Front Koni Sport Shock Boot Problem

brookstroutr · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 12:45 PM

Went to install the new Koni Sports on the front and ran into the typical problems we face. I cannot remove the top boot cover from my old Koni Sports to put on the new one's after cleaning & painting up naturally.

Contacted Koni and their report is the old ones are welded at the top of the shaft as opposed to later model ones you can bump off. Problem is double trouble. First I cannot remove the old boots w/o probably some serious destruction and the Second is Koni doesn't have the boots seperate.

Anyboby have some or? I'll try the usual yards.

gt601 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 02:44 PM

Heck, I would just get an aftermarket rubber boot and make it work. I would say that it would work better than the OE Koni metal sleeve.

Paul

Colors??

Chevy Suspension Lift Kits

No affiliation just googled link

brookstroutr · #3 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 02:47 PM

Found out that these Sport shocks were designed and made to utilize the original Alfa front shock boots. Andy at Performatek, who supplied all my performance suspension parts, has one. I could use one more.

brookstroutr · #4 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 02:54 PM

Paul,

Was checking into this recent part as well. I think there may be a problem trying to get a good hold at the top. This type is used on my BMW with Bilstein struts. However, these were designed for this application to accept sufficient top & bottom connections.

Colors??? Supposed to use one steenkin color at each corner??? HaHa........

brookstroutr · #5 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 03:24 PM

Well Paul, I contacted your reference but the boots are twice the diameter. The guy did tell me to contact - daystarweb.com in PHX. They have several sizes so I gave him the specs and the guy will get back to me. If I can get compatible boots, I think I will go thgis route as they're poly & about $4 USD each.

THEY HAVE ALOT OF STEENKIN COLORS!!!!!!

gt601 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 06:21 AM

Cool I'm glad you found something. Just a note...
Make sure that when you use these that you don't have an airtight seal so the boot doesn't pop off the 1st time you hit a bump. Maybe a small hole top and bottom to let them breath a little bit but still keep the gunk out. It's nice to deal with companies that will point you in another direction when they can't help you.

Paul

brookstroutr · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 06:59 AM

Paul,

As I'm familiar with shock boots from my BMW's suspensions, Their boots do have a hole at the bottom for pressure relief as well as moisture. I'd always install the boot with the hole oriented towards the rear of the car slightly inward to avoid road grime and plugging the hole.

After further inspection of the existing shocks, I like the boot theory more as water is prevented from getting on top of the shock and causing corrosion and contaminents from contact with the shaft. I just hope the top can allow a proper connection as the room looks restricted.

Biba69 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 12:27 PM

Why in the world would Koni leave the boot off in the first place? Cost saving? Weight saving? Or do they feel one isn't necessary? It's not as if the boot completely keeps water and dust out - though it appears as if the aftermarket boots would (as long as they don't crack).

Biba

brookstroutr · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 12:51 PM

Cost savings. the aftermarket boots are poly and i'm sourcing from 4 wheel suppliers so you know they've got to take a pounding.

Travis_k · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 03:23 PM

I dont have boots on mine, and I got them from a car in the junkyard that didnt have boots on it.

brookstroutr · #11 (**permalink**) 10-16-2008, 12:45 PM

Ok guys,

Found some generic poly boots at Advance Auto for around $6 each. They are kick but and fit great. I'll post fotos later as I'm at the library on the net. My NEW laptop crashed last nite and I mean DEAD.

gt601 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-17-2008, 09:33 AM

SWEEEET!!
Paul