What causes front struts to leak?
Leaking front struts are usually caused by old parts. With time, the seals on the struts can become brittle, preventing them from keeping fluid within the system. So inspect the struts for any broken seals or deterioration.
Can a strut on a car leak oil?
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. My guess would be 75%+ of the cars on the road will show some signs of leakage.
When do you know your front struts are leaking?
Be Aware of Warning Signs. Sometimes, you won’t be able to see your front struts leaking until it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the following warning signs to let you know when your front struts are leaking: Vibrating steering wheel. Increased tire tread wear.
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 ?
How often does a Toyota strut or shock fail?
The most common item we are asked to recheck is a leaking strut or shock. In general, a Toyota, Lexus or Scion strut or shock will last for over 100,000 miles, but failure due to a variety of reasons makes it a more common repair than some other items. Sometimes it isn’t the shock that fails, too.
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.
What to do if your Subaru struts are leaking?
In any case, there is no reason to go to a Subaru dealership for this repair. When you are ready, visit the independent repair shops and ask for a quote. Also, you may not need to replace all four struts. Maybe you only need to replace a single pair. Ask to see which one (s) are leaking. Need a part?Save money while supporting CarTalk.
Is it normal to have oil on top of strut?
While I don’t necessarily agree with the premise, Subaru of America (the corporate parent) states that a slight amount of oil residue around the top of the strut cartridge is normal and acceptable. (This does not mean leakage to the point where it’s running down the side of the strut.)
The most common item we are asked to recheck is a leaking strut or shock. In general, a Toyota, Lexus or Scion strut or shock will last for over 100,000 miles, but failure due to a variety of reasons makes it a more common repair than some other items. Sometimes it isn’t the shock that fails, too.