How to change shock absorber dust boots [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change shock absorber dust cover & bump stops on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                      Flat screwdriver
                    
                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Wheel impact socket
                    
                      Impact socket
                    
                      Ceramic grease
                    
                      Jack

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Please note!

The dust boot protects the piston rod of the shock absorber from dirt, water, and other environmental factors
The bump stop is a cushioning element that limits the travel of the piston rod and prevents the shock absorber body from hitting against the mount
The dust boot and bump stop can be combined into a dust cover kit or installed separately
On some cars, the bump stop can be replaced without removing and disassembling the shock absorber
If the dust boot is attached to the bump stop, then damage to the former will cause malfunction of the latter
This results in dust and water getting on the shock absorber’s piston rod, causing its corrosion and failure

1.

Be sure to support the suspension parts before getting down to work

2.

Remove the upper fasteners. You can access them either from the car boot or the wheel arch

Replacement of the dust boot and bump stop on a shock absorber mounted separately from the spring
Carry out replacement in the following order
3.

Unscrew the lower shock absorber fasteners from the suspension components and remove the shock absorber
4.

It may be necessary to disassemble the shock absorber to reach the dust boot and bump stop
5.

Inspect all the parts and replace if necessary

AUTODOC recommends:
Replace the parts in pairs on an axle
6.

Reinstall the components in reverse order
7.

Tighten the fasteners to the torque recommended by the car manufacturer

Replacement of the dust boot and bump stop on a suspension strut
Carry out replacement in the following order
8.

Unscrew the suspension strut from the steering knuckle or remove it from its mounting seat on the knuckle
9.

In some cases it may also be necessary to disconnect the strut from the suspension arms
10.

Remove the suspension strut
11.

Compress and secure the spring
12.

Use a special coil spring compressor
13.

Remove the upper strut mount in order to reach the dust boot and the bump stop

Please note!
The bump stop may be installed on the piston rod or attached to the mountThe dust boot may be fitted on the bump stop, installed between the spring and mount, or secured to the mount.
14.

Reassemble all the components in reverse order.

Important!
Pay attention to the strut mount position to ensure it’s facing in the right direction
15.

Fit the suspension strut into its mounting seat
16.

Tighten the fasteners to the torque recommended by the car manufacturer

Comments – 2

@user_3435358

12.03.2025 16:23

Member

Replaced mine using this guide, thanks a lot!
- Graziana Venturi
  
  13.03.2025 08:20
  
  @user_3435358
  
  Moderator
  
  We're glad you found this guide useful!