🚀 go-pugleaf

> How can one tell if front MacPherson strut cartridges are significantly
> worn out and in need of replacement?  ...

> -Mark Bernstein (UT Austin, Speech)

My experience ranges from struts that were totally, obviously shot after 50K
miles (Mercury Capri) to struts that gave only a slightly harsher ride at 
105K mi. (Subaru).

The function of "dampers" (shocks, struts, et. al.) is to "damp out" the 
natural resonance of an automobiles suspension.  Thus they really only come 
into play when driving over an irregular surface.  They have little to do 
with cornering ability, nose dives during stops, etc.

The way I determine the relative health of struts:

	- Examine the struts for *obvious* signs of leaking, wear, damage.

	- When doing the classic "bounce test", do the struts make noises
	  (creeks and groans) or stick (esp. after the car sits undisturbed 
	  for awhile)?

	- Does the front end make noises when doing tight maneuvering at slow
	  speeds?

	- Is the handling overly harsh or unstable when driving over bumps or
	  holes at moderate (~45 mph) speeds?

If the above uncovers nothing out of ordinary, your struts are probably still
relatively healthy.  True, as with any moving part, the performance of struts
will gradually decline with age as they wear.  If you are driving a 
"performance" car and you tend to drive hard, 50K miles is a reasonable strut
replacement interval.  If you are a more sedate driver of a not-so performance
vehicle, you probably don't need to replace your struts as often.

Beware of garages/dealers/mechanics that say: "yer ______ needs replacing"
and can not give you hard evidence of the fact.  They are out to get your
business ($$).  It's easy to argue that shocks/struts begin to wear immediately 
from use and should regularly be replaced, but if your car rides and handles 
fine, you will probably see very little improvement from replacing them.

Good Luck!

-- 

   Pat Vilbrandt
   John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc.
   Everett, Washington USA
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