a cheep skate or anything, but when I replace my shocks and struts, will a torn dustboot that still covers the entire shaft of the strut do? I'm just wondering because after doing some reading, there seems to be just a whole bunch of opinions on various dustboots and I figure if I could reuse my stock ones, I might as well. Rather that then buying new ones for them to tear in a week or two.

 

how badly is it torn? there is a seal on the shock where the piston goes into the cylinder and it can get corroded over time if not covered. that seal is what keeps the fluid in the shock and needs to absorb the force of the fluid inside the unit. the shock will go bad in time without the boot, not immediatly, but over the course of 1000's of miles. a torn boot will protect more than no boot, but not as well as a intact one...

 

Just replace them. They're inexpensive and a crucial part of the suspension. I was planning on reusing my rear dustboots which were intact, and as soon as I pulled one off of the strut piston it fell apart in my hand.

 

Courtesy Nissan has OEM ones at reasonable prices. Much better price then my local dealer. Also the non OEM's are a pain to install. Stick with the OEM's. I know from experience.

 

holy *hit, i replaced my struts like 2000 miles ago and wen i took off the old strut boots there were half torn. My boy did them for me but he say it was alright if the strut boot is off.

 

I believe the main concern is if a rock or something hits the shaft of the strut, it may create a nick that cuts through the seals of the strut. If strut boots are not needed then why do all new cars come with them?

 

Maybe the chance of something like that happening is slim but take a chance just to save a few bucks.

 

yea I totally agree with you and about new cars that have them too. Now I will ahve to get this checked out. Thanks alot