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.
When did my front strut need to be replaced?
This topic contains 5 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by EricTheCarGuy 6 years, 9 months ago. My front right strut is leaking so it needs to be replaced.
Can you stop a car with a leaking front strut?
So to answer your question, yes, you can wait, but your stopping distance may be compromised in the mean time depending on the amour of fluid that leaked out. That said, keep a good distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Oil on bushings does tend to damage them.
Who is the largest manufacturer of struts and shocks?
Monroe, one of the largest manufacturers of struts and shocks has published an information bulletin warning against premature shock/strut replacement due to normal weepage versus a leaking strut or shock.
What does it mean when your front struts are leaking?
Leaking front struts may be one of the most common suspension problems, but they also can be a cause for concern. When your vehicle’s front struts are leaking, it’s a telltale sign of suspension issues. Fortunately, dealing with this situation is fairly simple. Here’s what you need to do if your front struts are leaking.
Is it dangerous to drive with worn out struts?
Driving with worn-out struts will make your ride unstable and much more dangerous. Worn-out or damaged struts can’t keep the vehicle from bouncing in rough road conditions.
When to replace a Toyota strut or shock?
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.
When do you need to replace a scion strut?
Sometimes it isn’t the shock that fails, too. A Toyota, Lexus and/or Scion strut or shock requires replacement when it has visibly leaked to the bottom of either the lower spring seat (on a strut) or the bottom of the shock itself, whichever is closer to the top of the strut.
When to take action on a leaking strut?
Typically, during every inspection a good mechanic will look at them, but if there are no leaks, and everything seems OK with them, then no further action is taken. This is, of course, just my opinion. Think of it like this: You walk up to your car in a parking lot, and glance at your car.
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.
Can a leaking strut leave puddles on the ground?
You see the tires all have air in them, you think no more about it. If there was a flat, you’d stop and re-evaluate, how to get it fixed, put the spare on, etc. A leaking strut does not leave puddles on the ground. All you would see are some damp streaks on the unit itself when the car is raised.
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.
Typically, during every inspection a good mechanic will look at them, but if there are no leaks, and everything seems OK with them, then no further action is taken. This is, of course, just my opinion. Think of it like this: You walk up to your car in a parking lot, and glance at your car.
Why are my landing gear struts leaking at the bottom?
Chances are the leaky seal is on the bottom of the strut. This seal is sometimes difficult to change as some axles have been welded to the strut itself. This was done as an after-Republic modification and if you are lucky, the axles have not been welded to the strut.
This topic contains 5 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by EricTheCarGuy 6 years, 9 months ago. My front right strut is leaking so it needs to be replaced.
What to do if your front strut is leaking?
Oil on bushings does tend to damage them. You might clean it off with a little brake cleaner or something to help protect them. BMW parts are all expensive. If this repair sets you back as you suggest, you might consider a different vehicle that’s less expensive to maintain. Good luck and keep us posted.
How can I tell if my strut or shock is leaking?
This leaking strut or shock will have a small moist area on the exterior of the unit down from the piston seal area. Many unscrupulous shops will see this and tell you your struts or shocks must be replaced. Before deciding whether to ok the repair you must know the difference between normal weeping and a leak that requires replacement.
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.
What kind of fluid is leaking from the rear of the car?
If you get this stuff on your hands the smell doesn’t go away for days. Gear oil is dark brown, or dark amber if it’s new and clean. If your rear differential is leaking, or your standard transmission has a leak, you will find this fluid dripping. Gear oil can also leak from the wheel bearing seals or rear axle seals.
How can I tell if my shock absorbers are leaking?
If the shock is just leaking, alignment will still be possible but a good mechanic will notice the leak and advise the owner. (Also, a mechanic will be able to tell a true leak from the slight dampness that sometimes results from the normal operation of a healthy shock.)
How can I tell if my transmission fluid is leaking?
Transmission Fluid Leaks Automatic transmissions use red or pink fluid, and lots of it. Very often, the first sign of an automatic transmission leaking is that the transmission will start to slip (the car will rev without going into gear). If the leak continues, eventually the car will not move at all.
If you get this stuff on your hands the smell doesn’t go away for days. Gear oil is dark brown, or dark amber if it’s new and clean. If your rear differential is leaking, or your standard transmission has a leak, you will find this fluid dripping. Gear oil can also leak from the wheel bearing seals or rear axle seals.
What can go wrong with shocks and struts?
Unfortunately, shocks and struts can break or wear out. The three things that are most likely to go wrong with a shock are: The seals can become brittle or torn, allowing fluid to leak out; after some fluid (about ten percent of the total) is lost the shock loses its ability to absorb energy.
Transmission Fluid Leaks Automatic transmissions use red or pink fluid, and lots of it. Very often, the first sign of an automatic transmission leaking is that the transmission will start to slip (the car will rev without going into gear). If the leak continues, eventually the car will not move at all.
What can I do if my shock absorber is leaking?
In fact, in some cases alignment will be impossible if a shock absorber (or particularly a strut) is damaged. If the shock is just leaking, alignment will still be possible but a good mechanic will notice the leak and advise the owner.
Is it normal for Spring Mount shocks to leak?
On some models, the GX470 in particular, a small amount (1-2″) of condensation/mild wetness at the top of the strut body is 100% normal. If a strut appears to be starting to leak but hasn’t reach the bottom of the spring mount or shock itself, we typically recommend the guest return in a few thousands miles to recheck the suspect part.