Need strut boot/bellows
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: California
Posts: 36
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Camaro RS
Engine: V6
Transmission: Automatic
Need strut boot/bellows
While replacing my front struts I had to remove them to cut off the top nut. While I was doing it the broke the boot, dust cover. bellows or whatever it is called. It was old and cracking anyway but I jacked it up more. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement? It doesn't have to be original, just has to fit and work. If I can find one at a local store that would be the best. thank you.
1987 RS V6
1987 RS V6
#3
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,041
Received 1,668 Likes
on
1,266 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Need strut boot/bellows
Those are SOOOOOOOPER generic.
Look it up at Rockauto or something. Monroe, Rancho, Bilstein, etc. I bet ALL make something that will work.
Look it up at Rockauto or something. Monroe, Rancho, Bilstein, etc. I bet ALL make something that will work.
#4
Supreme Member
Re: Need strut boot/bellows
On the subject of third gen strut dust shields, it is worth being aware that the factory shield acts as a sort of thrust washer between the top shoulder of the strut-shaft and the underside of the strut tower.
In that context, it also acts as a spacer.
I wonder how many leaning third gens we've seen going down the road, where the reason for the lean was the abence of the thickness of the dust shield on the strut on one side of the car?
OP, unless the damaged shield is demolished altogether, you might want to consider getting out the epoxy, and re-build the damaged part. Mine had lots of cracks, so I used JB-weld on the ouside and the inside of the shield. If you do this, be aware of how the shield contacts the underside of the strut tower, and the top of the strut shaft. You want no more than a thin, even layer on any engagement surface.
In that context, it also acts as a spacer.
I wonder how many leaning third gens we've seen going down the road, where the reason for the lean was the abence of the thickness of the dust shield on the strut on one side of the car?
OP, unless the damaged shield is demolished altogether, you might want to consider getting out the epoxy, and re-build the damaged part. Mine had lots of cracks, so I used JB-weld on the ouside and the inside of the shield. If you do this, be aware of how the shield contacts the underside of the strut tower, and the top of the strut shaft. You want no more than a thin, even layer on any engagement surface.
#5
Supreme Member
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Moorpark, CA
Posts: 2,377
Likes: 0
Received 138 Likes
on
98 Posts
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Need strut boot/bellows
Since both of my cars have had the strut towers replaced with spherical bearings, I just use generic Rancho soft boots. Works great.
#6
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Modesto, California
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 88 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO5 5.7 TBI/Ebl Flash
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 stock rear end
Re: Need strut boot/bellows
It really doesn’t matter what you use, or if you actually use one at all. It’s just a dust cover. I’ve never seen a third “lean” like WEG is saying...
When I re did my suspension couple months back I went with founders strut mounts so I didn’t put any back on.
When I re did my suspension couple months back I went with founders strut mounts so I didn’t put any back on.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: California
Posts: 36
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Camaro RS
Engine: V6
Transmission: Automatic
Re: Need strut boot/bellows
On the subject of third gen strut dust shields, it is worth being aware that the factory shield acts as a sort of thrust washer between the top shoulder of the strut-shaft and the underside of the strut tower.
In that context, it also acts as a spacer.
I wonder how many leaning third gens we've seen going down the road, where the reason for the lean was the abence of the thickness of the dust shield on the strut on one side of the car?
OP, unless the damaged shield is demolished altogether, you might want to consider getting out the epoxy, and re-build the damaged part. Mine had lots of cracks, so I used JB-weld on the ouside and the inside of the shield. If you do this, be aware of how the shield contacts the underside of the strut tower, and the top of the strut shaft. You want no more than a thin, even layer on any engagement surface.
In that context, it also acts as a spacer.
I wonder how many leaning third gens we've seen going down the road, where the reason for the lean was the abence of the thickness of the dust shield on the strut on one side of the car?
OP, unless the damaged shield is demolished altogether, you might want to consider getting out the epoxy, and re-build the damaged part. Mine had lots of cracks, so I used JB-weld on the ouside and the inside of the shield. If you do this, be aware of how the shield contacts the underside of the strut tower, and the top of the strut shaft. You want no more than a thin, even layer on any engagement surface.
BTW the top nut was a bitch on both sides. I ended up having to cut them in half with a Dremel tool to remove them.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
Re: Need strut boot/bellows
Thanks for getting back to us on this.
Keep us posted on how the repair holds up.
Mine is going strong - only a week and maybe 50 miles since the repair, but hey, you gotta start somewhere.
Cheers!
Keep us posted on how the repair holds up.
Mine is going strong - only a week and maybe 50 miles since the repair, but hey, you gotta start somewhere.
Cheers!