Shock Absorber Boot: Do You Really Need One?

Hello,

I just replaced the shock absorbers on the rear axle and noticed that I've been driving with rubber suspension for years.
The shock absorbers are resting on the buffer stops.
The car has been lowered for eight years, and no one has noticed.
But what can we do?
If I cut something off the top of the buffer, the guide on the piston rod will be damaged. If I cut something off the bottom, I will no longer have the protective tube.
Can I operate the shock absorbers without this protective tube?
Completely eliminating buffers is probably not a great solution either.

Why change anything if it still works well?
In more modern vehicles, the rubber components are no longer just simple bumpers; they also actively contribute to the suspension system without requiring lowering, creating a progressive spring characteristic and, in particular, taking different load conditions into account.
Or is the car's suspension already far too stiff after 8 years?

Hi,

Without protection, water and dirt can get onto the shock absorber, which is unlikely to have a positive effect on its lifespan. For example, with H&R coilover suspensions/FW, the warranty is void if the protective cover is not installed! So, it's better to leave it on and continue enjoying the elastomer suspension.

Hi,

Does that mean they forgot to remove the transport restraints again?