Why do struts leak oil?
Generally a strut or shock will start to leak fluid as they age. This is usually due to internal seals failing, which can be a result of our less than perfect roads. Most vehicle manufacturers agree that slight oil collecting on the strut or shock absorber is considered normal and to be expected with age.
Can struts be refilled?
Struts cannot be refilled or rebuilt. However, some struts have a replaceable cartridge. These repairable struts can be identified by a large hexagonal shaped nut at the top of the strut body. Please remember that struts are usually gas charged and that replacement should only be performed by a qualified technician.
Can you repair a bad strut?
A vehicle with worn-out struts can still work and ride you here and there, but you have to be really cautious and vigilant. You will face certain circumstances while driving with bad struts that you will think it’s best to get them repaired. Instead of driving around with them.
Why is oil leaking from my shock strut?
Every strut and shock contains oil. Over time the shock’s piston seal can wear slightly, allowing some oil to “weep” past the piston seal. This leaking strut or shock will have a small moist area on the exterior of the unit down from the piston seal area.
Do you need to replace the top of the strut?
The dust and dirt near the top of the strut (where the seal is and the rod comes out) can be damp with oil and yet the strut does not require replacement. What you don’t want is for the oil to be visibly leaking or actually dripping from the strut. That is a strut that should probably be replaced soon. Did you have a look ?
Is it OK for a car strut to leak?
It’s OK For Struts To Weep A Little. It’s Not OK For Them To Leak. The dust and dirt near the top of the strut (where the seal is and the rod comes out) can be damp with oil and yet the strut does not require replacement.
Why are the struts on my Subaru Forrester leaking?
The other day my 2003 Subaru Forrester was getting its oil changed and when it was done the mechanic informed me that my struts were leaking and needed to be replaced. A $2000 job, but he didn’t seem to think it was urgent or anything.
Who makes the best struts?
KYB makes the best shocks and struts list because of their ability to adjust the dampening without the need for a full coil over kit. Thus, you can soften them up for driving on the road but crank them up when you need some superior performance handling for a weekend of autocross racing.
Is it safe to drive car with leaking struts?
What to Do If a Strut Is Leaking. If a strut is leaking fluid, this severely impacts its ability to absorb the wheels impact from the road. This means that the wheels are less likely to stay in contact with the road than if the struts were working properly. As the wheels have less resistance, this makes them more prone to an uncontrollable bounce, which can eventually make driving dangerous and increase the likelihood of an accident, especially during adverse weather.
Should I replace my shocks and struts?
Experts say that shocks and struts should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, that’s just a general recommendation. The life span of shocks and struts will depend on your driving patterns.
Is a leaking strut dangerous?
Sometimes struts will show signs of leaking a very small amount, but will be OK for many more thousands of miles without replacement. Struts have a seal where the strut rod runs though and can leak minimal amounts of oil around the seal without being dangerous.