Symptoms
- Visible oily wetness on the strut body, usually near the top
- Reduced ride quality or excessive bouncing on that corner
- Sometimes visible on both struts if they're the same age
Likely causes
- CommonWorn strut sealSeals wear out with age and mileage, letting the internal fluid seep out.
- Less commonImpact damage to the strut bodyA hard hit can damage the strut housing and cause a leak.
What to do
- Wipe the strut body clean and check again after driving to confirm it's actively leaking versus old residue.
- Do a bounce test on that corner; a leaking strut usually bounces excessively since it's lost its damping ability.
- Check the other struts too, since they're often the same age and may be close to failing as well.
- Replace the leaking strut, and consider replacing the matching one on the other side for even handling.
- Have an alignment done after strut replacement, since it can slightly affect suspension geometry.
Tools and parts
Replacement strut assemblySearch: “strut assembly for [your car model]”
When to call a pro
Struts are generally replaced by a shop, especially since coil spring compression is required and can be dangerous without the right tools.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.