when to replace front struts? - Steering and Suspension


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when to replace front struts?

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captjackny
New User

Aug 2, 2013, 12:34 PM

Post #1 of 4 (1642 views)

when to replace front struts?	Sign In

Granddaughter has my old 2006 Camry (115k miles) at college and the front end started to make some noise. Not sure exactly what since I’m not there to hear it. Anyway I had her take it to a local repair store (chain) to check it out. The checked the front suspension and then did an alignment and rebalance and well as brakes. After all this the guy tells her that she should have the front struts replaced and they “should have been replaced at 50k miles”. He warned that she could end up with a broken spring if this is not done.

My manual doesn't say anything about replacing struts at 50k miles. Is this correct or just a sales job for new struts. Is there a way to tell if the struts are bad or going bad? Any advice appreciated. Thanks

Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Aug 2, 2013, 1:03 PM

Post #2 of 4 (1629 views)

Re: when to replace front struts?	Sign In

115K they are probably worn out.

The bounce test can tell you if the strut isn't absorbing the spring oscillations.

Struts can lock up and cause a harsh ride

The strut could be leaking fluid.

It is dangerous driving around on worn out struts because if the struts don't absorb spring oscillations, the tire can bounce like a basketball going over rough roads. If your tires aren't contacting the road, you are not in control.

Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 2, 2013, 1:08 PM)

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Aug 2, 2013, 3:03 PM

Post #3 of 4 (1613 views)

Re: when to replace front struts?	Sign In

Quote

they “should have been replaced at 50k miles”. He warned that she could end up with a broken spring if this is not done.

That ridiculous................... That must have been a tire store you took it to. have seen them with 150K and still be good. If they don't show any signs of leakage or binding, I wouldn't worry about it.

If the struts were that bad, why did he go ahead and align it? You can't get a good alignment with bad struts. Ignore the guy.

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Tom Greenleaf
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Aug 4, 2013, 5:41 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1588 views)

Re: when to replace front struts?	Sign In

Agree - Garbage advice from that place. If they were no good why did they do an alignment first then say that as it would likely need another if they were done - arggh. They walk among us,

T

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