QuestionHi, I just wanted to ask, I had my strut replaced last year however only the right front one. I read that they should be replaced in pairs because they affect handling.
The funny thing is after the replacement I started to feel unsafe driving my car and brought it to dealer several times but they say it handles fine....I just discovered that it should be replaced by pairs if not it affects handling due to unevent wear such as tires and breaks.
Now I finally know what the problem seems to be but I just wanted your opinion.
And how come they would only replace one?? my car was bought new but replaced strut at 30000KM, not miles (canadian)
Thanks in advance
AnswerHi Pete,
When struts were first introduced in the early 70's allot of repair facilities and dealerships were robbing people blind telling them if one goes bad, so is the other(s). Simply not true. A strut/shock absorber goes bad when it leaks out it's fluid or snaps in half in an accident or something.
It is recommended to replace them in pairs to insure both are 'equal' with each other. Obviously a strut with 30K on it will be slightly softer than it's new counterpart but almost to the point you'd never notice it so it isn't a requirement to replace them in pairs. If you are experiencing handling issues since only one strut was replaced then either the shop replaced it wrong, didn't reset the alignment or the other one is bad too and they somehow can't figure that out.
My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
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Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php
