So when I was doing all the suspension work I noticed that the bellows (boots? Accordion coverings) on both he rear and front shocks were torn. There was no leakage that I could see and they still function well.

How does one replace these things? And can one even buy them separately?It doesn't make sense to change out an expensive shock just for a new bellows. Ideas?


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1987 300TD
1984 300D
755,000 KM and going strong
BC Canada

you can probably buy the bellows separately, but they only prolong the life of the chrome from gravel hits and pitting. Which makes the oil seal leak. In other words, not required.

You may be able to tip the tops out to replace bellows if you lift the front end and let the control arms hang down. I think that's how they went in. You'll have to push the threaded top down through the hole using a screwdriver then force it down to have it off the fender liner.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Surprised they even have bellows. That is seen more on rock crawlers. My W123 shocks just have rubber "umbrellas". BTW, changing the rear shocks is a PIA. Unbolting the bottoms might let you slide on a bellows, but why bother. Perhaps a CV split boot could be adapted.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans