Strut dust shields are torn
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 996
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From: NJ
Strut dust shields are torn
Had my car for transmission fluid change at Toyota dealer, they of-course try to look for other work…. They showed me my torn dust covers (or rubber boots) for my struts and recommended replacing all 4.
They are not leaking or making noises, and car drives fine.
yes, I get it that its not good for them to be torn, but is this actually a safety issue or they are just trying to make money?
I will ask my mechanic about it
They are not leaking or making noises, and car drives fine.
yes, I get it that its not good for them to be torn, but is this actually a safety issue or they are just trying to make money?
I will ask my mechanic about it
Last edited by tolian21; Feb 17, 2025 at 08:58 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
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Likes: 1,742
From: VA
It is not a safety issue. You can drive for years like this. On vehicle that old I would save my money and keep driving until the struts actually deteriorated in performance before replacing them.
You will know when they need to be replaced and not having the boot intact will not shorten their lifespan, or what is remaining of it.
Dealer service writers work on commission and just try to make more money selling unneeded repairs.
You will know when they need to be replaced and not having the boot intact will not shorten their lifespan, or what is remaining of it.
Dealer service writers work on commission and just try to make more money selling unneeded repairs.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,026
Likes: 1,630
From: MI
Had my car for transmission fluid change at Toyota dealer, they of-course try to look for other work…. They showed me my torn dust covers (or rubber boots) for my struts and recommended replacing all 4.
They are not leaking or making noises, and car drives fine.
yes, I get it that its not good for them to be torn, but is this actually a safety issue or they are just trying to make money?
I will ask my mechanic about it
They are not leaking or making noises, and car drives fine.
yes, I get it that its not good for them to be torn, but is this actually a safety issue or they are just trying to make money?
I will ask my mechanic about it
Not a safety issue but the shocks will go soon because of that.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 996
Likes: 292
From: NJ
So what is the best corse or action? Continue driving until start having issues and replace all 4? I had them torn for at least a year now.
Also, it seems that consensus is to use OEM shocks if you want to keep the same Lexus drive feel. The Toyota quoted around $3200 for 4, what would be a reasonable price at independent mechanic?
Also, it seems that consensus is to use OEM shocks if you want to keep the same Lexus drive feel. The Toyota quoted around $3200 for 4, what would be a reasonable price at independent mechanic?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,026
Likes: 1,630
From: MI
I would replace all four and clean the shocks inside. There may be a lot of debris.
OEMs are the best shocks, hands down. Get them from Bell of N. Scotsdale, they're dirt cheap:
Insulators/bumpers get from Ebay.
OEMs are the best shocks, hands down. Get them from Bell of N. Scotsdale, they're dirt cheap:
Insulators/bumpers get from Ebay.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: NJ
What is the rush for replacing them before you experience issues?
yeah, OEM is the best option if you dont want to compromise ride quality.
Will have to see if shop will allow me bring my own parts
yeah, OEM is the best option if you dont want to compromise ride quality.
Will have to see if shop will allow me bring my own parts
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 996
Likes: 292
From: NJ
Its a little stretch to make it a safety issue, first you will notice something when driving the car. And when I rotate tires I look for any leaks in shocks.
There is none.
The car is actually 13 years old, will be 14 in November. Its not so simple just go spend bunch of money …
maybe it will be ok for another few years, and by that time I will sell it.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Alberta
On the boots themselves the quality of OEM rubber is terrible if anyone has a solution I'd love to hear it. Several times I spent the extra money for genuine and they still failed in a few years.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 996
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From: NJ
I completely understand what you are saying and it makes sense. If my car was only 5-7 years old I would definitely do it, but I am getting to the point where it will be 14 years old by end of this year, its a big chunk of money to put into an old car especially when shocks have not failed. Safety obviously goes first, just trying to figure out best plan. I dont think I will keep this car more than 2 years.