I was poking aorund today, I noticed that the dust covers (lower part of the upper strut mounts) have deteriorated and fallen off so now the shaft on my struts are fully exposed.

How bad is this? Should I make this a priority to replace them or should I jsut leave them until I go into change my struts? Or should I just screw it and leave them when I go to change the struts (I'm affraid to ask what mazda charges for them)?

 

Not worth replacing if you have old shocks. Most aftermarket shocks don't even have them.

 

I replaced my used touring shocks with some 93 r1 shocks. Most of my dust covers were deteriorating and in 2 pieces. I just threw them back on their like that at the recommendation of a local shop. They've worked fine for me.

 

just use some dirt bike dust covers if you want to cover them, they are cheaper and much more resiliant.

 

hmmm, this sounds like a cheap fix. Cause mine are in the same shape, in 2 shitty pieces. Looks like crap, and doesn't even look like they are doing anything to help. I'm gonna get mine replaced, but I dont think it would hurt to have them off since coilovers dont have em....think about it.

 

Lightning in a World of Thunder has a write-up on using the dirtbike covers. I would definitely replace the covers if you have new shocks.

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/s...placement.html

 

is there a cheap fix for the lower spring perches? the rubber ones. Those are all messed up too.

 

I got silicone rubber dirt bike shock boots and installed them on my stock shocks when I put on the H&R springs. My original boots were like yours, in tatters. I did it just for looks, though. The boots don't really reduce corrosion or dirt. They almost always leak somewhat, and then trap stuff inside (most dirt bikes have holes in the boots in the bottom to let junk out). They use them to cushion rocks etc. that hit the shocks. Without the holes they expand like balloons when the shock is compressed.

 

good idea!

 

i just replaced that on my car while I was installing PFS springs. The car already had Konis with stock springs and those rubber strut mounts and spring pads were literally falling apart in my hands when I was installing the springs.

I bought new spring pads $12/ea and new strut mounts (top part that mounts to shock towers) $40/ea and the car makes rides a lot quieter now. Especially on bumps.

Its worthwhile to replace that ****, especially if you are doing work there to begin with. Very easy job too.