Ford Escape Suspension Strut Bellows Replacement Guide (2013-2019)
Protect your Escape's suspension by understanding when and why to replace your strut bellows.
- A torn strut bellows will cause your Ford Escape's struts to fail prematurely.
- Inspect the bellows for cracks or tears during routine maintenance like tire rotations.
- Aftermarket brands like KYB offer a quality alternative to more expensive OEM parts.
- For safety, have a professional mechanic replace the bellows, as it requires special tools to disassemble the strut.
Is Your Ford Escape's Ride Getting Noisy? Check the Strut Bellows.
If you own a 2013 to 2019 Ford Escape, you might hear clunking or rattling noises from the front end, especially over bumps. While many things can cause this, a common and often overlooked part is the suspension strut bellows. This simple part plays a big role in protecting your more expensive suspension components.
What Happens When a Strut Bellows Fails?
A torn or missing strut bellows exposes the shiny strut rod to the elements. Dirt and debris act like sandpaper on the rod, quickly destroying the strut's oil seal. This leads to fluid leaks and the eventual failure of the entire strut assembly, a much more expensive repair. Replacing a torn bellows early is a smart, preventative repair.
Symptoms of a Failing Strut Bellows
- Visible Damage: The most obvious sign is seeing that the rubber or plastic boot is torn, cracked, or missing entirely. You can often spot this by looking into the wheel well.
- Suspension Noises: While the bellows itself doesn't make noise, its failure can lead to other parts failing. Clunking or knocking sounds over bumps can mean the strut itself is now damaged.
- Leaking Strut Fluid: If you see oily, wet residue on the strut body, it's a clear sign the internal seal has failed, likely due to a damaged bellows allowing contaminants in.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bellows
For the 2013-2019 Ford Escape, you don't necessarily need to buy expensive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Quality aftermarket brands offer reliable replacements that meet or exceed original specifications. When replacing struts, it's highly recommended to replace the bellows, mounts, and other related hardware 🎬 Watch this guide on strut mount symptoms and replacement costs. at the same time.
Aftermarket Brand Options
| Brand | Typical Quality & Notes |
|---|---|
| KYB | A well-regarded aftermarket brand, often considered an OEM supplier for many automakers. Their bellows kits are known for being durable, sometimes using a more rigid plastic than the original rubber part. KYB is a solid choice for a quality replacement that balances cost and performance. |
| Skyward | Generally positioned as a budget-friendly option. While likely sufficient for the job, there is less brand information and fewer independent reviews available compared to major brands like KYB. It can be a good choice if minimizing cost is the top priority. |
Pro Tip: Strut bellows are almost always replaced during a full strut replacement. If you're paying a mechanic to replace a strut, the cost of adding a new bellows kit is minimal and highly recommended. The labor is the expensive part, not the bellows itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive with a torn strut bellows?
Yes, you can drive the vehicle. However, a torn bellows will lead to premature failure of the strut. It's best to replace it as soon as you can to avoid a more expensive repair down the road.
Is this a DIY job?
Replacing just the bellows requires disassembling the entire strut and spring assembly, which is dangerous without a proper spring compressor tool. For most DIY mechanics, it is much safer and easier to replace the entire strut with a "quick-strut" assembly, which includes a new spring, mount, and bellows already assembled. If you are only replacing the bellows, this job is best left to a professional mechanic.
Are there any recalls for my Escape's suspension?
No, there are no specific recalls on the NHTSA database for suspension strut bellows for the 2013-2019 Ford Escape. Searches found recalls for later model years concerning liftgate hinges, but not for suspension components in this year range.
Should I replace bellows on both sides at the same time?
Yes. Suspension components should always be replaced in pairs (left and right) to ensure even handling and performance. If one side's bellows is torn, the other is likely near the end of its life as well.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: CVJ5-3K036-AAW
Includes strut bellows (dust boot) and jounce bumper. Designed for the front suspension struts.
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.
- Ford Escape: