When to replace struts?

[Milan96]

2010 GS with ~153K on it. I had my rear shocks changed last fall because of a horrid clunking noise coming from the back. My car still has original struts up front and I was wondering generally when struts on our cars need replacing. Thanks

[Booter22]

If they leak. Or if you find the rebond is becoming sloppy. But if neither. Then never. I did a right rear shock on the mrs 3. And she has 20k less then my 3. So if they dont leak and seem to rebound ok. Just leave them alone

[sarujo]

If they leak. Or if you find the rebond is becoming sloppy. But if neither. Then never. I did a right rear shock on the mrs 3. And she has 20k less then my 3. So if they dont leak and seem to rebound ok. Just leave them alone

Should be done in pairs, brah. ;-) Hope you replaced the shock mount, too.

[Booter22]

Should be done in pairs, brah. ;-) Hope you replaced the shock mount, too.

oem shocks come with the mount. and meh. the other one is fine and not leaking had good rebound still. so no reason to waste the money on the replacement. plus. its a rear so it doesn't hold all that much weight. but yes I would agree front struts should be replaced in pairs if possible.

[Milan96]

Checked out struts today... Driver's side is with the brown stuff, passenger side is with the white base that's clean. Is my driver's side blown?


http://s13.postimg.org/o7lmu5c7r/IMG_3648_1.jpg

http://s21.postimg.org/kt5ads5s7/IMG_3649_1.jpg

http://s28.postimg.org/ex5kcpibh/IMG_3650_1.jpg

http://s11.postimg.org/tm9zw1wkz/IMG_3652_1.jpg

[Milan96]

Someone pls respond

[Booter22]

Someone pls respond

They look ok enough for now. Id leave then

[stock3]

Mine started leaking last year like this. Clearly visible and it dripped a bit on the ground. First was the driver's side and shortly after passenger's. The car had about 200,000 kilometers. I still drove the car the entire winter and replaced the struts early spring. A slight seep behind the dust cover that is otherwise not visible would not worry me. Keep on driving.

http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv330/krzysiekz1981/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140418_104447_zpsb9d3090c.jpg (http://s696.photobucket.com/user/krzysiekz1981/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140418_104447_zpsb9d3090c.jpg.html)

[js593]

replace them in pairs. After seeing that image, i would replace them. Its considered a safety hazard

[Milan96]

Had them replaced with KYB strut plus, along with stabilizer links. Unfortunately, the clunk noise on the left side that the car was making while turning right and going over bumps is still there... Hence why we looked at struts and suspected them st first. Suspecting either A frame bushing or ball joints but idk

[js593]

Had them replaced with KYB strut plus, along with stabilizer links. Unfortunately, the clunk noise on the left side that the car was making while turning right and going over bumps is still there... Hence why we looked at struts and suspected them st first. Suspecting either A frame bushing or ball joints but idk
take a really long pry bar and see if the bushings move while pressing down on the pushing location and against the unibody frame. Balljoints could make the noise too, but from past experience they aren't really a common issue with the 3's. If youve already replace the SBL, and the struts, the only other issue could be that arm, or possibly (but very unlikely) an axle. My vote is for the arm, make sure you replace it with a quality unit. Those cheap shitty units dont last more than a year with canadian winters and how much we use salt and sand.

[SpeedyBread]

So even if the strut looks like it's slightly leaking, I should just leave it until I absolutely need to replace it? And wouldn't it be better to just change both sides if I do have to change out one of them?

[Flagrum_3]

So even if the strut looks like it's slightly leaking, I should just leave it until I absolutely need to replace it? And wouldn't it be better to just change both sides if I do have to change out one of them?

I would suggest changing your struts in pairs and right now. Bad struts will effect alignment/tire wear. The one is leaking meaning its gone. I would also have the front end checked thoroughly; control arm bushings, ball joints, end-links and your axle-shaft for what's causing that noise.


_3

[js593]

So even if the strut looks like it's slightly leaking, I should just leave it until I absolutely need to replace it? And wouldn't it be better to just change both sides if I do have to change out one of them?


When you replace one side with struts, you'll get a different reaction driving over bumps which could cause something bad to happen. if you really can't afford to replace both of them, hit up a junk yard and see if you can find a set of struts with low KMS on it and swap out the assembly.

Also - keep in mind that when you change any of this, you WILL need an alignment.

Quick cliffs notes on struts - When the gas/liquid is starting to seep out, you have blown a seal. Once the strut looses its compression you'll be left with just a spring to take the hit. After a while the spring will cause damage to the mount (because these struts have a bearing on the top plate) The spring will become loose over time, and will eventually either break from excessive stress or it will cause other components to fail as well.

I try to be as clear as possible when it comes to suspension, if its toast, replace it!

[brucewayne]

i replaced my stock struts and mounts at 154... they were done. i wish i had done them earlier. about to do my control arms and front bar bushings at 174.

[Ps3alltheway]

wtf are you driving in potholes on purpose? I live in a pretty shitty road and im at 175 000 k with my 2010 and I have NO issues.

[brucewayne]

wtf are you driving in potholes on purpose? I live in a pretty shitty road and im at 175 000 k with my 2010 and I have NO issues.

then id say your road is pretty good. a strut can go at any time.

[CRS Automotive Oakville]

then id say your road is pretty good. a strut can go at any time.

It can be enough only one pothole to go strut.. There are no rules.

[Milan96]

wtf are you driving in potholes on purpose? I live in a pretty shitty road and im at 175 000 k with my 2010 and I have NO issues.

I think you swear at least once in every post you have