Should you replace one strut or both?

[rofsts]

I was at my dealer this week for routine oil/filters etc. and to check for front suspension noises (groaning over "speed humps" etc.). Covered by the "extended

warranty" fortunately, they replaced a "leaking right front strut", and re aligned the front end. The car only has 31,000 miles but is six years/models old, so I suspect a

time factor may be at play here.

My question is, was it OK to replace one strut and not both ?? My service advisor says it sometimes happens this way and replace the other when the time comes. Will new

suspension parts on one side affect the car's performance enough to be concerned about ? ( I realize I would pay 1K$+ for the left strut replacement as it is not leaking).

[Scotty]

Figuring that struts wear at the same rate, its probably best to replace both at the same time, IMHO. I think that is the prudent thing to do, but not mandatory if the other strut is serviceable.

You have one damaged strut and the other strut is still serviceable and the dealer will argue that its not necessary (unless of course YOU pay for it). The problem that I have with what has been done to your car is.... since struts are typically replaced in sets, the new strut that you have just replaced will probably be replaced prematurely when the other strut goes bad.... especially if you no longer own the car.

To me it's prudent to replace both struts at the same time so that they wear at the same rate, but thats me..especially given your car is 7 model years old and especially if you have over 50,000 miles on them. However, if its not leaking and it is dampening the suspension, the dealer will never replace it. If I were YOU, I would pay for the other strut to be replaced to keep them in sync..IF you are thinking of keeping this car for any length of time.

If the strut is still serviceable, no, I don't think there will be any negative handling characteristics by just replacing one. However, the term SERVICEABLE is KEY!, if you find your NOSE diving more on the old strut side on hard braking, I would replace that strut pronto as the dive could create squirly handling characteristics (due to uneven suspension geometry and uneven dampening) on a panic stop....IMHO

The safe bet?, pay to replace the other one as soon as you can within the next six months if you plan to keep the car..

Now, TIRES? I would never replace just one....thats a great way to lose control in wet weather

[jschunke]

The new strut will wear out faster with the

old one on the other side. The old one will wear less

now that a new strut is in. So it won't be long

before they'll both be worn by the same amount.

I'd bounce both sides to see if there's any significant

difference.

[Bill K]

I dont know if struts slowly wear out or if they are good one day and bad the next. I would drive it for a month or so and see if you can tell any difference between the new & old side.

My gut feeling is that you wont notice any difference and they will last for 50,000 mi more.

Cheap Bill (Accorfing to some. I prefer Thrifty.) wouldnt buy a new strut just to have a new "pair".

[Scotty]

To me, my safety and the safety of my family is much more important than saving money. What good is a wallet full of cash if you are wrapped around a tree. I take no chances, having done a few 360's at high speed. These sites echo what I said above. I am amazed that I NAILED all of the suggestions and reasoning outlined below even the FRONT END DIVE...Plus, replace both if they gave several years of service or extended mileage, Plus, that they usually wear out about the same time.

http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/maintain/answer....absorbers1.html

Shocks and struts are generally replaced in pairs -- though this isn't absolutely necessary if only one shock or strut is leaking or has suffered damage at a low mileage.

http://www.partsplus.com/shared/Marketing/MacPStruts.pdf

NOTE: it is recommended that struts always be rebuilt or replaced in pairs

http://doityourself.com/auto/shoctips.htm

For best control and handling of your vehicle, replace shocks or struts in pairs or in sets of four

http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Arc...ovember/12.html

Why do struts have to be replaced in pairs?

There's no technical reason why you have to replace them two at a time. The problem is, the mechanic may only be able to buy them two at a time.

In most cases, people are replacing struts because they're worn out, not because of an accident. And since they tend to be installed in pairs, they usually wear out about the same time. That's why they're usually replaced in pairs. (this was Scotty's reasoning)

http://www.accctiresonline.com/shocks.htm

Shocks and struts are generally replaced in pairs -- though this isn't absolutely necessary if only one shock or strut is leaking or has suffered damage at a low mileage. (again Scotty's reasoning)

http://www.monroe.com/tech_support/tec_faq.asp

During a road test, a technician may notice an unusual noise originating from the suspension system. The technician may also notice that the vehicle exhibits excessive bounce, sway, or dive during braking.

http://www.partsource.ca/doityourself/JOM_April2005.asp

Struts should always be replaced in pairs. You should never replace only one strut or shock for safety reasons

http://www.partsamerica.com/MaintenanceShocks.aspx

NOTE: When either shocks or struts are replaced, they should be replaced in pairs for proper handling characteristics.

http://www.global4autoparts.com/DIY/tutorial.htm

They should always be replaced in pairs.

http://www.garysqualityautomotive.com/services/shocks.html

Shocks and struts are generally replaced in pairs -- though this isn't absolutely necessary if only one shock or strut is leaking or has suffered damage at a low mileage.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?F...23d8015cbd9.jsp

McPherson struts are non-serviceable, and must be replaced as a unit. Although Ford deems it unnecessary to replace both struts if only one is defective, we suggest that you consider replacing struts in pairs, particularly after several years of service or extended mileage. (Scotty's reasoning)

http://www.bigo.com/item.asp?id=179

Because shocks and struts wear out slowly over an extended period of time, it's not always easy to tell when they have become badly worn