Torn Rubber Boots = Future Repairs.

Today's educational blog post is about torn rubber boots. Many suspension and steering joints have rubber boots designed to keep grease inside. Unfortunately over time the boot splits and grease comes out. Consequentially, water, salt and dirt also get into the joint and cause joint failure. Unfortunately, in our climate we do not replace just boots. Usually the joint is to far gone by the time it gets inspected and should just be replaced. Often times a failing joint will make steering feel loose and possibly even a high pitch screech when being moved left to right. New York State Inspection requires us to check steering and suspension components. If your vehicle has a torn boot, then we have to notify you of it. A torn boot does not fail inspection; however, a loose tie rod joint will fail and need to be replaced. 

With our current road conditions, steering and suspension components should be getting checked each oil change, about 5000 to 6000 miles if you are using full synthetic engine oil. Although once a year is mandatory through new york state inspection, we like to be able to let our customer's plan ahead for future repairs.