Technical Leaky front shock absorber?

[funkymonkey]

Hi guys,

When I got back from a short drive this morning I noticed there appeared to be a leak by the front passenger side which seems to be the shock absorber or strut.. Can you tell me what part appears to actually have the leak? I have attached a photo to this post.

 

[The Twins]

The leak would come from the damper rod seal which is at the junction where the rod goes into the shock body which is under the dust boot and further up the shock than you can see in the pic.

 

[funkymonkey]

Ok, thanks for the reply. I guess I'll have to get it checked out by a garage when I've got a chance. Just hope it's not too costly.

 

[306maxi]

Or there could be a hole through there for drainage and that's just a bit of water dribbling down.

 

[The Twins]

Or there could be a hole through there for drainage and that's just a bit of water dribbling down.

Yep, could be that too. Dies the fluid feel greasy?
Water can find its way there from just washing the screen.

 

[306maxi]

Yup. A damper wouldn't usually leak like that, it would spray a mist. Not to say it couldn't leak like that, just that it usually wouldn't.

 

[funkymonkey]

I really hope it's just water, the fluid leaking wasn't as oily as I was expecting when i investigated earlier.. Was almost like dirty water in a way. I'll check again tomorrow.

 

[The Twins]

Yup. A damper wouldn't usually leak like that, it would spray a mist. Not to say it couldn't leak like that, just that it usually wouldn't.

Spray mist would collect on the shock boot and then run down though and then drain as in the pic.

 

[306maxi]

Yeah, but if it were leaking that badly you'd notice the performance was reduced significantly.

 

[funkymonkey]

Checked car today after 2 trips and nothing seems to be leaking nor do I notice any difference in the way it drives over bumps or rough surfaces... Hopefully that means there isn't a problem and it was just a water drainage. Will keep an eye on it though.