You Won’t Believe These Hidden Factors Killing Your Car’s Struts!

Introduction

If your car’s struts aren’t working, it can be a significant headache. However, there are many reasons why this could happen.

The good news is that you’ll know what you’re dealing with before starting the repair process. Here are some common reasons why struts might not work:

Lack of lubrication

If your struts are not lubricated, they can seize and stop working. This may seem minor initially, but it will quickly become quite painful as you drive over bumps or potholes.

You’ll need to check the amount of grease in the strut assembly and add more if it is low.

To check for lack of lubrication:

• Open the hood and look for an oil cap on each shock absorber assembly
• Remove the cap(s) with a wrench and check inside for any obvious signs of damage, such as leaks or rust (if this is present, replace your shocks immediately)
• Add new grease according to manufacturer specifications

Loss of hydraulic fluid due to a leak

Lacking the suspension system can occur anywhere and may be caused by a loose or damaged part. If you suspect a leak, get it checked out immediately so you don’t have to deal with even more severe problems later.

Loss of hydraulic fluid due to a leak can lead to loss of power steering, braking ability, an inability to control your car around corners (especially at high speeds), and ultimately complete loss of handling.

 

Normal wear and tear

It’s crucial to understand that the struts in your car are made to last for roughly 100,000 kilometers. If you have over 100,000 miles on your odometer, your struts may be worn out and need replacement.

This can be confirmed by checking the mileage on your car with an odometer reading or asking a mechanic if this is the case.

Overheating

Overheating can cause your struts to fail, and this is because the fluid gets too hot, breaks down, or expands too much. When this happens, it won’t work as well anymore and will wear out faster.

Broken spring plate

Your strut assembly’s maker and model will determine the spring plate, which holds the springs in place, is often constructed of plastic or steel. If you have a broken spring plate, it could be because:

The spring plate needed to be properly installed. This can happen if there is an accident or impact with another object while driving, which could cause your strut assembly to become loose and misaligned.

Your springs were overloaded by heavy loads such as cargo and passengers (including children).

Know why your car’s struts aren’t working before you start trying to fix it.

Before trying to fix your car’s struts, it’s essential to know why they aren’t working. Only once you recognize the issue can you begin to address it.

Knowing the cause of your car’s strut failure is critical for determining what steps need to be taken next.