How to Repair the Rubber Boots on Air Shocks

Air shocks are a type of pneumatic shock absorber that are used on cars and trucks as part of some rear wheel suspension systems. What differentiates an air shock from a standard shock absorber is that air is added to the shock in the same way air is added to a car or motorcycle tire -- through a valve and valve stem. Air shocks have a hard rubber boot that fits over the upper and lower half of the shock where the lower half compresses into the upper half. This boot keeps dirt and grit from entering the pneumatic cylinder of the shock. Torn, cracked or ripped shock absorber boots can be repaired by being replaced with new ones.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts and then jack the rear end of the vehicle up. Completely remove the lug nuts and the tire. Slide jack stands under the frame and lower the vehicle onto them.

2

Remove the air line from the vehicle's shock absorber with a pair of pliers.

3

Slide the jack underneath the shock and jack it up slightly to take pressure off the shock and the mounting bolts. Use a wrench to remove the top mounting bolt. Lower the jack and then remove the bottom mounting bolt and slide the shock off.

4

Peel away or simply cut the damaged shock absorber boot off with a knife.

5

Rub a small amount of tire lube on the inside of the new shock absorber boot and then slip it over the body of the shock absorber until it is in place.

6

Slide the bottom half of the shock onto its support and replace the retaining bolt with the wrench.

7

Jack the shock up a little bit and then slip the top half of the shock in place, insert the retaining bolt and tighten it with the wrench.

8

Lower the jack from beneath the shock and then jack the vehicle up from the frame to remove the jack stands. Lower the car or truck to the ground.