Shock absorber dust boot problem

[David9448]

Apparently I need a new front shock absorber dust boot, my dealership tells me mg can't supply the dust boots separately and they have to order a shock absorber, this seems nuts to me, there are hundreds of different boot kits on the market, but searching online for one that fits the mg4 and I've drawn a blank, just wondering if anyone else out there has had this problem?

 

[MG Clive]

I can't believe MG don't supply the dust cover on it's own, but I'm with you, there must be a universal one that will do the job. There are used MG shock absorbers on ebay for £50 if it's an MOT fail item.

 

[MG Clive]

I've just found this in the parts catalog, the rubber dust cover does appear to be available, show this to your Dealer.

 

[David9448]

Oooh yes, thank you, I will, they've been pretty good so far, will get in touch with them again tomorrow

 

[David9448]

Just an update, my dealership was adamant that they can't get a dust boot, and wanted me to book it in for a new shock absorber, I declined and went elsewhere and tried the main dealer in Bury st Edmunds who can supply the elusive dust boot for £9 so I've ordered one, had to buy a few special tools, spring compressor and a pass through socket for the top nut on the shock absorber, will tackle it next week if the weather's ok. Oh and many thanks to @siteguru for the remove and refit manual for the mg4, without which I wouldn't be attempting the job.

 

[MG Clive]

Nice one @David9448, I'd avoid the first Dealer in future.

 

[David9448]

Nice one @David9448, I'd avoid the first Dealer in future.

I don't really understand what went on with my original dealer, up to now I've been really happy with them, their service pricing is really good(£98 for my low mileage 2nd year service) done while I waited and included a software update to the latest software without any argument, so will probably return for servicing and see how it goes.

 

[Tuareg]

Why didn't you just take the dust boot that you bought to the originl dealer and ask them to fit it? No need to buy any special tools and keeps your warranty intact.

 

[siteguru]

I very much doubt a dust boot will have any impact on warranty, especially as the car is more than 2 years old now.

 

[Kevin Smith]

Never mind avoiding the dealership in future - name and shame and report them to trading standards as well as writing to that BBC show- watchdog! These sharks need reigning in.