How important is the dust boot that goes over the metal rod of the strut? I have KYB AGX's on if that makes any difference. I ask b/c at times, my right rear spring will rub against the dust boot b/c its not perfectly aligned I guess and will make a really annoying squeaking noise when going over bumps.

 

On my Konis, the dust boot keeps the bumpstop inplace and acts as a wall in case you ever hit your bumpstops, it will not move up the shock rod. But I think its different on AGX since your not required to cut the dustboot for installation. A friend of mine who had AGXs on his GSR is telling me they dont do anything other than keep dust out. So I would say, not terribly important.

 

The dust cover or the bumpstop? The dust cover is very important since it keeps dirt from getting inside the strut, very good if you dont want premature failure. The bumpstop sometimes needs to be cut shorter depending on the ride height and if you're constanly hitting it.

 

Dirt will be wiped away by the seals. The thing you DONT want is chips or scratches on the shaft, thats what damages shock seals.

 

What he said.

 

I removed the dustboots when using Tokicos or KONIs. No problems after 3 years.

Trim the bumpstops and replace them on the shock, however.

 

yeah i agree... no big deal. Koni tells you to cut the dustboots to 1.5 inches (if I remember correctly). Thats not long enough to properly shield dust. In fact I cut mine shorter because I had some clearance issues.

 

who needs em, i don' t have them and i have had no problems over a year now. i could be wrong though. just keeps the dust out!!! take em off and enjoy a naked strut!

 

Hmm... Maybe I'll just cut the boot up until the point where the spring is rubbing it. Thanks for all the help!

 

use the dust boot.

 

i took them off cuz if u have coilover they don't even fit on!