Honda Civic Strut Leaking Oil

I had a flat tire the other day and took it to the tire shop to get i
repaired.

While repairing the tire, the mechanic told me that the rubber seal o
my struct had broken and was leaking oil. He said that the strut wa
bad and needed to be replaced.

HOWEVER, my car only has 20K miles on it and is a 2001 Honda Civic DX
Even the mechanic said that this is a bit premature for a stru
replacement.

I'm willing to get it replaced, but I just want to make sure that I'
not getting taken for a ride.

So can anyone out there confirm or deny the mechanic's suggestion t
replace my strut? (It's the front right strut if it makes an
difference

-
kevinconro

 

It's under warranty, right?
Take it to a Honda dealer

 

Kevin,
Even if they are not covered by warranty you must replace the strut. While
you are at it, check the other three and see if they are leaking also.
Replace as required. After the front struts are replaced, the vehicle must
have an alignment. 20k does seem a bit early for strut failure but depending
on where you live and the roads over which you drive it is not that
uncommon. Here in Fairbanks, AK we consider a second winter on the struts
(assuming normal average temps) to be a gift. Just FYI, what happens is the
seal fails allowing the fluid in the strut to leak out. Result is ever
decreasing effectivness.

Dave D[/QUOTE]

 

If there is strut oil present and not sprayed on oil from a can which I have
heard rumored to be true at times, then indeed your struts need replacement
in pairs and the alignment done. I would be mad as hell if it wasn't
covered under the 3/36 warranty and the related alignment. I would be so
far up Honda's ass to fix this that if I spit it would come out their
mouths. Compliments of Bad Boyz II.

CaptainKrunch

 

In most cases I would agree with the above. However, at -40F or colder (as
it gets in interior Alaska) it only takes one good (or not so good) bump to
wipe out the seals in a strut. This is not a design/manufacturer/materials
failure. In such cases, the dealer could claim no fault and refuse to
replace it under the warranty. I believe that most would just to maintain
good customer relations.