Suspension
Strut Bellows
Strut bellows are the flexible dust boots that cover the shiny strut or shock shaft and keep out dirt, water and road salt. We carry 30 bellows from $4 to $66 by AC Delco, KYB, Moog, Febi and SKP, with fitments for Chevrolet Impala and Camaro, Mercedes, Nissan Sentra and Porsche Boxster.
Shop strut bellows by vehicle
Why bellows matter
The strut shaft slides through a seal at the top of the strut body. If dirt or grit sticks to the shaft, it wears that seal each time the suspension moves, and the strut starts to leak and lose damping. The bellows cover the shaft to keep it clean. Some bellows also come with a jounce bumper, a rubber or foam stop that cushions the suspension at full compression.
Signs you need new bellows
Look for torn, split or missing boots during tire rotations or brake work. Old rubber and plastic boots crack with age and heat. A missing or crumbled jounce bumper may cause a harsh bang when the suspension bottoms out over large bumps.
If the strut is already leaking oil, new bellows will not fix it. Replace the strut and fit new bellows at the same time.
Choosing and installing
Positions in this group include front, rear and front right, so match the corner you need. Check the fitment table for your year, model and suspension package. Some listings are the bellow alone, while others include a jounce bumper.
Most bellows are replaced while the strut is removed and disassembled, which requires a spring compressor on many vehicles. A complete strut assembly often includes new bellows, so check before buying both.
Strut Bellows questions
Can I replace strut bellows without removing the strut?
On most vehicles the boot slides over the shaft under the upper mount, so the strut needs to come out and be taken apart. Some designs allow a split boot, but the usual method is during strut replacement.
What is a jounce bumper?
It is a rubber or foam stop on the strut shaft that cushions the suspension when it compresses fully. A missing jounce bumper can cause a harsh bang over big bumps.
Do new struts come with bellows?
Complete strut assemblies usually include them. Bare struts may not. Check the package contents and order bellows separately if your old ones are damaged.