Leaking strut or shock

Leaking strut or shock — replace or leave alone?

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. 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.

Difference between weeping shock and leaking shock

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.

See this post on when to replace shocks and struts

leaking shock versus weeping shock

Don’t replace a weeping shock or strut

As long as your vehicle provides a smooth ride and the nose doesn’t dive drastically when you apply the brakes, do not replace a weeping shock or strut.

©, 2020 Rick Muscoplat