What are boot gas struts?

A tailgate gas strut is a steel cylinder containing a piston. Piston and cylinder are sealed airtight. The hollow space in the cylinder contains gas, which is always under pressure even when the strut is extended. Shutting the tailgate presses the piston into the cylinder, additionally compressing the gas.

How long do boot struts last?

On average, if your car has been “babied,” you can expect your shocks/struts to last about 10 years. If you have really used your car like a workhorse, 5 years is probably all you can expect. This means that for the average driver, 7 or 8 years is the maximum life expectancy of most shocks and struts.

Why do boot struts fail?

Most failures are due to a gradual loss of pressure to the gas which results in the strut being unable to support the load.

What do strut boots do?

The strut boots are accordion type boots that protect the polished shock shaft from dirt and road salt.

How much does it cost to replace strut boots?

A strut boot replacement can cost you anywhere from $10 to $80 on parts alone. The price may vary depending on the product’s brand, quantity, location, and color. Strut boots can be purchased individually or in sets.

How much do struts cost?

On average, expect to pay somewhere between $450 and $900 to replace a pair of struts. An individual strut assembly will cost about $150 to $300 so you’re looking at around $300 to $600 for parts alone. Labor alone will set you back about $150 to $300 for the pair.

How long do trunk struts last?

Can you repair trunk struts?

Over time, these struts can dry out, get clogged with road dirt, or just wear out out entirely. They are actually pretty easy to service yourself. And, if replacement is needed, you can do that yourself, too. They’re really pretty affordable and the fix is quick.

Can you replace boots on struts?

The short answer is no⁠—damaged strut boots can’t be repaired. Do not attempt to patch up these rubber boots with adhesives or sealants, as that could cause more harm than good. Worn shock and strut boots should only be replaced⁠—never repaired.

Are strut boots important?

The strut boots keep out road debris, dirt, and other contaminants that can easily stick to the piston rod’s oily surface while the vehicle is in motion. A shock boot prevents these contaminants from building up and triggering corrosion, which may cause the shock absorber to fail over time.

Should I put boots on my shocks?

Shocks can be run without boots and will function perfectly. In fact, many offroaders who deal with large amounts of mud will recommend not using boots at all because boots can trap mud against the shock rod and over time can cause pitting in the rod or lead to failure in the seal.