Shotgun mic shock mount problem
 

I am noticing serious deterioration in the rubber rings that are part of my shotgun microphone's shock mount. Are there generic replacements for such rings, or do I need to order the annoyingly expensive replacement rings sold by the manufactuer? Does anyone here have experience using replacement rings from another source than the manufacturer?

I store the microphone inside the shock mount in my camera case. Should I remove the microphone from the shock mount for storage?

I have the Azden SGM-1X microphone. Not as good as it gets, but it usually works quite well for my needs.