Ford Taurus Suspension Strut Bellows: A Guide for 1986-2011 Models
Protecting your struts is the key to a smooth, quiet ride in your Taurus.
- The strut bellow's main purpose is to protect the strut from debris; a torn bellow will lead to strut failure.
- Symptoms of a bad bellow are actually the symptoms of a bad strut: bouncing, noise, and poor handling.
- Always replace bellows as part of a strut replacement job, and always replace suspension parts in pairs.
- A wheel alignment is required after replacing front struts to prevent tire damage and ensure safety.
Why a Small Boot is a Big Deal for Your Taurus Suspension
On your 1986 to 2011 Ford Taurus, the strut bellow is a simple but essential part of the suspension system. Think of it as a shield. Its only job is to protect the strut's shiny, smooth piston rod from road grime, water, and salt. If this boot tears or cracks, the strut rod is exposed. Debris then acts like sandpaper on the strut seal, causing it to fail. Once the seal is gone, the strut loses its ability to control bumps, and your ride quality suffers. A failed bellow almost always leads to a failed strut.
Symptoms of a Problem
A torn strut bellow has no immediate symptoms. You won't feel a difference in your drive right away. The problem is the damage it allows to happen over time. The real symptoms you'll notice are those of a failing strut, which include:
- Bouncing Ride: The car feels floaty and continues to bounce after hitting bumps.
- Clunking or Knocking Noises: You may hear noises from the corners of the car when going over bumps. This can be the sound of the suspension bottoming out or a worn strut mount.
- Nose-Diving: The front of the car dips down excessively when you apply the brakes.
- Poor Handling: The car may feel unstable or sway when turning corners.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Worn struts can cause tires to bounce, leading to a scalloped or 'cupped' wear pattern.
Pro Tip: During routine maintenance like oil changes or tire rotations, visually inspect the strut bellows. Look for any cracks, tears, or missing pieces. Catching a torn boot early and replacing it can significantly extend the life of your struts.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
For the 1986-2011 Ford Taurus, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) directly related to the suspension strut bellows. However, it's worth noting that Ford did issue recalls for front coil springs that could break on 1986-1995 models. Additionally, recalls for fractured rear suspension toe links were issued for later model years (2013-2018), which are outside this article's range but show a history of suspension component concerns. A TSB for a front strut noise on other Ford models was addressed by lubricating the jounce bumper, which is part of the bellow assembly. These issues highlight the importance of inspecting all suspension components when working on your vehicle.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bellows
Since the strut bellow is a wear item that is replaced when you replace your struts, choosing a quality part is important. OEM bellows from Ford are always a safe bet for fitment, but quality aftermarket options provide excellent value.
- KYB: KYB is a well-respected brand that is an original equipment manufacturer for many automakers. Their strut bellows and boot kits are known for meeting or exceeding OEM quality. General consensus among mechanics and users suggests KYB parts provide excellent durability and often a slightly firmer, more controlled ride compared to some other aftermarket options.
- Skyward / Other Value Brands: Many other brands offer direct-fit replacement bellows. While they are more budget-friendly, it's important to ensure they are made from durable materials. For a part that requires significant labor to access, paying a little more for a well-known brand like KYB can be a wise investment to avoid premature failure.
A Note on Fitment: Some Taurus owners have reported issues with certain aftermarket struts having a slightly different diameter, leading to a poor fit in the steering knuckle. While this is an issue with the strut body itself, it highlights the importance of using quality components. Always purchase parts from reputable suppliers that guarantee fitment for your specific year and model.
| Part / Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Bellows Kit (per side) | $19.97 - $31.08 |
| New Aftermarket Complete Strut Assembly (per side) | $80 - $200 |
| Shop Labor (per pair, front or rear) | $250 - $600+ |
Note: Costs are estimates and can vary based on location, vehicle generation, and the specific parts chosen. Labor costs reflect replacing the entire strut assembly, as the bellow is not typically replaced on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just replace the bellow and not the strut?
Technically, yes, but it's usually not practical. Replacing the bellow requires disassembling the entire strut and spring assembly, which is the same labor-intensive process as replacing the strut itself. If the bellow is torn, the strut has likely already been exposed to damaging debris. It is most common and recommended to replace the bellows and mounts whenever you replace the struts.
Should I replace bellows in pairs?
Yes. Suspension components should always be replaced in pairs (both front wheels or both rear wheels) to ensure even performance and handling. Since bellows are replaced with the struts, you should always replace struts and their associated components in pairs.
What is a 'jounce bumper' and is it included?
The jounce bumper is a foam or rubber component designed to prevent the suspension from harshly bottoming out. In most aftermarket strut bellow kits, the jounce bumper is included and integrated with the bellow.
Is a wheel alignment needed after replacement?
Yes, absolutely. Any time the front struts are replaced, it will affect the vehicle's alignment settings. A four-wheel alignment is mandatory after the job is complete to ensure proper handling and prevent rapid tire wear.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 5F9Z-18159-AA 8G1Z-18A047-A
The key specification is ensuring the bellow is the correct fit for the specific model year of your Taurus, as front and rear bellows, and designs between generations, may differ. Aftermarket kits from brands like KYB often include the bellow (boot) and a jounce bumper.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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