Front suspension boot cover broken

[Branderrp]

Hey all, was wondering if a loose boot cover on the front suspension will cause any trouble? I see a bit of rust on where the the cover was on normally.

Also, there's a bit of clunking noise when braking with moderate pressure when in drive (light braking is fine)

Notes:
- car is jacked up
- no play in the suspension (3-9 6-12 o clock hand shake test)
- no wobbles or clunks when driving normally (only when braking)

Edit: brake clunking disappeared when removing the swelled rubber in each lower guide pin caliper

[dkwilfert]

That nice shinny clean metal shaft will become dirty, the dirt will begin to wear the seal into the strut body (shock absorber part), and the strut will begin to leak fluid and fail. Then you will need to replace the strut. Don't know if the boot can be repaired/replaced (others may know). If "yes", do it. If "no", drive the car till the strut fails and then replace the pair as a set. My $0.02

[komichal]

the boot can be replaced but it is exactly the same job as replacing the whole shock absorber. I would say you can change the absorbers as well. BOTH!

[rayfloyd170]

i have replaced these boots twice using Toyota genuine part but they fail roughly every 2 years... i dunno maybe because of the under washing which uses pressurized water with strong chemicals???

hope to have other alternative brands that are resistant and will last more than 5yrs...