Leaks & smells

Oily leak from a shock absorber or strut

A shock or strut that's visibly wet or oily along its body has lost its internal hydraulic fluid and can no longer damp bumps properly, which affects both ride comfort and handling control.

Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2–4 hours (professional)
DIY cost
$60–$150 per pair (parts only)
Pro cost
$300–$800

Symptoms

  • Oily wetness visible on the outside of a shock absorber or strut body
  • Bouncier, less controlled ride than normal, especially over bumps
  • Possible uneven tire wear if the issue has persisted a while
  • Clunking or knocking noise over bumps in more advanced cases

Likely causes

  • CommonWorn internal seal in the shock/strutOver time and mileage, the internal seal that keeps hydraulic fluid inside wears out and starts to seep, eventually leaking visibly on the outside.
  • PossiblePhysical damage to the shock/strut bodyAn impact from a pothole or road debris can dent or crack the housing, causing a leak.
  • Less commonNormal light oil film mistaken for a leak (in rare cases)A very thin, non-dripping film from factory lubrication can sometimes be mistaken for a leak, though genuine leaks are usually more visibly wet.

What to do

  1. Inspect each shock/strut visually for wetness, oily residue, or dripping along its body, comparing side to side for consistency.
  2. Press down firmly on each corner of the car and release, checking if it bounces more than once or twice, which indicates reduced damping.
  3. Check tire wear patterns for unevenness that could indicate a shock/strut has been failing for a while.
  4. Treat a genuinely wet, dripping shock/strut as needing replacement, since a leaking unit has lost its ability to control the car's motion properly.
  5. Replace shocks or struts in pairs (both front or both rear) even if only one side is visibly leaking, for even handling.

Tools and parts

Shock absorber or strut assembly for your vehicleSearch: “strut assembly”

When to call a pro

See a mechanic for shock/strut replacement, since it often involves spring compression and alignment considerations that require proper tools and safety precautions.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.