I noticed that both of my rear strut boots are pretty much gone..
They aren't just ripped in a place or two.. it looks like a tiger got its way with them.

I'd hate to have to remove the shocks and go through the whole hassle just to replace a boot.

Do they make a "quick-boot" that you could put on without taking the strut apart?

Thanks

 

21 looks and no replies?

This has to be a common issue!

 

to answer the question, NO such thing as quick boot ... they just wear out over time and split all to hell ... bit the bullet and pull the strut out disassemble and replace the worn parts and then recompress the assemble and reinstall ... sorry no short cuts with this issue.

 

And the front will go as well, so get used to the repair procedure.

 

Are the boots the same front to rear? EnergySuspensionParts advertises Moog boots as a "Front Strut Bellow/Bumper Kit".

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...=MOOG%2DK90463

Also, is a boot a boot, regardless of brand... in this case, Moog or OEM?

 

Boots/stops are different for front/rear. Very common issue. Really funny when I remove a wheel and see a pile of rubber rings sitting at the base of the strut. Even worse when one of the rings gets caught and pulled into the seal on the shaft.

I haven't used Moog, but I definitely prefer OEM over KYB. And I do a LOT of suspensions.

Ilya, let me know if you need some help.

 

Hey I'm actually in the process of installing my struts right now & noticed the "rings of rubbers"...I actually had a couple trapped inside the main body of the boot which probably interfered with proper shaft operation.

Is it safe to just discard those rings (only like 3-5, and the main body of the boot is still intact) or should I just grab new boots? I would just grab new ones but they're "special order" at AutoZone.

 

eh.. I've been running on illumnias without boots for about...maybe 7500-9000Mi now.. i spent all my monies on the struts and springs!!! didn't have enough to replace anything else :|

 

Eh, AutoZone had 'em in stock...but they were $22 each...rounds out to about 50 dollars for some piece of plastic!

 

If you're missing just a couple bottom rings you're probably fine, but it's a pretty good indication that the rest will go shortly, so it's best to replace.

OEM ones are cheaper...

And to the person who's running illuminas without boots, - you spend all that money and can't spend just a bit more to protect your investment. Your struts now have no protection from the elements - dust, dirt, grime can all be very detrimental to the seal of your strut.

 

eh, i was anxious to put them on as they had been sitting at the house for close to half a year.. Rears have a boot on them.. or whats left of them

front's are holding on pretty well so far on 5 with a stg2 LTB

 

answer first, kill me later; why are the OEM boots better than aftermarket?

 

They fit.

 

I've been calling places and the price difference is earth to heaven from the OEM at the stealership and other brands at other places, and I need them this weekend as I have limited access to a garage/driveway (unlike before when i could do it anytime)

 

I do not have OEM and I regret it. They never stay on right. Get OEM on amazon if you can wait for shipping.

 

Thanks for the reply, just so i understand, when you say they dont stay on right you mean they slide down or something? Waiting for shipping is not an option for me unfortunately is it a big deal in the end? how bad?

 

Yes the slide down. No matter how hard you try they just are not big enough and do not stay up (haha). It is sort of a big deal. Now debris and water can get in with much less effort. Then comes rust and wear. Struts die faster. Not always fast. But faster for sure.

 

are the front very different from the back? OEMs have different prices but most aftermarket dont

 

This, I am not 100% but I think they are different. I assume the reason after market has them all the same is because it is "close enough." OEM is more precise. Again, this was a little bit of guessing on my part.

 

I see, I appreciate your help bro!

 

OEM's fit. Aftermarket don't. They are supposed to fall to the base of the strut shaft. In aftermarkets, the hole is too small so they 'stick' to the shaft and don't move freely. This causes the issue aforementioned where dust is introduced.

But also, because there is friction, I've seen aftermarket boots cause a terrible groan as they move up and down the shaft.

Get OEM.

 

I would also recommend using the OEM. KYB for certain will not fit - as in you won't even be able to properly assemble the strut.

 

Well, a couple of weeks ago I replaced all 4 struts and because I didnt have time to wait for OEM boots I got monroes (I think?) from the local parts store and the fitting was a bit tough but once they were in, that's it, I have driven it for the last two weeks and seems to be OK, the boots haven't come down yet (hopefully they wont ) I also installed the subframe collars, sway bar bushings and shifter bushings (with the free STS )and now it is like a whole new car!!! I'm so happy with the results, the only thing is that the back still bounces more than what I expected but the ride quality is better overall, now I get a subtle vibration at hwy speeds, but I think that is the tires