My '99 has shocks that seem to be working fine, but the bellows/protectors around them are coming apart. I've seen two piece axle boots which allow boot replacement without disassembling everything; is there anything like that available for this?

 

The rubber you mention keeps the dust out of the shock.

Mine ripped many years ago and the choice I made was to leave it alone [I stay on paved roads] and the loss of protection would shorten the strut life. With 200k + miles the shocks have not leaked. Now if they do spring a leak, I plan to replace the shock and the boot.

My 2c .. leave it alone. If it had happened at 60k and 6 years of ownership, I would have seriously considered replacing them.


Salim

 

I appreciate your knowledge and perspective, Salim -- thanks!