[riber3]

Hi everyone and Happy new Year
Sadly I need to replace the rear shock absorber boot/dust covers as they are disintigrating into nothing!! Which is a shame as the shocks are ok but I think this is a MOT failure,
so needs to be done even if its just to keep the road crap out.
I am hoping I can just undo the bottom of the shockers from their mountings and replace the covers.
Has anyone done this? and can you get replacement boots? They are the self leveling ones see photo, Any advise would be welcome many thanks

 

[Rekusu]

Don't know what model of car this is but based upon your photo, I'm guessing that if you undo the bottom nut/bolt and can swing the shock clear, you will not be able to get the rubber boot over the end without tearing it. But what do I know?

 

[Steve_v6]

even if you cant find the right boot, get something else that will fit and cable tie it on, as long as it keeps the dirt out its good.

 

[mondy zetecs]

Motorcycle rubber bellows???
2*Fork Bellows Universal Off-road Motorcycle-Rubber Boot Dust Cap 13 Section UK | eBay

 

[nicam49]

The mk3 self levelling shocks are stupidly expensive! My Ghia X is fitted with them too and the bellows are also breaking up. If you find a solution, please post it here!

 

[riber3]

Don't know what model of car this is but based upon your photo, I'm guessing that if you undo the bottom nut/bolt and can swing the shock clear, you will not be able to get the rubber boot over the end without tearing it. But what do I know?

Glad to know I'm not the only dumb so and so on here lol!!

 

[riber3]

even if you cant find the right boot, get something else that will fit and cable tie it on, as long as it keeps the dirt out its good.

Thought about it but not sure it will work =. I think someone on here already tried that

 

[riber3]

Motorcycle rubber bellows???
2*Fork Bellows Universal Off-road Motorcycle-Rubber Boot Dust Cap 13 Section UK | eBay

Tha might work as long as they fit over the shockers

 

[riber3]

The mk3 self levelling shocks are stupidly expensive! My Ghia X is fitted with them too and the bellows are also breaking up. If you find a solution, please post it here!

Will do, I should have said in my post ghia X estate to inform everyone who doesn't know me doh!! Yes pardon the pun Shockingly Expensive!! someone is advertising a second hand one on fleabay for £200 with a knackered boot as well!! cheek!!

 

[riber3]

Would you try doing this watch the youtube video??? what glue for rubber to rubber - Google Search

 

[mondy zetecs]

Flexible Superglue sticks well with rubber i've used it when i placed new ball joint boots ontop of the old split ones as its best not to remove them,the idea comes from using the split type CV bellows and glueing together rather than dismantling whole drive shaft.
Try the wide bellows split them and glue the overlap rather than side to side, cheaper than scary price of new shocks.

 

[dojj]

i've got a few of those shocks sitting in the garden with the same issues

 

[riber3]

Flexible Superglue sticks well with rubber i've used it when i placed new ball joint boots ontop of the old split ones as its best not to remove them,the idea comes from using the split type CV bellows and glueing together rather than dismantling whole drive shaft.
Try the wide bellows split them and glue the overlap rather than side to side, cheaper than scary price of new shocks.

I have been thinking about doing that too similar to the video above. I have fitted a split type cv joint in the past works ok but prefer fitting a whole one. The other type of split cv is the ones fitted to VW beetles I know they won't fit here sadly. I am going to look at the universal ones again.

 

[riber3]

I am going to measure the gators tomorrow unless someone already knows the dimensions and can post them on here. Another alternative I did read about is that if you change the self leveling shockers over to standard ones on the estates you also have to change the springs. Not sure which springs or if it would be cost effective in the future maybe someone on here knows?

 

[PURPLE_2L_LX]

Yes the springs currently fitted will be soft, fitting standard shocks do not offer the extra lift of
the self levelling ones so it will sag and not ride very well.

 

[nicam49]

Europe, Mondeo GE 2000-2007/(Wf0wxxgbbw2s43501), C Rear Axle Less Brakes, C02 Rear Axle Less Brakes.Rear Springs And Shock Absorbers, C02015 Rear Springs And Shock Absorbers - Catcar.info

Looks like there are 4 different rear springs to choose from, looking at catcar.info

 

[riber3]

Europe, Mondeo GE 2000-2007/(Wf0wxxgbbw2s43501), C Rear Axle Less Brakes, C02 Rear Axle Less Brakes.Rear Springs And Shock Absorbers, C02015 Rear Springs And Shock Absorbers - Catcar.info

Looks like there are 4 different rear springs to choose from, looking at catcar.info

That sounds about right!! as purple said and I as mentioned earlier you need different springs but not sure which of the 4 is correct. Additionally not sure if there is anything on this old post I was looking at but there is some useful info here

Estate rear shocks and springs repalcement issue please...

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and found it very useful in many many ways. Thanks to contributors who take time to read and help others for small bits or big issues. Here I come to the point. I bought a nice 2004 mk3 estate about a month ago, 2.0 TDCi. I knew I had to reniew the discs and pads...

www.talkford.com

 

[riber3]

i've got a few of those shocks sitting in the garden with the same issues

I hope they are being put to good use lol!! Do you know if the boot just pulls straight off? and thanks for your input

 

[nicam49]

I can't see how you can pull 'em off as the end has got the fixing eye attached.

 

[riber3]

Apologies for my late update and in answer to your question I am not sure either if they will slide over the bottom eye. Going to have another look but I have found somewhere that sells the dust covers so you would think it would be possible. However it does mean disturbing the bottom bushes!!

I did manage to take some measurements which are approximate so please bear that in mind

Shocker Top Outer Casing diameter 65mm

Shocker Top Outer lip where cover is seated on diameter 35mm

Shocker Bottom lip where cover is seated on diameter 24mm

Dust Boot overall Length = 170mm

It might a case of just buying the boots. Splitting them and then gluing them in place not ideal but it might be the only way. If the gentleman who has some sat in his garden could tell us if they slide off or not would be really helpful or maybe someone else knows!!!