2G Are Shock Dust Boots Necessary?

[No_Skillz]

I just replaced my sportlines yesterday with Ground Controls. The vfaq for ground control installation shows the dust cover removed, and the instructions that came with the GCs also said to remove the dust cover. Right now, the coilovers are fully installed with my dust covers off, but I'm nervous about this. I thought the shaft of the shock needed to be protected. I'm running the GCs with Tokico Illuminas, and any inputs are appreciated.

 

[ADrewzki]

Good question. Since I've gotten my car, none of my Tokicos have had dust boots on them. I'm also wondering if it's ok to get rid of the dust shield behind the rotor. I would like to know what other people have done.

 

[No_Skillz]

Good question. Since I've gotten my car, none of my Tokicos have had dust boots on them. I'm also wondering if it's ok to get rid of the dust shield behind the rotor. I would like to know what other people have done.

How long have you been running w/o the dust boots? Can you see any wear on the piston rod?

 

[ADrewzki]

I've had the Talon for a year and half now. The fronts still look good. The rears I have to replace 7 months ago because I blew the shocks out carrying too much stuff in the car (roughly 500 lbs).

 

[RamenPride]

The vfaq for ground control installation shows the dust cover removed, and the instructions that came with the GCs also said to remove the dust cover. Right now, the coilovers are fully installed with my dust covers off, but I'm nervous about this.

the stock dust boots won't fit because of the smaller spring diameter. i heard you can use motorcycle shock dust boots because they're smaller in diameter. i used some rubber off-road shock dust boots and somehow managed to cram them in there. not really pretty and they don't really stay in place, but they work.

 

[3literpwr]

They are not a real necesity, but that said they do offer much proection for the upper rod seal NOT the shock/strut rod itself..... You can find thay the upper dust seal on the damper could wear quicker from the dirt.... Also tiny dirt particles can find there way into the lip of the dust wiper and slowy munch the rod......If you notice your shock puke-in a bit then this could be the problem.....

If you can fit them do it.... If not, well then your dampers could wear ohh so slighty faster...... and certainly faster if you drive down muddy gravel roads!

Regards
LP
"shock tuner, designer and builder"

 

[Defiant]

Dust boots will make the work of the dirt wipers a bit easier, but for the most part shocks stay dry enough to not pick up much crud in the first place. Motorcycle forks often run naked on the street, and despite bugs and rock nicks, live long lives.
Removing the brake backing plate mostly exposes the discs to water in the rain. High adventure the first few times you experience it.

 

[jtmcinder]

Removing the brake backing plate mostly exposes the discs to water in the rain.

It also exposes the brakeline to the heat of the rotor. This can be an issue under some circumstances, making SS lines a must.

- Jtoby