humaras

Yesterday I took my car to get an oil change and have the tires rotated. WHen the mechanic took off the wheels, I noticed that the rear driver side shock cover had been torn. I hope I am referring to the right part. There is a piece of rubber "boot-like" cover that covers the shock on the spring. I was just wondering if I need to replace it since it it is torn. The mechanic said that the boot cover is to protect from dirt and foreign objects. I know that the CV joint has something similar and that those boot covers need to be replaced if torn. I was wondering if it is the same here.

And yes, it is because of the tear that gives me a slight creaky noise when I drive over bumps.

thanks,

got rice?

iTrader: (2)

it's not *necessary* but the extra protection can prevent the shaft from getting scratched and cause the shock/strut to leak.

Nealoc187

iTrader: (23)

Many cars don't even come with the dust covers. I have never had them on any car I've owned, and I took them off my maxima when I lowered it. They aren't necessary. I suppose there is a remote possibility of some tiny grain of sand totally ruining your strut, but its more likely that they will just wear out from normal use before that ever happens. Don't worry about it.