Eagle Medallion 1988-1989 Front Suspension Strut Bellows and Bumper Guide
Protect your Eagle Medallion's struts from failure by understanding this critical, often-overlooked part.
- The only symptom of a bad bellow is visible damage; inspect it with a flashlight.
- A torn bellow guarantees future strut failure; replace it as soon as it's found to save money later.
- Aftermarket is the only option; KYB is a reputable brand, but minor modifications may be needed for a perfect fit.
- Replacement requires full removal of the strut and a spring compressor, making it a job for a professional mechanic.
Is Your Strut Bellow Failing?
A strut bellow doesn't have performance symptoms on its own. The only way to check it is to look. Park your Medallion on level ground and look behind the front wheels with a flashlight. You are looking for:
- Visible Cracks or Tears: The most common failure is the rubber becoming brittle and ripping open.
- Missing Pieces: On an older car like the Medallion, the bellow may have completely disintegrated, leaving the shiny strut rod exposed to the elements.
- Loose Fit: The boot should be seated securely at the top and bottom. If it's loose, it can't do its job.
Don't Ignore a Torn Bellow
A torn bellow won't make your car drive differently today. However, it is a guarantee that your strut will fail much sooner than it should. Replacing a simple bellow is cheap, but letting it go will lead to a much more expensive strut replacement job down the road.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bellows
For a vehicle like the 1988-1989 Eagle Medallion, finding new original equipment (OEM) parts from Chrysler or Renault is nearly impossible. The aftermarket is your only realistic source. Luckily, quality parts are available.
- KYB: This is a well-known and respected brand in the suspension world. They are often the original supplier for many car manufacturers. Their bellow kits are generally considered a quality replacement. The KYB SB101 is a common part number listed for the Medallion. While reviews are generally positive, some users working on other vehicles have noted minor fitment issues requiring modification, like trimming the bump stop.
Mechanic's Advice: The strut bellow is a classic "while you're in there" part. The labor to access it is the same as replacing the entire strut. Never reuse old, brittle bellows on new struts. The cost of the new bellows is tiny compared to the cost of the job itself. Always replace them in pairs (both front) to ensure even protection.
Known Issues for the 1988-1989 Eagle Medallion
Searches for recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and common owner complaints specifically about the suspension strut bellows on the 1988-1989 Eagle Medallion show no known issues. This is not surprising for a rare vehicle that is over 35 years old. The lack of specific reports means failures should be treated as normal wear and tear due to age and exposure to the elements.
Cost to Replace Eagle Medallion Strut Bellows
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Strut Bellows (Pair) | $30 - $60 |
| Shop Labor (per pair) | $250 - $500 |
| Total Cost (Parts + Labor) | $280 - $560 |
Note: Costs are estimates. Labor rates vary by location. Replacing the bellows involves the same labor as replacing the entire strut, so consider replacing the struts at the same time if they are old.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace bellows in pairs?
Yes. Rubber and plastic parts degrade with age and exposure. If one side is cracked and failing, the other side is likely not far behind. They should always be replaced in pairs for even protection.
What is the difference between a strut bellow and a bump stop?
The bellow is the thin, flexible dust cover. The bump stop is a dense foam or rubber cylinder that slides onto the strut rod inside the bellow. It prevents damage by stopping the strut from bottoming out on large bumps. Most aftermarket bellow kits, like the KYB kit, include a new bump stop.
Can I just use duct tape to patch a small tear?
No. The suspension moves constantly, and the bellow flexes and compresses. Tape will not hold up to the movement and heat, and it will not create a proper seal against fine dust and moisture. This is not a reliable repair.
Why is the labor so expensive for a simple rubber part?
To replace the bellow, a mechanic must first remove the entire strut assembly from the vehicle. Then, they must use a special tool called a spring compressor to safely remove the coil spring. This is a time-consuming and potentially dangerous process. The bellow can only be installed after the spring is removed. The labor cost reflects the complexity of accessing the part, not the price of the part itself.
Technical Specifications
Interchange Part Number: KYB SB101
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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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