Strut Boot

[2002 Maxima SE]

I went out this morning to replace my sway bar end links and noticed the boot on both front struts is torn. One is in two pieces now and the other has a large gash.

These seem to be parts that it would be best to go ahead and replace the whole strut while you have it off...rather than trying to replace the boot.

So, is it best to replace the strut here or save some money and just have the boots replaced?

The car is a 2002 Maxima SE with 82K miles on it.

 

[Sayjac]

What is a strut boot? I know about CV boots but haven't heard of a "strut boot".

 

[The_Jeff]

Sounds like the accordian shaped dust boot. Keeps grime off the finely polished middle part.

I guess if one can get that boot separately, why not? FWIW my new KYBs lacked new boots so you can buy new boots now and struts when you need them. OTOH if you disturb your alignment it may be worth doing the whole shebang.

 

[Sayjac]

OK, just googled it and saw one. I wonder if they have them on all struts. I can see the shiny part on my struts. Learned something.

I guess, like a cv boot and half shaft, the answer would depend on the condition/age of the strut, and the difference in cost, parts/labor to get it done.

 

[PT1]

Just leave them. At 82k you can replace the whole asembly at 120k and not incur any problem issues disassembling and reassembling a rusty strut assembly. I have left them torn for 50,000 miles with no ill effects.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: PT1
Just leave them. At 82k you can replace the whole asembly at 120k and not incur any problem issues disassembling and reassembling a rusty strut assembly. I have left them torn for 50,000 miles with no ill effects.

That is my take too..

 

[rpn453]

I'd leave them alone until it's time for new struts.

 

[postjeeprcr]

If the struts are ok replace the boots, if not replace the whole strut.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: PT1
Just leave them. At 82k you can replace the whole asembly at 120k and not incur any problem issues disassembling and reassembling a rusty strut assembly. I have left them torn for 50,000 miles with no ill effects.


+1 NC isn't the snow belt with corrosive salt.I don't think there would be any problem leaving them alone until the strut was replaced.At that point i would replace the strut mounts and bearings up front and the rear mounts also along with the boots.

 

[bdcardinal]

for all the work required on taking the strut assemblies apart, i wouldnt bother. just change them when getting new struts.

 

[rpn453]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
for all the work required on taking the strut assemblies apart, i wouldnt bother.


Yeah, they're only there to protect the strut. Struts aren't expensive enough to put all that labor into extending their life a little, especially after 80k miles of use.

 

[mechtech2]

Try some black duct tape to make a repair. Close enough is good enough.
But get new ones when you get new struts.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: rpn453
I'd leave them alone until it's time for new struts.


+1

The boot is to protect the strut so it last longer, if it last longer you don't have to change them so frequently. Changing the boot so the strut will last longer when the strut is still good doesn't make sense, as labor is more than half of the cost and effort in the whole process.