JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

I've replaced the bellows twice in the last year. The first set I ordered from RockAuto, they were the Moog version. Tech said that they were very tight to get on. A couple of weeks/months later, I notice that both bellows were cracked again.

This time I had the shop provide the bellows, and last week I see that there are cracks on the driver side again. I asked the tech, and he said although the parts they provided were Moog also, they installed a little easier.

What might cause accelerated wear on the bellows? The shop asked if I was lowered, and technically I am but it's not by an obscene amount.

RockinWs6

I'd find a better shop. These boots last at least 10 years 100k miles if installed correctly. If they don't fit properly of course they will fail quickly, only a hack shop would try and force something on that is wrong. Get gm ones or the proper ones that fit correctly. They are probably cracking because they are too tight and can't move properly.

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

I think I used Moog for the last long-lasting set I had installed. I can't tell if the PN 88910854 I'm finding is truly a GM part, or the AC-Delco equivalent. I see here ACD recently went through bankruptcy and there's no guarantee that the part I'd get would be any better.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...-gm-parts.html

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Maybe you are getting new old stock? (Plastic and rubber don't have indefinite shelf lives.)

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I agree. This is not an item that should fail often or quickly. My current ones are 18 years old and in perfect condition, so even if you get a new set that's been sitting on a shelf for years it should still last a very long time.

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

My current shop's owner is a friend who builds race cars for rally, autocross & open track at the same shop but his main business is auto repair. My primary tech there has about 30 years of certified GM experience, so he's not some guy right out UTI. I'll talk to the owner... I'm paying them to resolve a concern, which means they need to diagnose the issue and resolve it, not just throw parts at it and give me a bill each time.

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

We're gonna try the ACDelco part. Tech says the PS bellow is currently cracked at the top, and the DS is barely hanging on. He says the bellows are too brittle indicating it's getting too hot? Waiting for parts so it'll be a few days before they get installed. He's considering trying to make some sort of heat shield, but I don't understand what parts I've added which are requiring this change from stock.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

If there are no changes anywhere in the vicinity that would create additional ambient heat, then his explanation would only make sense if the material quality of the part is much less than the original. That may be the case, but it still shouldn't fail that quickly. But my guess is still fitment/install issues or some other factor putting improper stress on the boot.

Since you are paying the shop to fix this, as mentioned, I would let them source the parts and allow their warranty to take care of the problem. If they are failing this quickly, and they are providing the part and install, surely it should be covered. At that point it's in their best interest to get to the root of the problem.

RockinWs6

I'll tell ya if these bellows are poor quality like the AIR check valves GM parts is selling I'd try calling up one of the sponsors on this site that do steering rebuilds. Maybe they can sell you something that will last. Honestly getting quality parts is tough anymore, I just replaced the HVAC blower motor 2 times in the past 6 months and now it failed again! Same with the brake rotors, changed them 3 times in 1 year. Even though I picked on your installer it maybe impossible to get good parts unless you do a lot of fishing. Sad America has succumb to corporate SCUM.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

18 years and my originals are still pretty good. But I did buy some new AC Delcos to install when my turbo kit goes on in November.......

Luck of the draw how long parts last...

.

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

I had a suggestion to use rubber dressing or silicon spray inside the bellows, do you think those ideas have merit?

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

Installing the ACDelco version now. They seem to be a softer, more ductile version than the Moog. I'll post photos of the old bellows later.

Edit: Here are both damaged Moog bellows. Passenger on top, driver on the bottom.

RockinWs6

I bought a 98 Camaro and the steering rack was replaced with a rebuilt unit 5 years 3k miles ago. Both rubber bellows are cracked and falling apart. Must be cheesey Chinese parts these after market companies use. I'm going to replace them with Pro steer bellows from Autozone, 10 bucks a piece. I looked around the net and seen Moog makes them but the reviews were poor. I found the AC delco ones but its easier to try Autozone, hope its worth the trouble?

RockinWs6

Just a update....good luck finding good bellows. The Ac Delco replacements are hard plasticized rubber and are not worth putting on. Basicly the exact same thing Autozone sells. Not sure where I'm going to find good ones, maybe the junk yard.

Majestic9C1

iTrader: (19)

GM part number is 21011025 for the boot kit..

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

My driver side boot is damaged again. PN 21011025 is advertised as a kit, does that mean it includes parts for both driver and passenger side? Or do I need a pair of that PN?

ZeeTwentyFate

iTrader: (19)

in for the new parts.

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

Time to replace my bellows again

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Did the parts not last or are you off roading again?

What part did you end up going with for your last bellows?

JimMueller

iTrader: (9)

The parts didn't last. I have too many receipts to track when I last replaced it or if it's still under warranty. My tech moved to a different shop, and I told him to source the replacements again. All the replacements I can find say they are made out of plastic.