I just ordered KYB AGX dust boots and i have B+G springs sitting at home. I'm about to do my suspension and did a search on this topic. I found that the KYB AGX strut mounts should not be purchased b/c of the added noise and that OEM strut mounts are recommended. I was wondering if the KYB AGX dust boots had any problems or should i purchase the OEM dust boots? I'm also a little confused about some ppl saying there is a need to cut the bumpstop?

 

I dont know about the strut mounts, I just used the ones that were on the car and I have no noise problems. As for the dust boots, I like the KYB's better then the OEM's because they seem to be higher quality and more pliable so hopefully they wont disintigrate like the OEM ones did. The bump stops on the KYB's are already shorter then the OEMs as well so you wont have to worry bout trimming them.

 

I second the KYB dust boots. Some critics cite the zip tie to attach the bottom of the boot, but overall it seems very sturdy and requires no cutting. My OEM dust boots were shot after only 48k so it'll be interesting to see how these hold up over time.
-hype

 

thanks for the reply... since theres no real negative effects to the kyb boots except for the zip ties which isn't really much... i think i'll go with them.

 

How much are the KYB dust boots? I just picked up OEM dust boots for 19 bucks a pop. Pretty cheap I thought. The KYB boots don't attach to the OEM strut mounts, that I didn't like. The zip tie on the bottom is fine. But the top, WTF? I think it's going to slide down the piston shaft and ware out eventually.

Personally, if your not getting the whole KYB package, Boots and mounts, stick with OEM.

 

njmax I don't remember exactly how the top sits, but it wasn't moving down at all. I bought the mounts and boots and I wish I had saved my money for the mounts Personally I don't like the OEM dustboots because mine were in very bad condition before I even rolled over 50k.
-hype

 

I purchasased aftermarket dust boots and zip tied them securely. Better quality as well as longer in length. I slid them over the stock bump stops and they work like a charm!!!

DL

 

Lets see how well the KYB boots do after 50K and a few years under there.

 

I used the KYB strut mounts and don't have the noise that others have described. I also went with new oem boots (and oem springs). The bump stops are the correct length, they fit nicely into the tower assembly - no fuss no muss. Who cares if they wear out in 40k or 50k miles?

 

ericdwong- i love your idiot video link!

im not sure but i dont think i have the dustboots on my front agx (gotta check). arent the boot and bumpstop together? if i dont have a boot on, do i have a bumpstop??

 

If you don't have a dustboot then you don't have a bumpstop. Not only can dirt and other things get into the strut, but there is nothing keeping your strut from being damaged by bottoming out.
And Phat I care about having to replace my dustboots every 50k. I realize they are rubber and they will wear down, but the average person will not replace the struts before at least 60k+. The dustboots should last quite a while if nothing else.
-hype

 

I say ORIGINAL ALL THE WAY. When it comes to suspension, Strut Mounts and Dustboots and bump stops, STICK TO NISSAN OE.

 

The shredded OEM dustboots you pulled off your cars (as did I) when you changed your suspensions, is not the same one provided as a replacement. Nissan realized this chronically failing part needed to be replaced with a better design & did just that.

The Nissan replacement dustboot with integrated bumpstop is MUCH sturdier in construction than the scrappy, thin OEM's. Plus, the top snaps neatly into place in a retaining collar at the top of the assembly inside the wheelwell.

(I don't know about the KYB boots - there seem to be some people who say they snap in at the top, & some who say they hang loose at the top unsecured).

I removed the bumpstop from the boot & cut it in half w/ a hacksaw, then re-inserted the top half back into the boot, where it fit snugly in place. (Apex springs = 1.6" drop)

 

can somebody explain to me what a dust boot is?

 

The dust boots protect the piston rods of your struts and shocks from dirt and moisture. The top of the dust boot also contains a bump stop. At least on oem boots. I can't vouch for aftermarket boots.

 

who's running EBC blues over there, man?
I have to put my powersluts and greens in this weekend.

 

I'd like to pick up a "powerslut" or two myself. . .lol!

 

joke name for PowerSlot rotors. I just picked myself up a pair. I am installing them along with the AGX this weekend.

 

I know we've discussed this before, but I drive a '99 and I highly doubt that the dustboots were redesigned after the final year of the vehicle. I went with another Maxima owner to buy OEM dustboots and they seemed exactly like the ones that I had pulled off my car The KYBs do have bumpstops, but they are cut for the AGXs so you don't have to pull the bumpstop out to cut it yourself.
This is the only picture I have of the dustboots.

-hype

 

Hey Hype,

Yeah, sounds like familiar ground. I have a '95 though, & the Nissan replacements I got were clearly very different from the '95 OEM boots. If these are the same ones provided on later 4th Gens. & you guys are still finding that they're shredded when you remove them to upgrade your suspensions, bummer for me I guess - 'cause that's what I got. Oh well, only time will tell, I suppose.

-K-